Evaluation in an anaesthetic simulator of a prototype of a new drug administration system designed to reduce error.
Ten anaesthetists were observed while providing anaesthesia for two simulated surgical procedures, twice using conventional methods and twice using a prototype of a new drug administration system designed to reduce error. Aspects of each method were rated by users on 10-cm visual analogue scales (10 being best) and comments were invited. Median safety scores were 7.7 cm (range 4.3-8.9) for the new system and 4.6 cm (1.3-8.2) for conventional methods (p = 0.009). The new system was compared favourably with conventional methods in respect of safety (p = 0.005), clinical acceptability (p = 0.008), organisation and layout (p = 0.047), and acceptability for use on patients (p = 0.005). The new system saved time in the preparation of drugs both before anaesthesia (105 vs. 346 s; p < 0.001) and during anaesthesia (20 vs. 104 s; p < 0.001). Comments facilitated development of the system and the evaluation endorsed proceeding to a clinical trial.
Merry
A F
AF
Department of Anaesthesia, Green Lane Hospital, Private Bag 92189, Auckland 1130, New Zealand. amerry@pl.net
Webster
C S
CS
Weller
J
J
Henderson
S
S
Robinson
B
B
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003071:Cognition; D004348:Drug Labeling; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods*; D013594:Syringes
D000777:Anesthetics