Applying Techniques from Human Factors in Industrial Engineering to the Evaluation and Improvement of New Technology for Blood Delivery to Operating Rooms

Transfusion medicine in Ontario faces two challenges, how to reduce the potential for errors, and how to reduce the use of blood products when blood supply is low. New technology such as electronically controlled blood fridges is suggested for tackling these two challenges but little is known about their actual impact on errors or blood usage. In view of this knowledge gap, the proposed internship study, using a human factors perspective, aims to assess the impact of proposed blood delivery technology and to identify design gaps. Applied human factors methods will be used including a comprehensive study of the blood delivery process and the use of a new blood delivery technology. In addition, the study will include interviews with key personnel involved in the blood delivery process to augment observational and quantitative findings. This information would be used to motivate design development of effective blood delivery solutions, and inform purchasing decisions for blood delivery units in Ontario hospitals.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Mark Chignel

Student:

Katherine M. Sellen

Partner:

Haemonetics Canada Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Toronto