What is Iatrogenics, and Why Don't Ergonomists Know?

Abstract

Sometimes EID readers provide valuable tips that lead to articles like the one you're about to read. In this case, the credit goes to Richard Hornick, who sent me a copy of a brief article from the AARP Bulletin discussing the problem of iatrogenic complications. This, in turn, led me to contact Dr. Lowell Levin, professor of public health at the Yale University School of Medicine, for an interview. If ever there was a situation sorely in need of human factors expertise, iatrogenic complications is it. The insightful, surprising, and sometimes frightening observations of Dr. Levin should be of interest to all of us, not just as human factors or ergonomics professionals but as the end users of medical systems. Not reading this piece may be hazardous to your health!