Specially tailored curriculum is the first such programme for healthcare workers; aims to improve safety, reduce errors and enhance efficiency of healthcare delivery
SINGAPORE, 14 November 2024 – Woodlands Health (WH), a member of the National Healthcare Group (NHG), and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) today sign a collaborative agreement to develop a joint certification programme in Human Factors in Healthcare, as part of SUSS’ Bachelor of Science (BSc) Human Factors in Safety programme.
A first-of-its-kind partnership between a public healthcare institution (PHI) and an institute of higher learning (IHL), the joint certification will involve SUSS collaborating closely with WH to tailor a specialised programme in Human Factors for healthcare professionals. Currently, SUSS is the only IHL in Singapore to offer a Human Factors undergraduate degree programme.
The agreement comes on the back of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by NHG and SUSS in October 2023 to support capacity building through professional development and develop talent across various areas of integrated care.
Professor Joe Sim, Group Chief Executive Officer, National Healthcare Group (NHG) said, “Human Factors training is essential in healthcare. We embrace such training as a cornerstone of patient-centred care, and this collaboration with SUSS affirms our commitment to providing quality and safe care. By prioritising human factors, we can design systems and services that address the needs of individuals. Understanding their behaviours, strengths, and limitations enables our healthcare professionals to enhance safety, improve patient experiences, and add years of healthy life.”
Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS said, "At SUSS, we are committed to equipping professionals with the know-how and skills to create meaningful impact in their fields, underpinned by key collaborations with industry partners such as Woodlands Health. This partnership with WH allows us to deepen our existing offering to aspiring healthcare professionals. It exemplifies our shared vision to empower healthcare professionals through Human Factors training, enhancing patient safety and advancing healthcare innovation for the greater good."
The SUSS BSc Human Factors in Safety programme is designed to explore how humans interact with their environment, systems, and technology. It emphasises the study of human characteristics such as cognitive abilities, sensory perception, and physical characteristics, applying this understanding to enhance the design of systems, tools, and environments to optimise safety, performance, and user satisfaction.
The specialised WH-SUSS curriculum will incorporate elements critical to healthcare, including time-stressed decision-making, safety coaching at all levels and fatigue management.
Said Dr Lim Tiek Whai, Clinical Director, Value & Safety Office, WH, “We know that human factors play an important role in healthcare but it is usually an afterthought. With this certification, we aim to strengthen our staff’s understanding of the science behind it, and to apply it when making decisions in all areas of our work. This includes designing new processes or user interfaces, investigating errors, fostering teamwork and even planning shift rosters. Our goal is to create an environment which is safer and more enjoyable for both WH staff, patients, and partners.”
The WH-SUSS certification programme comprises six modules, five of which will be co-facilitated by WH staff. It is expected to be rolled out in time for the next SUSS intake in July 2025. Participants who complete the certification programme will have the option to further complete the remaining modules to attain the BSc Human Factors in Safety degree with SUSS.
