The FDA reached out to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) to assemble a team of experts to provide a training course for the Division of Medication Error Prevention and Analysis (DMEPA) from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).
Design human factors training course for FDA
Challenge
We were tasked with offering a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the scientific roots of human factors (HF) research and user-centered design. A series of modules included the science behind HF, such as human perception, cognition, memory, and learning, as well as best practices in root cause analysis and dealing with the biases associated with subjective data.
Approach
Three experts were chosen by HFES to design and deliver a two-day training, including Korey Johnson (Bold Insight), Dr. Anthony Andre, and Michael Wiklund. The team presented a series of modules that included the science behind HF, such as human perception, cognition, memory, and learning, as well as best practices in root cause analysis and dealing with the biases associated with subjective data.
Outcome
The team provided the FDA with the scientific underpinnings of HF – on one hand to amplify instances where requests for additional research are warranted, and on the other hand to provide the scientific context for when that additional research may not be warranted.