This study, conducted at the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence, addresses the challenges of neonatal care, with a particular focus on mechanical ventilation, an area with a high risk of errors. Despite advanced technologies, newborns are exposed to risks three times greater than adults due to the complexity of treatments and equipment used. One of the main issues identified is related to the use of lung ventilators, which can lead to human errors and physiological complications. The objective of the research was to improve both the well-being of the small patients and the working conditions of the medical staff. By applying Human-Centred Design methods, user needs and usability issues of existing ventilators were analysed. The analysis involved direct observations, interviews, and questionnaires to identify difficulties related to the digital interface and the organization of care phases. The results led to the design of the Andy ventilator, which stands out for its user-friendly interface, versatility, and ease of transport. Andy reduces risk factors by allowing continuous use without disconnecting the patient. This innovation not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of ventilatory assistance but has also been awarded the iF DESIGN TALENT AWARD 2022, highlighting the importance of ergonomics and user-centred design in the healthcare field.

Rethinking neonatal care: Addressing risks and improving safety in ventilation practices / Ester Iacono, Alberto Cirulli, Claudio Mondovecchio. - In: RIVISTA ITALIANA DI ERGONOMIA. - ISSN 2531-8845. - ELETTRONICO. - 29/2024:(2024), pp. 1-17.

Rethinking neonatal care: Addressing risks and improving safety in ventilation practices

Ester Iacono
;
2024

Abstract

This study, conducted at the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence, addresses the challenges of neonatal care, with a particular focus on mechanical ventilation, an area with a high risk of errors. Despite advanced technologies, newborns are exposed to risks three times greater than adults due to the complexity of treatments and equipment used. One of the main issues identified is related to the use of lung ventilators, which can lead to human errors and physiological complications. The objective of the research was to improve both the well-being of the small patients and the working conditions of the medical staff. By applying Human-Centred Design methods, user needs and usability issues of existing ventilators were analysed. The analysis involved direct observations, interviews, and questionnaires to identify difficulties related to the digital interface and the organization of care phases. The results led to the design of the Andy ventilator, which stands out for its user-friendly interface, versatility, and ease of transport. Andy reduces risk factors by allowing continuous use without disconnecting the patient. This innovation not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of ventilatory assistance but has also been awarded the iF DESIGN TALENT AWARD 2022, highlighting the importance of ergonomics and user-centred design in the healthcare field.
2024
29/2024
1
17
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Ester Iacono, Alberto Cirulli, Claudio Mondovecchio
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Iacono, Cirulli and Mondovecchio (2024).pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: This study, conducted at the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence, addresses the challenges of neonatal care, with a particular focus on mechanical ventilation, an area with a high risk of errors. Despite advanced technologies, newborns are exposed to risks three times greater than adults due to the complexity of treatments and equipment used. One of the main issues identified is related to the use of lung ventilators, which can lead to human errors and physiological complications. The objective of the research was to improve both the well-being of the small patients and the working conditions of the medical staff. By applying Human-Centred Design methods, user needs and usability issues of existing ventilators were analysed. The analysis involved direct observations, interviews, and questionnaires to identify difficulties related to the digital interface and the organization of care phases. The results led to the design of the Andy ventilator, which stands out for its user-friendly interface, versatility, and ease of transport. Andy reduces risk factors by allowing continuous use without disconnecting the patient. This innovation not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of ventilatory assistance but has also been awarded the iF DESIGN TALENT AWARD 2022, highlighting the importance of ergonomics and user-centred design in the healthcare field.
Tipologia: Pdf editoriale (Version of record)
Licenza: Open Access
Dimensione 1.33 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.33 MB Adobe PDF

I documenti in FLORE sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/1413535
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact