Operational process improvement in medical TQM: a case study of human error in using devices

Preventing human error in healthcare is a difficult challenge, with multiple approaches to developing prevention methods and tools. The purpose of this article was to construct a method for preventing human error in medical device use from the perspective of Total Quality Management (TQM). Drawing on cases of errors made when using medical devices, error mechanisms were identified. Considering aspects of humans, medical devices, and interactions between these, we investigated error behaviours, as well as their inducing factors and situations. The methods of eliminating those factors causing medical error behaviours were proposed based on the behavioural mechanism of the error. The findings indicate that TQM is an effective way to reduce medical errors.