Authors: (including presenting author): :
SUNG KMD(1), LEUNG TWJ(1), LAM LYM (2) , Ho YT(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital,(2)Department of 3D-printing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Haemodialysis safety
Keyword 2: :
Novel 3D printed device-RTG
Keyword 3: :
patient safety
Keyword 4: :
nurse-led innovation
Keyword 5: :
OSH risk reduction
Keyword 6: :
clinical governance
Introduction: :
Haemodialysis (HD) circuit loosening or disconnections pose significant risks, including blood loss, infection and air embolism, contributing to fatal complications that compromises patient safety. Additionally, the repetitive HD circuit assembly leads to ergonomic strain and results in unsecured HD connections, potentially posing significant Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) risks to stakeholders.
Objectives: :
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the Renal Twist Guard (RTG), a novel 3D-printed device designed to enhance patient safety and reduce ergonomic strain by securing haemodialysis circuit connections in Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s(QEH) HD units
Methodology: :
The RTG was developed collaboratively with QEH 3D printing office, focusing on the HD circuit security, durability, disinfection compatibility, user-friendliness and ergonomic benefits. A live demonstration on RTG was conducted, and the stakeholders completed hands-on practice. The RTG’s usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire, a standardized tool benchmarking user acceptance, where a score of 68 represents average usability.
Result & Outcome: :
The analysis results confirm the RTG's strong usability and user acceptance, achieving an average SUS score of 78. No major usability barriers were found, as no scores fell below the "Good" usability threshold (68). Users consistently found the RTG easy to learn and use, with minimal perceived complexity. High SUS scores indicate that the RTG has strong potential to enhance treatment reliability by improving secure circuit integrity and standardizing ergonomics, thereby reducing OSH risks. The strong SUS scores validate the RTG's effectiveness in promoting secure circuit integrity, indicating broad staff acceptance. This nurse-led CQI initiative, integrated with advanced technology and innovation, exemplifies how to advance patient safety and occupational health in high-risk clinical environments. The sustainability plan includes ongoing monitoring of the staff's adherence to RTG usage, optimizing of RTG design based on stakeholder feedback, and tracking unsecured connection error rates to quantify the full impact of the RTG. This nurse-driven innovation integrating 3D printing technology to bolster patient safety, clinical governance, and risk management by addressing both patient and staff safety holistically.
