Designing for Safety: Applying Human Factors in Anesthesia Care

Description:

Designing for Safety: Applying Human Factors in Anesthesia Care explores how human factors principles can help anesthesia professionals reduce risk and improve patient safety. Featuring Suzanne Wright, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA, Chair of the AANA Patient Safety Advisory Panel, and human factors expert Najmedin Meshkati, PhD, the discussion examines cognitive load, communication, teamwork, system design, and safety culture in anesthesia care. Moderated by Marie Ward, PhD, C.ErgHF, FCIEHF, MIHFES, Chair of the Irish Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, the webinar highlights practical strategies for designing safer systems and supporting clinical decision-making.

Learning Outcome(s):

Understand core human factors principles in clinical care: Develop a foundational understanding of key human factors concepts—such as system design, usability, and error prevention—and how they apply to high-risk environments like the operating room and anesthesia care.
Identify sources of preventable error in anesthesia workflows: Recognize common points of failure related to workflow design, communication breakdowns, equipment usability, and environmental complexity that contribute to preventable harm in perioperative settings.
Recognize the impact of cognitive and environmental factors on decision-making: Understand how cognitive load, fatigue, time pressure, and OR environmental conditions influence clinician performance, situational awareness, and the likelihood of error.
Apply practical human factors strategies to reduce risk.
Evaluate opportunities to redesign systems and workflows: Assess current practices and identify opportunities to redesign workflows, tools, and care processes to better support clinicians and reduce risk in real-world settings.

This program has been prior approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology for 1.00 MAC Ed CE credits; Code Number 1047328; Expiration Date 10/14/2029.

Content Expert(s):

Marie Ward, PhD
Najmedin Meshkati, MS. PhD
Suzanne Wright, PhD, CRNA, FAANA

None of the content experts for this activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies.

Course Information:

Accreditation Information:
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

AANA is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP #10862.

Disclosure Statement:
Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Post-Test Attempt Notice:
A minimum passing score of 80% is required to pass this course. You have TWO opportunities to achieve a passing score. If you fail to achieve a passing score of 80%, you will not receive CE credit for this course.

Content Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed within the videos and audio are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.

Course content has been prepared by the presenter/developer, and each viewer agrees that the presenter/developer is solely responsible for the content and the accuracy thereof. The viewer agrees that the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

Refund Policy:
Continuing education activities are nonrefundable.

Summary

Availability:

On-Demand

Release on Oct 15, 2026 12:00 AM Central Daylight Time
Expires on Oct 14, 2029

Cost:

FREE

Credit Offered:

1 MAC Ed Credit

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