Development of a Healthcare Human Factors Course for the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Issue
The British Columbia Institute of Technology wished to augment the curriculum for the Biomedical Engineering Technology program with content from the discipline of human factors engineering specifically focused on healthcare issues. An original, 13-week, online (distance learning) course was developed focusing on principles, standards, methods, and applications related to the roles of biomedical engineers and technologists.

Methods
A multi-disciplinary team of engineers and psychologists worked together to identify appropriate content and, where necessary, develop original materials to support the goals of the course.

Results
An online course was developed that covers the principles and applications of human factors engineering with a focus in health. Real-life examples, case studies, assignments and projects, were developed to lead the participants through analyzing and evaluating the needs of medical technology users to assist in the design, evaluation, procurement, and management of medical technology in the healthcare environment. The course will continuously challenge the participants’ ability in critically reviewing information and solving problems. The course covers the following modules:

> Introduction to Human Factors
> Cognitive Engineering
> Design and Evaluation Methods
> Physical Ergonomics
> Human Error
> Risk Management in Human Factors
> Final Project (case study)