A multi-centre survey on the team concept of instrument design in gyn-endoscopy.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the current role of gynaecologists in the design of gynaecological endoscopic instruments. The study is a cross -sectional observational study conducted in the UK, the USA, Canada & Germany. Each leader of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in 1014 hospitals in the above countries participated in the study. The current role in conceptual design and the expression of design concepts were measured. One hundred and eighty-four centres were analysed due to a Pareto effect. 91% admit that a better conceptual design can improve the overall safety of gynaecological endoscopy. 98% believe the design team should include engineers, gynaecologists and gynaecological ancillary staff. Only 18% of the centres have been involved in the design of gynaecological endoscopic instruments. A brilliant response came from the University of Michigan where collaboration already exists between the gynaecological minimally invasive surgeons and the school of engineering. The current role of gynaecologists in the design of gynaecological endoscopic instruments is passive because of the difficulty with design expression rather than conceptual design. The respondents therefore expressed the need for a design team to improve the ergonomics of endoscopic instruments and thereby improve the overall safety of gynaecological endoscopic surgery. The team concept of instrument design, taken to its logical conclusion, leads to the proposition of a global design team by 2005 so as to involve all the stakeholders of gyn-endoscopic instruments.
Jinadu
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Former MSc Student, (1996-2004) Engineering Design Institute, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK.