Human Factors in Healthcare: Theoretical Underpinnings for Simulation in Interprofessional Education

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) presents potential for inciting change in the medical community; however, the mechanisms through which educational opportunities are presented can drastically impact IPE potential for effectiveness. This chapter provides guidance leveraging the human factors literature base, a discipline concerned with understanding and improving human performance in complex systems and a longstanding history of application to improving patient safety in the health care setting. Recommendations stem from theory and are couched within the education program lifecycle to inform IPE across the continuum of program development and evaluation. Avenues for future research and practice are discussed.