Assessing Use Errors Related to the Interface Design of Electrosurgical Units. (4th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Estock, Jamie L.; Li, Airan; Casey, Maureen C.; Taylor, Matthew A.; Boudreaux‐Kelly, Monique Y.; Choma, Martin D.; Jacobs, Katrina; Eibling, David E.
• Is Part Of: AORN journal. Volume 107:Number 1(2018:Jan.)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2018-01-04
• Subjects: user interface design -- human factors -- electrosurgical units -- medical device -- adverse events; Operating room nursing -- Periodicals; Soins infirmiers en salle d'opération -- Périodiques; Nursing -- Periodicals; Operating Room Nursing -- Periodicals; Perioperative Nursing -- Periodicals; Societies, Nursing -- Periodicals; 617.917
• DOI: 10.1002/aorn.12006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-2092

Abstract

Abstract: Medical device use errors, such as instrument connection errors made with electrosurgical units (ESUs), can lead to adverse events. Current device acquisition processes at health care facilities do not typically include a proactive evaluation of use‐error risk before device purchase. We conducted an evaluation to identify ESU user interface design features that can help prevent or mitigate instrument connection errors during clinical care. Thirty‐six current ESU users participated in the evaluation. We used a randomized crossover design in which each participant used two ESU models in a simulated OR scenario. We compared participants' instrument connection accuracy, efficiency, and subjective feedback regarding the user interface design across the two ESU models. Overall, we found that the ESU model that incorporated more user interface design principles resulted in better performance and increased acceptance from users. Based on the results, we designed a decision‐support tool to assess the risk of instrument connection errors before ESU purchase.