Slips (or Lapses)
One of two categories of error in addition to “mistakes”. Unlike mistakes, slips are failures of schematic behaviors, or lapses in concentration. Slips occur in the face of competing sensory or emotional distractions, fatigue, and stress, Reducing the risk of slips requires attention to the design of protocols, devices, and work environment conditions, removing unnecessary variation in the design of key devices, eliminating distractions from areas where work requires intense concentration, and other redesign strategies. Historically, all errors including slips have been treated as mistakes resulting in remedial training or increased supervision.
