Optimizing Pediatric Induction Experiences Using Human-centered Design.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Human-Centered Design
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Anesthesia inhalation induction is a common source of stress and anxiety for pediatric patients.
• High anxiety during induction is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes, including emergence delirium and behavioral changes.
• Existing induction methods often fail to adequately address children's anxiety and need for control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design an optimized anesthesia inhalation induction experience for children.
• To decrease patient anxiety during the induction process through innovative design.
• To develop a tool that integrates seamlessly into the perioperative workflow.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a human-centered design model, incorporating iterative design research (research, ideation, refinement).
• Collaborated with hospital staff, families, and a design team throughout all project phases.
• Defined requirements through literature review, process mapping, and benchmarking; developed and tested design concepts.

Main Results:

• Identified key insights: normalizing anesthesia masks via medical play, enhancing patient control, and engaging multiple senses.
• Developed several design concepts, including a novel zoo-themed gaming app activated by breathing into the anesthesia mask.
• Refined concepts through iterative testing and feedback from families and clinical staff.

Conclusions:

• A new anxiety-reduction tool, a breath-controlled induction app, was created using design research.
• The app integrates evidence-based anxiety reduction techniques and is designed for the perioperative environment.
• Further clinical testing is required to validate the app's effectiveness in reducing preoperative anxiety.