Investigating the Human Reliability in the Healthcare Sector  Using the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process and the Success  Likelihood Index Method

Hossein Mahmoudi  Sefidkouhi; Esmaeil  Najafi; Alireza  Haji; Abdollah  Arasteh

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15151

Hossein Mahmoudi Sefidkouhi Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Esmaeil Najafi Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Alireza Haji Department of Industrial Engineering, Sharif University, Tehran, Iran
Abdollah Arasteh Department of Materials and Industrial Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15151

Keywords: Human reliability; Fuzzy analysis network process; Healthcare; Hospital emergency

Abstract

Background: We aimed to identify the factors contributing to human error in hospital emergency departments using scientific methods.

Methods: We used the Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (FANP) and Success Likelihood Index Method (SLIM) to investigate human reliability in 54 hospital emergency departments in 15 provinces of Iran from 2021 to 2022.

Results: The study classified 17 general factors affecting human errors in hospital emergency departments. Organizational (0.349), occupational (0.330), and personal factors (0.320) had the most significant impact on human error. Based on a matrix of paired comparisons for nine emergency tasks using the probability of success index method, "checking test results and diagnosis" had the highest probability of error when referring patients to intensive care or discharge. Although the study prioritized patients, there was still a cumulative probability of human error before disease diagnosis at 0.01332, highlighting the need for further training to minimize these risks.

Conclusion: The FANP and SLIM were effective in identifying the factors contributing to human error in hospital emergency departments. Doctors and nurses working in these departments require more knowledge, experience, and responsibility to avoid errors. By identifying factors influencing the occurrence of human error and finding solutions to reduce risks, hospitals can improve the quality of their care and prevent errors.