Systems Human Factors and Ergonomics Methods: Applications, Outcomes, and Future Directions

Abstract

Systems human factors and ergonomics (HFE) methods are increasingly being applied to diverse problems across various domains. This scoping review identified peer-reviewed applications of systems HFE methods to determine which methods have been applied, in what domains, and for what purposes. Four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Sage) were searched for articles that applied systems HFE methods. After applying a set of inclusion criteria, 367 peer-reviewed articles were included in the review. The review revealed a growth in applications of systems HFE methods over time. Overall, cognitive work analysis (CWA) was the most frequently applied, closely followed by functional resonance analysis method (FRAM) and systems theoretic accident model and process–system-theoretic process analysis (STAMP-STPA). Most applications of systems HFE methods have occurred in the Healthcare domain, and approximately one-third of the articles involved the application of multiple HFE methods, with an increasing number of these including mathematical modeling such as Systems Dynamics and Agent Based Modeling. The review suggests there is a continued demand for both qualitative and quantitative outputs in systems HFE applications. As problem spaces and system complexity continue to intensify, evaluation, and potential adaption of methods may be required, including using more than one method. The challenge of matching methods to problems continues. To select appropriate methods, consideration should be balanced between factors such as the type of system being examined, the effort required to apply the method(s), the level of complexity of the system, and the necessary output.