Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsoi SCT (2)(3), So HM (1)(2), Leung YWN (1)(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Intensive Care, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (2) Nethersole Clinical Simulation Training Centre, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (3) Nursing Services Division, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Application of high fidelity manikin in medical simulation training is common. With the sophisticated function and the build of the manikins, they are heavy (100lb +), huge in size (160cm), difficult to handle or grasp. Handling and storage of manikins were challenging in daily operation and related occupational risk should not be underestimated. Dedicated parts from the high-fidelity manikin required careful handling to prevent damage, which the repairing cost could be expensive. Currently, no commercial product is available to solve the above issues. With one self-limited muscle strain from staff due to the manikin transfer reported, Nethersole Clinical Simulation Training Centre (NCSTC) explored to optimize workplace design to ensure the occupational health of operating staff, and the protection of the expensive, dedicated manikin should be safeguarded.
Objectives :
To optimize workplace design to ensure the occupational health of operating staff, and the protection of the expensive, dedicated manikin.
Methodology :
Heavy-duty stainless steel precision delivery balls using in supply chain and logistics industries were adopted. Its application was used with a combination of an innovative cabinet designed by the centre. The delivery balls were mounted in adjustable stainless steel platforms. The delivery ball and the platform can sustain 300KG loading and this design allowed the smooth horizontal transfer of the heavy manikin. Safety lock was designed to lock the platforms to facilitate three modes of adjustment (Storage, checking, transfer) for daily operation. Three platforms were designed in the cabinet, in which the upper layers fit the adjustable heights of the patient bed to allow the horizontal transfer. The operational workflow was reviewed to optimize occupational safety and staff performance. The manufacturing cost of the cabinet was ~$27,000.
Evaluation includes a comparison of objective measures (1) change in operation time of manikin transfer; (2) dragging force applied in manikin transfer, (3) operation crew required; (4) Change in horizontal area; (5) number of injury or strains reported before and after the implementation of the cabinet. Staff satisfaction towards the use of cabinet was collected via 5-points Likert Scale. The first phase of cabinet installation was completed and in service since December 2018.
Result & Outcome :
After the implementation of cabinet, operation time for manikin manipulation was significantly decreased by 75% (180seconds to 45 seconds); Dragging force required to manipulate manikin markedly decreased by 97% (21.58KG to 0.65KG); Required operation crew decreased 66% (Three to one), and horizontal area was increased by 73%; No injury or strains reported related to manikin manipulation was noted so far. The satisfaction of operating staff was high (rating 2 to 5). This workplace design was important in enhancing occupational safety and staff performance in the training centre with a good Return of Investment (ROI).
