This module will provide an introduction to the discipline of human factors with a particular focus on human attention and mental workload. Analysis of human error as well as usability evaluation methods to evaluate the design of the Electronic Health Record and medical devices to prevent user errors and enhance patient safety, are also addressed. 

Learning Hours: 6 hours

1. Describe how the concepts of mental workload, selective attention and information overload affect usability
2. Describe the different dimensions of the concept of human error
3. Discuss how human factors analysis can be applied to the study of the Electronic Health Record and medical devices for usability and error prevention.
4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages (unintended consequences) of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) in terms of cognitive support.