Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Redesigning The Lowly IV Pole
Filed under: etc.
Goo Sung over at Core77 describes how he and a team of designers took on the challenge to improve the common IV pole that both patients and clinicians aren't particularly fond of. Working for Modo, a Beaverton, Oregon developer of clinical carts and trolleys that was contracted by Cardinal Health to come up with a fresh design, the team came up with a few interesting improvements.
To reduce the risk of cross-ward infection, we created an ID bracelet for each pole so poles from one area of the hospital could not be poached.When we asked nurses what they wanted most in an IV pole, the answer was always the same: "I want it to be stable." At John Radcliffe Hospital, the record for the most pumps on a single pole is thirteen. We added weight to the base for greater stability and safety.
We designed a distinctive ring handle to make transport easy and comfortable and an asymmetrical base to create a larger toe envelope and to give every pump system a logical front and back. Finally, nurses could have what they wanted: an IV pole that "wouldn't trip them up." We transformed drooping hangers for IV bags into a distinctive, easy-to-reach Y-leaf, and added a white board so family and friends could exchange greetings and messages. This helped break down the social isolation created by conventional IV poles. We even added a bud vase and a shelf for small objects and belongings. We wanted to support patients as well as technology.
Read more about the project at Core77...
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