Application of the Ergonomic Checkpoints in Health Care Work: A Case from an Inpatient Service Unit of an Educational Hospital in Colombia

Abstract

The application of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) in healthcare has been recognized as an essential element to improve patient safety. In this paper, we present the use of the Ergonomic Checkpoints in Health Care Work developed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA). The checkpoints were used as a guideline to encourage practical and participatory applications of ergonomic principles in a healthcare context. Sixteen nurses from an educational hospital in Colombia participated in the study. A total of 22 points of improvement were identified out of 60 checkpoints proposed in the IEA document. The main points of improvements were associated with material storage and handling (4 points), safe patient handling (3 points), workstations (3 points), infection control (3 points), and work organization (3 points). This study supports the usefulness of applying broad-ranging ergonomic principles in conjunction with a participatory approach to improve healthcare work systems. The intervention presented in this paper represents a novelty in the Colombian healthcare ecosystem. It opens the door to future developments and supports establishing a broader national strategy for patient safety that includes HFE as a fundamental pillar.