Presentation
Utilizing Human Centered Design and Innovation to Mitigate Adverse Drug Events
DescriptionIn today’s increasingly complex healthcare environments, the need for innovative solutions to reduce preventable harm is more urgent than ever. Adverse drug events (ADEs) remain a leading cause of patient injury and death, particularly in high-acuity settings where intravenous (IV) medication delivery is routine. While smart infusion technologies have advanced significantly, the IV roller clamp, a simple gravity-based device used to regulate fluid flow, has remained virtually unchanged for over 90 years. This legacy design, though ubiquitous, has introduced critical safety risks as medical devices have evolved around it.
Recognizing this vulnerability, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Priority Designs, launched a human factors research-driven innovation initiative to redesign the IV roller clamp. The goal was to reduce ADEs by improving the clamp’s usability, visibility, and intuitiveness through a human-centered design (HCD) approach. This project began with immersive observations in the hospital environment that uncovered subtle but critical usability challenges that contribute to errors in patient care. The insights gained directly informed the concept development phase, ensuring that the designs addressed actual user needs and safety concerns.
From five initial design concepts, three were selected for prototyping based on their potential to reduce harm. All concepts prioritized clear and intuitive visual indicators of clamp status, with each offering unique safety-enhancing features. Usability testing was conducted with frontline clinicians using simulated clinical scenarios. During these sessions, participants interacted with prototypes and provided both objective scoring and qualitative feedback on design functionality and safety.
The analysis of usability testing revealed one concept as the most favored, while also identifying areas for further refinement. These refinements strengthened the design’s usability and safety profile. As a result, patents have been filed for the enhanced IV-line clamp, and the project team is now pursuing commercialization to bring the product to market.
Recognizing this vulnerability, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Priority Designs, launched a human factors research-driven innovation initiative to redesign the IV roller clamp. The goal was to reduce ADEs by improving the clamp’s usability, visibility, and intuitiveness through a human-centered design (HCD) approach. This project began with immersive observations in the hospital environment that uncovered subtle but critical usability challenges that contribute to errors in patient care. The insights gained directly informed the concept development phase, ensuring that the designs addressed actual user needs and safety concerns.
From five initial design concepts, three were selected for prototyping based on their potential to reduce harm. All concepts prioritized clear and intuitive visual indicators of clamp status, with each offering unique safety-enhancing features. Usability testing was conducted with frontline clinicians using simulated clinical scenarios. During these sessions, participants interacted with prototypes and provided both objective scoring and qualitative feedback on design functionality and safety.
The analysis of usability testing revealed one concept as the most favored, while also identifying areas for further refinement. These refinements strengthened the design’s usability and safety profile. As a result, patents have been filed for the enhanced IV-line clamp, and the project team is now pursuing commercialization to bring the product to market.
Event Type
Oral Presentations
TimeMonday, March 233:50pm - 4:10pm EDT
LocationMurray Hill East
Patient Safety Research and Initiatives