Human Factors and Patient Safety

Question 1

what are non-technical skills

Answer 1

non-technical skills refer to the general cognitive and social skills that allow (healthcare professionals) to monitor the situation, make decisions, take a leadership role and communicate and co-ordinate their actions within a team in order to achieve high levels of safety and efficiency

Question 2

what does the GDC say about speaking up

Answer 2

you have a responsibility to raise any concern you have that patients might be at risk because of your health, behaviour or professional performance; the health, behaviour or professional performance of an employer or colleague within the team; any aspect of the clinical environment; or any action you have been asked to carry out that you believe conflicts with your main duty to put patients’ interests first and act to protect tehm

Question 3

what does the GDC say about management and leadership

Answer 3

• directing and co-ordinating the team
  > encourage the team to work together
  > assess performance and assign tasks
• planning and organising
  > procedures and tasks
  > technologies
• monitoring
  > keeping on top of it all
  > keeping communication open