The Application of Human Factors Approaches to Improve Safety, Efficiency and Well-being in Urology: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the application of HF approaches within urology to improve clinical work-system function via a systematic scoping review. Human Factors (HF) plays an integral role to improving safety, efficiency, and well-being by optimizing work-system interactions. Despite its established application across various high-risk industries, the systematic exploration of HF methods applied within urology remains limited.

Methods: A scoping review of HF interventions implemented within urologic care from 1980 to 2023 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Web of Science, PubMed, and OVID Medline databases were searched. Database searching resulted in 10,850 articles, after systematic review, 22 studies were included.

Results: The included studies predominantly originated from the United States and covered diverse areas of urology, including surgical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care. Interventions varied widely from ergonomic equipment implementations to modifications in clinical processes and team dynamics. Most studies utilized predetermined interventions based on prior literature or experiential anecdotes (15, 65.22%), while a smaller subset employed data-driven strategies to tailor interventions (8, 34.7%). The HF methods employed included questionnaires, retrospective reviews, observations, and physical measurements, targeting improvements in patient experiences, operational efficiencies, and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion: This review underscores the emergent role of HF in urology, highlighting a broad spectrum of interventions and methodological approaches that contribute to system optimization. Future endeavors should focus on collaborative efforts to develop standardized HF applications in urology, promoting a safer, more efficient, and clinician-friendly environment.