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-Use of Loose swabs, likelihood to lose swabs

 Counting is subject to confirmation bias and human error
 Counting is subject to confirmation bias and human error
-- The process relies on counting them before and after the procedure
--  
-- The process relies on counting them before and after the procedure
--  
 Counting is subject to confirmation bias and human error
 Counting is subject to confirmation bias and human error
Right hand wearing latex surgical glove
-- The process relies on counting them before and after the procedure
--  
 Counting is subject to confirmation bias and human error
-- The swabs change shape and the blood can make swabs stick, getting the counts wrong
-- Swab counting is considered a secondary-level salient task (Keele University psychologist review project)
When a surgical item was accidentally left in, 
88% of the times the counts were thought to be correct (falsely, of course)*
* Research by WHO check pioneer  Dr Atul Gawande
Video coming soon
Shows how the first working prototype works.
Changes and iterations in progress...
powered by Usability studies and Human factors expertise
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James Dyson did it 5127 times
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We reckon we will need about 10 before we have the final thing......

 

Why do surgical swabs still get left in unintentionally ?
  • Increased bleeding
  • Procedure complicated and prolonged
  • Out of hours
  • Change of teams
Errors typically happen in conditions with uncertainty and distractions
Close up of medical surgical equipment o
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Image by Kelly Sikkema
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Young surgeon Indian woman in blue unifo
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Smiling medical personel

Concept Ideas Used:

-Ensure Correct Counts

-Make the right way - the easiest way

-Systems Approach

-Engineered Design Solution

-Device confirms that all swabs are plugged in

-Clips

-Auditory 'click'

Handwriting text writing Lost And Found.

-Visuals

-Tactile

-Positive Feedback

-Safety II

-Process structured and disciplined for effectiveness. Structure generates behaviour 

-Use of Loose swabs, likelihood to lose swabs

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We can't reveal a lot at present....
A simple cost-effective design solution is on its way 
When clinical studies start, we will tell you ...
So, Watch this space! 

- Our design has considered red-green colour blindness and chosen the right colours after multiple user feedback sessions and iterations.

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