Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the usability benefits of adding a bedside central control interface that controls all intravenous (IV) infusion pumps compared to the conventional individual control of multiple infusion pumps. Eighteen dedicated ICU nurses volunteered in a between-subjects task-based usability test. A newly developed central control interface was compared to conventional control of multiple infusion pumps in a simulated ICU setting. Task execution time, clicks, errors and questionnaire responses were evaluated. Overall the central control interface outperformed the conventional control in terms of fewer user actions (40±3 vs. 73±20 clicks, p<0.001) and fewer user errors (1±1 vs. 3±2 errors, p<0.05), with no difference in task execution times (421±108 vs. 406±119 seconds, not significant). Questionnaires indicated a significant preference for the central control interface. Despite being novice users of the central control interface, ICU nurses displayed improved performance with the central control interface compared to the conventional interface they were familiar with. We conclude that the new user interface has an overall better usability than the conventional interface.
Highlights
In the last decades human factors research has been acknowledged as crucial in the development of high risk medical equipment [1,2,3]
The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the possible usability benefits of a bedside central control interface for multiple infusion pumps compared to conventional multipump operation
We investigated whether a new central control interface would improve the overall usability of infusion pump control in a multi-infusion setting
Summary
In the last decades human factors research has been acknowledged as crucial in the development of high risk medical equipment [1,2,3]. Infusion pumps are among the most frequently used medical devices, and are used for the controlled intravenous (IV) administration of many infusion fluids and drug solutions. Erroneous use of infusion pumps may lead to (temporary) under- or overdosing of vital drugs, with potentially severe consequences. The usability of infusion pumps has often been identified as an important contributor to the incidence of such medication errors [4,5,6,7,8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
