We transform healthcare with systems thinking
The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) is the world’s most widely used framework for understanding why serious harm happens and how to prevent it. It’s time to bring this expertise to healthcare.
About HFACS
HFACS (Human Factors Analysis and Classification System) is the world’s most widely used framework for understanding why errors and adverse events happen. Originally developed for aviation safety by Dr. Doug Wiegmann and Dr. Scott Shappell, HFACS has been adapted across industries including healthcare, mining, manufacturing, and rail.
HFACS provides a clear, structured way to identify system-level causes of adverse events—moving beyond individual blame to uncover the real drivers of safety failures.
Why does it work?
Proven: Used globally across multiple industries backed by decades of research
Structured: Provides a consistent, reliable framework for common cause analysis
System-Focused: Goes beyond “who made the mistake” to “why it happened”
Neutral Language: Adaptient’s HFACS language is blame-free and neutral
Actionable: Leads to targeted interventions in all layers of an organization
Adaptient and HFACS
A strategic partnership
HFACS provides a clear, structured way to identify systemic causes of harm from the frontline to the Board. Adaptient brings deep healthcare experience and large-scale improvement expertise to HFACS’ trusted methodology.
Together, we offer training designed for healthcare teams who want to:
Build a common language for the causal factors contributing to or preventing harm
Perform common cause analysis across multiple safety events
Improve investigator skills to deliver higher-quality RCAs
Uncover system weaknesses before they lead to harm
Integrate safety learning into lasting operational change
Build deeper insight, stronger investigations, and safer systems.
HFACS Healthcare Workshops
Sharpen your systems insight, strengthen investigations, build reliability
Join us in 2026 for an HFACS Healthcare Basic workshop, a two-day, interactive virtual training that equips participants to apply the HFACS framework in real-world healthcare settings. You will learn how to:
Classify human factors in adverse events
Identify systemic causes behind front line errors
Strengthen RCA and investigation processes
Apply HFACS to both reactive investigations and proactive risk assessment
Who should attend?
Safety and quality leaders, patient safety officers, risk managers, clinicians involved in safety reviews, operators and anyone leading RCA teams.
If you are interested in a custom-designed program, let us know!
