Patient Safety Competition: Design and Innovation
This year's Design and Innovation Challenge introduces a new 'Patient Safety' category, where participants must develop technology-enabled solutions to address one of five prevalent patient safety issues in healthcare delivery. Our team of three created a portable venous access device utilizing near-infra-red technology to streamline medical procedures, demonstrating innovation and practical application. We were awarded second place, earning recognition, support for proof of concept, and an invitation to present at the final in-person event.
2024
Learnings
Group Project
Business Analytics
First-hand Medical Interviews
Collaboration and Teamwork
Overview
A medical device designed to ease intravenous procedures by alleviating healthcare professionals' stress. This device prioritizes patient safety and is ideal for Med school training, EMS rooms where time is critical, delicate elderly patients, and even military applications. It streamlines procedures, ensuring precision and care in high-stress environments.
Intravenous (IV) access is one of the most frequent procedures in healthcare — yet one of the most stressful for both patients and providers. In high-pressure settings like emergency rooms or ambulances, even skilled clinicians often face challenges locating veins quickly and safely.
IV Acess.
Current workflow in hospitals…
1.
Visual inspection and palatation of veins.
Multiple attempts with a needle when veins are not visible or easy to access
2.
3.
If unsuccessful, escalation to ultrasound guidance or a more senior clinician.
4.
Added time, discomfort, and anxiety for the patient
11.2
Million
healthcare professionals have difficulty finding veins each week.
75%
of patients report feeling more anxious and distressed.
Current Tech Limitations.
Ultrasounds — require special training, slowing response times
Infra-Red Phlebotomy Device — Occupies a hand, making the procedure harder
Vein Scanners — require set up or extra stand, makes positioning time consuming
The Solution.
Scout is a lightweight, handheld vein-finding device designed to improve accuracy for clinicians while reducing patient discomfort and anxiety.
Ideation.
Inspired by ergonomic handheld medical tools, I explored forms that fit different hand sizes and can be used one-handed.
3D prints helped create low-fidelity prototypes, which helped us finalize size and ergonomics. We wanted maximum compatibility with different hand shapes and experimented with various grips.
Prototyping.
The Process.
The device has a unique attachment method of attaching to the practitioner instead of the patient. This allows for freedom of movement and flexibility for the nurse, and reduces additional patient discomfort.
