Usability of Light-Linking Technology for Infusion Line Identification: A Simulation Study With ICU Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Medical Devices
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Critical care nurses face high task loads due to complex patients and numerous lines.
• Administering medications requires rapid identification of injection ports, increasing task load.
• Standard labeling practices may be insufficient for efficient and safe medication delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a light-linking infusion line identification device.
• To compare this technology against standard labeling for time to injection, error rate, usability, and task load.
• To assess performance in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized cross-over design was used with 47 intensive care nurses.
• 188 critical care simulations were conducted, comparing light-linking technology to standard labeling.
• Data collected on time to injection, error rates, usability, and perceived task load.

Main Results:

• Light-linking technology reduced overall time to injection compared to standard labeling.
• A significant decrease in time to injection was observed in low-light settings.
• The technology demonstrated greater perceived usability and lower perceived task load.
• Injection error rates were not fully assessed, but most errors occurred in low-light.

Conclusions:

• Light-linking infusion line identification technology offers benefits for critical care nurses.
• The device improves efficiency and reduces cognitive burden, particularly in challenging lighting.
• Further research is needed to fully assess the impact on injection error rates.