Care Facilitator Cart: a product technology built with nursing professionals

Area of Science:

• Nursing Technology
• Healthcare Innovation
• Product Design

Background:

• Nursing professionals in surgical and medical clinics face challenges in efficient workflow and patient care.
• Existing hospital equipment may not fully support safe and effective clinical procedures.
• The need for innovative solutions to reduce professional strain and improve infection control is recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a product technology, the Care Facilitator Cart.
• To involve nursing professionals in the design process for a university hospital setting.
• To create a tool that supports safe and efficient patient care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, methodological research utilizing the Business Model Canvas framework.
• Non-participant observation and brainstorming sessions with 52 nursing professionals.
• Content analysis of data collected between April and October 2016.

Main Results:

• The Care Facilitator Cart was designed with a two-floor structure and a retractable table.
• Features include a sensor-activated lid and a removable compartment for waste segregation (infectious, recyclable, sharps).
• The cart's design addresses specific needs identified by nursing staff in clinical environments.

Conclusions:

• The Care Facilitator Cart represents an innovative instrument for safe hospital care.
• Potential benefits include reduced professional wear, minimized rework, and enhanced infection control.
• The invention aims to improve the effectiveness of clinical procedures and techniques.