Human factors and medical devices: safe operation and reducing errors

Abstract

The use of medical devices is prolific in veterinary practices and is essential to clinical practice, whether that be to administer anaesthetic gases, drug infusions or a host of other treatment or therapy interventions. Human factors play a significant role in the safe operation of medical devices, and errors in their use can result in injury to the animal or to veterinary staff. This article explores human factors relating specifically to medical devices drawing on established theories.