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Mistake-Proofing the Design of Health Care Processes

Figures 3.6A-F. Examples of making errors more obvious

Photograph of gauge. Clear markings on the gauge make mistakes more obvious.

A. Gauge

 Close-up photograph of automobile door lock. Color coding (in this illustration, shading) indicates when the door lock is open.

B. Color coding
Photograph of toothbrush. Color coding on the middle bristles of the brush indicates that the toothbrush is new.

C. Toothbrush, New

 Photograph of toothbrush. Faded color coding on the middle bristles indicates that the toothbrush should be replaced.

D. Toothbrush, Replace
Close-up photograph of safety harness buckle. Color coding on the buckle indicates that the safety harness is not buckled correctly; the colored section is covered by the strap.

E. Buckle, Incorrect

 Close-up photograph of safety harness buckle. Color coding on the buckle indicates that the safety harness is buckled correctly; the colored section is not covered by the strap.

E. Buckle, Correct

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