A medical hand tool physical interaction evaluation approach for prototype testing using patient care simulators

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a physical ergonomics assessment approach for medical device handles. The method assesses wrist posture and force of exertion simultaneously by task element. Electrogoniometers and EMG sensors were connected through a data acquisition module for synchronization with video recordings of trials. Task analysis of video recordings was performed offline with Observer XT software. Average posture and force data across several repetitions of individual task elements were calculated and presented in a format suitable for informing product designers of specific issues during a test trial. A handle comfort questionnaire is proposed to survey subjective responses. The evaluation approach was applied to an endoscope needle in sampling a biopsy from the stomach wall using a gastrointestinal track simulator with ten physician surrogates. The results showed that for all task elements the wrist was in extension (33 0 -45 0 ). Peak muscle forces ranged from 28% to 68% MVC across the three muscles studied. Muscle peak forces were above ACGIH HAL maximum threshold limits for four of the seven task elements, and above the action limit for all seven task elements for two muscles. The handle comfort questionnaire data also supported the high muscle force findings, and also on force distribution on the handle due to contact stresses. This combined approach could be used to collect and report detailed early stage ergonomics data from user trials on patient care simulators. The approach is proposed for use by medical device designers at the design stage of new products using prototypes, but it could also be used on existing products with real patients.3

Research on Key Indicators in Modern Surgical Practice Assessment: Ergonomic Approach

“…Furthermore, the analysis of a surgeons’ preferences with respect to instrument handles was performed to identify the main acceptance criteria. The purpose of the study 43 was to develop and test a physical ergonomics assessment approach for medical device handles. The method assesses the wrist posture and force of exertion simultaneously by task element.…”

Methods for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quantification: A Focus on Hands and Fingers Kinematics

“…In Ref. [ 21 ], force and positional quantification were measured together. Considering the limited endoscopic maneuvers, the integration of measurements of force and posture sensors with the observation of video recordings was explored in [ 21 ].…”

“…[ 21 ], force and positional quantification were measured together. Considering the limited endoscopic maneuvers, the integration of measurements of force and posture sensors with the observation of video recordings was explored in [ 21 ]. Similarly, in [ 27 ], the use of [ 27 ] several tracking systems was described: a wireless motion sensor system to track the endoscopist’s body, a magnetic probe inserted in the working channel of the endoscope to track the endoscope, a webcam to track the endoscope wheel’s rotation, and an external camera to record the procedure.…”

Design and Development of an Ergonomic Milling Machine Control Knob using TRIZ Principles

“…The manipulation of basic designs such as knobs using inappropriate handling techniques and excessive repetition may lead to hand injuries (Browne and O'Sullivan, 2012). Equipment with confusing control positions can increase the risks of injuries as well (Burgess-Limerick et al, 2010).…”