ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the identification of conditions that contribute to the occurrence of human error, human error is considered within the context in which it is observed. It describes the cost of error in medicine. The book demonstrates the value of that approach in considering the factors that impinge on medical care. It presents an abbreviated task analysis and demonstrates its utility in addressing nonhardware medical misadministration problems within their environmental contexts. The book discusses that the technology has the potential to assist in the provision of medical care. It provides pieces to the picture of human error in medicine. The book addresses issues that are relevant to a number of academic departments. It is a tool to be used by practitioners and government agencies in addressing the incidence of human error in medicine.
