Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

The usability of a latent heat biological fluid warmer

6^th International Conference on Hematology

October 03-05, 2016 Orlando, USA

Jade Jackson

Flinders University, Australia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Blood Disord Transfus

Abstract:

The feasibility of warming blood and other intravenous fluids with a latent heat storage material has been demonstrated using the Latent Heat Biological Fluid Warmer. This could prove to be an effective method of warming blood and other intravenous fluids at retrieval sites and reducing the incidence of hypothermia in trauma patients. However, the usability of this device needs to be investigated to demonstrate that it will be useable and effective in retrieval situations where subjects have only basic instructions. The project involved recruiting 30 nurses that had no previous exposure to the device. Each participant was asked to assemble the Latent Heat Biological Fluid Warmer for use, by reading the basic instructions on the front of the packaging and was videoed while completing the task. Each video was analyzed and compared to a previously set standard on how to effectively assemble and use the device. The participants were asked to complete a short survey on their opinion of the usability of the device and aspects of the instructions that could have been better illustrated. The use of the Latent Heat Biological Fluid Warmer was generally well done. Most participants completed the task in a reasonable timeframe and assembled the device correctly. From the surveys it was evident that clearer instructions were needed to optimize the use for first-time users. In conclusion, the device is useable and effective for use among first-time users by reading basic instructions on the front; however, improvements to the instructions need to be made.

Biography :

Email: jack0244@flinders.edu.au