Closing the Loop: Human Factors When We Remove the Human. Issue 1 (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karn, Keith; Rieger, Kathryn; Bergman, Eric; Hallbert, Bruce; Gellatly, Andrew W.; Harris, Steve
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the International Symposium of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare. Volume 3:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 269
• Page End: 272
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Human engineering -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 620.8
• DOI: 10.1177/2327857914031043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2327-8579

Abstract

There has been considerable study and discussion regarding the appropriate role of the human operator in automated systems. Closed-loop systems are commonplace in manufacturing, power plant control, and aircraft control, and there is a growing body of research and public discussion related to automobile control. Closed-loop systems are less common in healthcare with some notable exceptions. The Artificial Pancreas Project is an example of a medical technology where system designers are facing difficult decisions related to removing the human from the control loop. This panel presented an opportunity for open, professional discussion on such closed-loop systems in healthcare that included subject matter experts not only from healthcare human factors, but also from the nuclear, automotive, and aviation human factors domains.