Design and ergonomics in the medical sector: A methodology to evaluate the ergonomics performances for anesthesia workstations

Some people may find it difficult to manage products or interact with systems. This is mostly due to product designed and not to final user. In healthcare the medical devices (DMs) that highlight design flaws can cause operating errors and generate adverse events. Despite manufactures of medical devices claim that Human Factors have a high priority in their projects, few of these are flawless products from the perspective of design and human-machine interface. Ergonomics and design methodologies were used in the context of a negotiated procedure for the supply of anesthesia systems for surgeries. Hierarchical task analysis, User Observation, Questionnaire, and Gap Analysis were used for the ergonomics evaluation and to evaluate the usability of an anesthesia system for two Tuscany hospitals. The evaluations were conducted with medical personnel (doctors and nurses). The obtained results allowed the effectiveness usability levels of product and its components and digital interfaces. The methodology showed in this article provides a useful tool to study ergonomics, usability and errors during the use of anesthesia workstation.