17 Jul 2018
Design School academic discusses research at international ergonomics event
An academic from Loughborough Design School will be showcasing her research at an ergonomics conference later this summer.
Sue Hignett, Professor in Healthcare Ergonomics & Patient Safety, is one of over 30 members on the scientific committee for the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) 20th Congress.
Over 1,500 people from 80 countries who are experts in the field are expected to attend the conference.
The congress - which takes place from 26-30 August in Florence - is an event designed to share and brainstorm ideas amongst other Human Factors professionals from around the world to improve the quality of life and work.
Professor Hignett will be taking a Human Factors research team to the event, consisting of eight Loughborough researchers, to discuss research including The Dementia House and Human Factors in clinical education.
As part of the congress, there will be a two day meeting on Patient Safety for new medical generation. Professor Hignett hopes to use this meeting to promote a publication in collaboration with NHS Education for Scotland, 12 tips for embedding human factors and ergonomics principles in healthcare education, which provides recommendations she believes would be beneficial to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Of the event, Professor Hignett said: “I am delighted to take part in this prestigious conference where Sir Liam Donaldson will be discussing the UK approach to patient safety.
“The timing is excellent as the first investigation report has just been issued by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch. It highlights the need to use Human Factors science by taking a systems approach to planning and delivering healthcare services. I am looking forward to sharing our 12 tips for including Human Factors in medical education.”
For more information about the Congress, visit the IEA website.