Human Factors project: Surgical Care Team

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is launching a new project to develop a Human Factors course. The project is being led by our Human Factors clinical lead John Hardie and the learning team at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. 

The course has an important goal of improving patient safety by helping surgical teams to understand and apply human factors principles. We aim to create a course that surgeons will be able to deliver throughout the UK.

As a member of the working group, you will have a chance to contribute to the shape and design of the course and its content. 

What’s involved?

This is a voluntary role, but full expenses will be paid. You would be invited to attend working group meetings which will usually be held virtually but may include some in-person meetings, particularly during the early planning phase.  

Please note this is a long-term commitment, we expect this project to run for approximately a year.

You may be asked to help with the creation of content. This could involve appearing in course videos or working alongside educators, editors and designers to help draft learning material or e-learning storyboards as a writer. 

You will appear in credits for the content you produce and will be listed as a member of the working group.

Who can apply?

We welcome interest from all members of the surgical care team. You will have a strong interest in and be an advocate for human factors in surgery.

Application

We welcome volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We are keen to build a working group which represents the diversity of people who work in surgery and medicine.

As part of the application process applicants for working group roles will need to confirm to the Learning Committee, on behalf of RCS England, that they are in good standing with their Trust and professional body and have declared any relevant information and conflicts of interest. Applicants will need to give assurance that at no stage will their contribution to the learning materials be of professional concern to the development of RCS England. 

Applicants will need to agree to any necessary background checks being undertaken.

Informal advice may be sought from the Learning Innovation Manager. 

To apply to be part of the working group, please: a cover statement explaining why you would like to be part of the project and the experience you can bring to: Annie O'Malley (Project Manager) aomalley@rcseng.ac.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications will be midnight on Friday 22nd September 2023.

Both Annie O'Malley and John Hardie are available for informal discussions prior to applying if preferred.