The Monitor-Frog: Expert-Users Interactions in Ergonomics and Cooperative Design

Abstract

Objectives are the improvement of Anesthesia workplaces in a multidiscipline operating room (OR) facility. Method is: a status quo analysis, expert-users interviews and a co-operative design process. Results are significant mismatches of ergonomic principles and user requirements in the analysed workplace layout. This causes distractions from patient care, an high amount of head movements and muscle strains, and a difficult procedures to attach the cables and lines for vital signs and breathing. The interviews show advantages from a new concept of mutual learning between ergonomist and users which is named thing-think interview. The design process results in two new, innovative products, one for to order the cables and one for a flexible and ergonomic positioning of the anesthesia monitor device: The Monitor-Frog.