SafetyNet / SafetyNet Working Groups / NIHR SafetyNet Human Factors Working Group

 

 

NIHR SafetyNet Human Factors Working Group

Human factors and ergonomics (HFE) is an important cross-cutting theme in patient safety and the work of the NIHR Patient Safety Research Collaborations (PSRCs).

HFE is a transdisciplinary approach to human work and performance that draws on methods and theories from anatomy, psychology and engineering to measure and quantify problems, design interventions and then evaluate them. You may not realise it, but if you’re doing patient safety research, it is likely that you are working using HFE approaches.

HFE is now central to the way the NHS investigates and manages patient safety problems, so it is only right that the NIHR PSRCs ensure that they maintain alignment with and support the development of these approaches in practice.

The SafetyNet Human Factors Working Group is here to build capacity and capability in the PSRCs to explicitly use HFE theories and methods in the research that we deliver. We are also here to support the building of collaborations across the NHS and wider industries where HFE is also important (e.g. rail safety, nuclear energy and aviation).

Aims and objectives:

  • Provide expertise and advice on application of HFE theories and methods to new and existing projects.
  • Build HFE Capacity in the NIHR PSRCs through signposting training opportunities
  • Raise the profile of the NIHR PSRCs in this important emerging research area

We will do this by providing a visible point of contact as a working group in SafetyNet, with an online and offline presence. This will be achieved by:

  • Creation of an online “knowledge base” and network of researchers in the PSRC with experience in HFE theories and methods.
  • Provision of quarterly seminars to provide inspiration and discussion, and to facilitate the discussion of emerging research or potential new projects with an HFE application or element. These seminars will consist of:
    • Invited speakers to inspire delegates.
    • Opportunities to showcase the work of the NIHR PSRCs in this domain.
    • Providing feedback and constructive criticism on research proposals in this field.
  • An annual one-day conference to foster in-person relationships and build wider networks. This conference will include:
    • Posters and plenary sessions showcasing HFE work within the NIHR PSRCs.
    • Invited speakers from beyond the NIHR PSRCs and healthcare.

 

Who is invited to join this group?

Anyone can join our working group and online seminars.

We are particularly interested in welcoming clinicians, PSRC and NIHR researchers, ARC researchers, and HFE practitioners from other industries.

If you are interested in joining our group, please reach out to Dr Adam Sutherland at a.b.sutherland@bradford.ac.uk.

 

Leading members

Recordings

Mobilising Human Factors Knowledge for Impact | January 2026

Speaker: Dr Fran Ives, President-elect Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, Knowledge Mobilisation Fellow, Keele University.

SafetyNet webinar: Human Factors by Stealth – Applying HFE methods and approaches in clinical practice| October 2025

Speaker: Dr Laura Pickup, Director of Patient Safety and Human Factors, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

SafetyNet webinar: The Use of Accimaps in Clinical Practice | May 2025

Speaker: Chris Elston, Patient Safety Specialist and HFE trainer, University Hospitals Southampton.

About SafetyNet

We are SafetyNet, a network of the six NIHR Patient Safety Research Collaborations (NIHR PSRCs).

Find out more

Our working groups

Click here

Subscribe to the SafetyNet newsletter

Click here