relies on acquiring knowledge and storing it in people, processes and technology; and using dose budgets to help optimize radiation use during fl uoroscopic procedures
How do human factors and ergonomics principles currently apply, or fail to apply, in everyday interventional radiology practice? Dr. Duncan: Human factors and ergonomic principles apply in regard to the need to utilize communication theory to gain insight into communication’s common failure modes, as well as strategies for error detection and correction. In addition, you need to understand the factors that limit human performance, particularly bandwidth considerations with attention, working memory and information processing.
What are some practical changes or tools that could help IR teams incorporate HFE principles to reduce error and fatigue? Dr. Duncan: Recognize that every voluntary action has planning and
Planning is more important than execution. Good plans anticipate problems with execution and include strategies for detecting errors, correcting them and when necessary, switching to contingency plans.
execution phases. In the words of Dan Picus, “Always be thinking about what you might do if your current plan fails; what is Plan B?” You should understand how feedback, shared mental models and context are the basis of error-free communication.
How can increased awareness or training in human factors improve collaboration and communication within the IR suite?
Dr. Duncan: Increased awareness can allow you to craft messages so that they reduce uncertainty in the message’s recipient. Use feedback to close the loop. Also, promote shared situation awareness using a combination of shared data displays, shared mental models and closed-loop communication. Defi ne quality as “conformance to expectation” and explicitly describe expectations and anticipate failure since “entropy is undefeated.” Share failure modes, their causes, detection methods and recovery strategies with colleagues, trainees and the entire team.
Any next steps or plans for followup research? Dr. Duncan: We are planning an in-depth analysis of decision-making during image-guided procedures. As the number and diversity of both procedures and tools continue to increase, there is more and more to learn. We believe fundamental principles from HFE can be used to accelerate learning.
IR Business Center from the Society of Interventional Radiology, an online marketplace for interventional radiology practices of all types to obtain key resources, services, and products.
Whether you’re a solo or in a group, office-based lab, or ambulatory surgical center setting, SIR’s IR Business Center is here to support you with the tools and resources needed to ensure success.
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Visit the IR Business Center at
irbc.sirweb.org to learn more and help your practice thrive. 18 IRQ | WINTER 2026
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