Human factors/ergonomics to support the design and testing of rapidly manufactured ventilators in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: This paper describes a rapid response project from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF) to support the design, development, usability testing and operation of new ventilators as part of the UK response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: A five-step approach was taken to (1) assess the COVID-19 situation and decide to formulate a response; (2) mobilise and coordinate Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) specialists; (3) ideate, with HFE specialists collaborating to identify, analyse the issues and opportunities, and develop strategies, plans and processes; (4) generate outputs and solutions; and (5) respond to the COVID-19 situation via targeted support and guidance.

Results: The response for the rapidly manufactured ventilator systems (RMVS) has been used to influence both strategy and practice to address concerns about changing safety standards and the detailed design procedure with RMVS manufacturers.

Designing emergency ambulances for the 21st century.

Background: In 2005 the Department of Health set out a vision for the provision of future ambulance services with an increasing range of quality mobile healthcare services for patients with urgent and emergency care needs. This paper describes a scoping study funded by the National Patient Safety Agency and Ambulance Service Association to investigate the short and longer term requirements of future emergency ambulances.

Method: Four stakeholder workshops were held to explore the wishes, concerns and preferences of the clinicians, operational staff and manufacturers about the future provision of ambulance services and problems and possible solutions relating to ambulance design and use.

Competency-based training for patient handling.

A technique-training approach has traditionally been used to address the problem of back pain associated with patient handling. This project aimed to investigate whether different levels of safety culture, based on competency-based training, resulted in different behaviour (physical and cognitive) for patient handling tasks. Sixteen healthcare organisations in the UK participated from the acute and primary healthcare sectors.

Evidence-based patient handling: systematic review.

Background: This article summarises the findings of an international systematic review of patient handling. More than 880 papers were read, critically appraised and allocated a quality rating score. The evidence supports the provision of a minimal set of equipment for moving and handling patients, and multifactor intervention strategies based on risk assessment rather than those predominantly based on technique training.

Uniforms: a comparative evaluation of tunic tops.

Aim: The aim of this study was to produce a recommendation for selection of a tunic top for female nurses, based on previously established ergonomic criteria.

Method: Four tunic top designs were evaluated using functional tests, including anthropometry, body-part discomfort charts, product feature questionnaires and comparative ranking. A convenience sample of nurses from one trust wore the tunics during the study tests.