A Human Factors/ Ergonomics - Essay Example

Human Factors/Ergonomics Administration of healthcare procedures can prove to be fatal at times. The situation becomes worse when the transition from good to fatal is not noted. The underlying problem in the ordeal that Ray Cox and other patients suffer is the fact that the design and manufacture process of the Therac-25 machine did not evaluate nor analyze the potential mishaps in its functionality and the threats it would consequently pose to both technicians and patients. The malfunctions of the machine complicated the health status of the patients instead of helping in its improvement.

In other words, the problem is realized from human behavior and their activities in the workplace.A number of concerns emerge in relation to the design of the Therac-25 machine. The possibility of entry errors was not fully accounted during the design and manufacture of the machine (Pfatteicher 39). The consequences of operational errors made by technicians had not been fully factored in the machine’s design. This means that the outcome of editing entry errors made was uncertain and there were no procedures to be followed at such a time.

As a result, normal treatment practices by Mary Beth and others in their workplace turns fatal to Ray Cox among other patients.The design of the machine is in dire need for reevaluation and reassessment. It should not be assumed that the technicians are not bound to make any mistakes when using the machine (Pfatteicher 65). All the controls of the machine, including editing provisions, should be examined and critically corrected. Malfunction notifications should be set in a way that they shut down the machine before administering tragic treatment doses to patients.

Finally, the overall safety of both technicians and patients while using the machine should be beefed up during the redesigning process.Works CitedPfatteicher, Sarah. Lessons amid the Rubble: An Introduction to Post-Disaster Engineering and Ethics. Maryland: JHU Press, 2010.