PUI 사용성 개선을 위한 의료기기 손잡이의 인간공학적 평가: 이비인후과 진료장치를 중심으로

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to ergonomically evaluate subjective usability according to handle shape, diameter, angle and button position for endoscope, and spray of the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medical device to suggest optimal design guidelines.<BR>Background: As medical demand increases, the prevalence of occupational diseases among doctors is high such as musculoskeletal and cerebral cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is required to design an ergonomic PUI (physical user interface) to minimize human mistakes and errors of a doctor in the medical system.<BR>Method: Forty subjects participated in this study. This study produced a mock-up of an endoscope and spray with various handle types, angles, and diameter. For the pen-type endoscope, the shape of the handle (cylindrical, rectangular) and diameter (32, 35, 38㎜) were considered as independent variables. For the pistol-type endoscope, the shape of the handle (cylindrical, rectangular) and angle (90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°) were considered as independent variables. For the spray, the position of the button (upper-top, middle-front, middle-side, lower-front, lower-side) was considered as the independent variable. As a dependent variable, this study evaluated the subjective usability using by the visual analog scale on a scale of 0 to 100.<BR>Results: The ANOVA result of a pen-type endoscope, there were significant differences in handle shape and diameter. The handle shape of rectangular and 32mm diameter had the significantly highest usability. The ANOVA result of the pistol-type endoscope, the handle angle had the significantly highest usability at 120°. As the angle increased up to 120°, subjective usability also tended to increase, but the angle of 130° decreased the trend. The ANOVA result of spray, the position of push button had the significantly highest subjective usability on bottom-front.<BR>Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the endoscope and spray should be designed to have a pistol-type cylindrical handle with a diameter of 32 to 35mm and an adjustable angle. If the adjustable design is difficult, it is suggested to design with an angle of about 120°. And also, it is suggested that the spray’s button be positioned in the front, which can be pressed with the thumb.<BR>Application: This study can apply ergonomic handle design guidelines for endoscopy and spray. Furthermore, it could contribute to the prevention of occupational musculoskeletal disorders.