Human factors and translational simulation: misunderstandings and potential opportunities JOHS 2025 by Paul O’Connor, Dara Byrne, Angela O’Dea

This article is a call to “join the conversation with human factors practitioners to realise the significant, yet largely untapped, synergies between human factors and translational simulation” This episode is one of those conversations!

The authors call for closer collaboration between human factors experts and simulation teams to directly improve patient care and health systems. Vic speaks with Dara Byrne, Paul O'Connor and Angela O'Dea to explain definitions, common misunderstandings, and practical examples — from device design and procedural kits to preparing new hospitals.

The key points: Translational simulation acts as a safe "lab" for systems testing, the importance of systems thinking and data, and practical steps to build sustainable multidisciplinary partnerships that produce measurable, realworld improvements.

Paul O’Connor is a human factors psychologist and Personal Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Galway, Ireland. He is the Research Director of the Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, and Diploma and Masters in Healthcare Simulation and Patient Safety.

Dara Byrne is the Health Service Executive National Clinical Lead for Simulation in the Republic of Ireland and the Professor of Simulation at the University of Galway. She established the Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation (ICAPSS) in 2017 – accreditation and awards

Angela O’Dea is human factors psychologist with a background in organisational psychology. She is a senior Lecturer in Human factors Patient Safety and Simulation at University of Galway and leads the PG Diploma in Healthcare Simulation and Patient Safety.