Medicoergonomics – Industrial Ergonomics Adapted to Clinical Requirements

Integrated therapy safety management system

“…The 'six-layer model' supports a detailed description of specific work tasks, the corresponding responsibilities and related workflows at different layers by using the concept of 'bridge managers' . This representation supports an integrated perspective on the mutual relationships and enhances the observation of various activities improving patient safety [41,42].The conceptual model of an 'integrated therapy safety management system' demonstrates that in complex clinical work systems, the human factor is the key element and final authority to cope with the residual complexity. 'Bridge managers' anticipate potential errors and monitor the controlled system continuously.…”

“…Theses principles are implemented in the medico‐ergonomic six layer model , which is a conceptual framework for analyzing, structuring and describing patient treatment processes. In medicine the tasks and processes are characterized by high complexity and therefore hierarchical structuring of tasks and processes is required.…”

“…The six layer model vertically divides a patient treatment task into a process of sub‐tasks through six layers, starting from diagnosis‐related groups (e.g. diabetes) down to single activities (e.g.…”

“…The request for resources is defined by the medical tasks/sub‐tasks on the left side, the provision of resources is described on the right side of the model. On each layer, the quality, efficiency and safety can be assessed .…”

“…Thus, the role of one ‘bridge manager’ may be performed by one person (e.g. physician or nurse) or a team; a person or team can perform several roles . The six layers correspond to the established organizational structures in the health care sector and are described in Table .…”