Error analysis leading technology development

The aim of the research was to provide a valid theoretical frame consisting of both task and error analyses methods to analyse elder patients' clinical pathway within a healthcare system. The research study consisted of (a) utilizing a task analysis method to identify the process workflow affiliated with elder patients transitioning through different continuums of care to receive medical treatment; (b) utilizing an error analysis method to identify opportunities for improvement in the workflow that enhances both patient safety and healthcare worker efficiency and; (c) developing an ideal process workflow that incorporates the recommendations for improvement. The study findings contribute towards a larger research effort being proposed consisting of the development and implementation of a shared web-based patient community information system enabling hospitals and nursing homes to share patient information resulting in increased knowledge of a patient's medical history, decreased errors and enhanced patient safety.