“What an impressive display of thoughtfulness and ideas for a group of young students with no NICU experience, and with only 48 hours to collaborate. As a NICU parent it is exciting to know such innovations are on the way for future parents who face such a daunting environment.”
Jennifer Beatty, LMSW
Family Support Navigator
HandToHold.org
Fragile Babies. Strong Support.
Yesterday was Tammy Thompson’s second day with us. Groups had 45 minutes to work in class, and then at 4pm we began student presentations.
Tammy had given the students three challenges that are high priority problems in the NICU:
- AIA Compliant, drop in, NICU Scrub Sink Design: A scrub sink that meets Recommended Standards for NICU, complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and can serve as a bath training station
- Waste Receptacle for the NICU patient room: A quiet waste receptacle that is ergonomically sound, and creates an alternative to emptying the waste and linen receptacles inside the NICU room
- Kangaroo Care Cradle: An accessory for the parent’s chair that supports the adult and infant for multiple positions during kangaroo care and breastfeeding
Deliverables were:
1. PowerPoint presentation with 5 slides
2. at least 1 sketch
3. at least 1 study model, which could be constructed of paper, cardboard, plastic, etc. (as long as it is stable)
We had 6 groups with 3 students each. Below is a link to each team’s slides as well as comments from Tammy & Jennifer:
Team Fuschia: Challenge Selected: Waste receptacle for NICU patient room. I appreciated the level of field research that went into this. Even if they weren’t able to completely solve all of the design details in 2 days, they did a great job of identifying the needs and communicating that in the presentation. I also appreciated the work that went into the model. This was very consistent with their choice statement, “It is not a sexy issue, but it is one that a smart design could really solve!”
This was a very clever design that solves many of the issues raised as well as being simple and functional. The benefits will be unnoticed by most parents and staff but will be hugely impactful.
Team Black: Challenge Selected: AIA Compliant, drop in, NICU Scrub Sink Design. I applaud this team for thoroughly researching the topic and catching up enough to present a great solution. I noticed that it was not set in the context of a counter, and I thought the material, while an interesting concept, would not hold up to our participants’ concerns about infection control.
I really enjoyed this team’s approach of humanizing the sink. For parents, the NICU is a sterile and overwhelming environment which can lead to depression and PTSD. The team was very thoughtful in their design with the “forest” design option, the pull out “flower” faucet, material that helps maintain the water temperature, soft surface, and disinfectant features. These features cover many of parents concerns as well as reinforcing to the parent that they are indeed parents of a newborn and introduce some fun elements to an otherwise sterile and cold environment. My concerns are the footprint of this sink. It seems quite large for the space which is always at a premium in the NICU.
Team Green: Challenge Selected: Kangaroo Care Cradle. I like this wrap. It was also well thought out and could go “as-is” into the lab for discussion. It wasn’t necessarily a chair attachment, but could sell as an accessory, and as Jennifer noted, could go home with Baby.
This team did a great job of paying attention to what is important in the NICU. Keeping the baby snug, safe and comfortable with the parent and tube management, while keeping parent comfort in mind. Being able to transition the unit to home is a great benefit as well. My concerns were that the product was similar to other products on the market already.
Team Orange: Challenge Selected: Kangaroo Care Cradle. I loved this product. The explanation was really clear and I could see this in use as a prototype in our sim lab. At first I didn’t see a physical model, but after reviewing the recording, I realize that there was one. The use of a type of ace bandage would be a great material, I think; and they did follow the program of making it a chair accessory.
I enjoyed that this product was reusable or disposable and was able to wrap around the parent/baby and blankets. The team was thoughtful and did great background work prior to design to make sure it would be functional with the chair and without disturbing the infant. Noise reduction in the unit is key. My concerns for this product were the width of the material and that the parent would need assistance using it.
Team Blue: Challenge Selected: AIA Compliant, drop in, NICU Scrub Sink Design. The sink was a neat concept, and I love how they represented it with a study model; however, I don’t think enough research went into their process, so some of their assumptions were incorrect.
My favorite features of this sink were the timed lights which let you know when the three minutes were complete for washing and that the shape of the basin would cradle the baby’s natural shape. I also enjoyed that the team aimed to bring a more natural feeling into the unit.
Team Pink: Challenge Selected: Kangaroo Care Cradle. The solution was very basic. I hope this exercise (and seeing the other designs) has inspired them to take a bit more time researching and preparing solutions.
I loved the look and idea behind this product. It seemed the most comfortable and efficient and possibly most cost efficient of the three wraps. Sizing would not be an issue with small or large parents and with the velcro on the back of the chair it is easy to attach or remove. I loved the thoughtfulness of the type of material used as well as the width of the material. This product could also transition to home as well and it appears the parent could possibly put it on without assistance. My only concern is the ends of the wrap falling to the floor when the parent stands up. I am certain there is a solution for that.
Special thanks to our design coaches, Jennifer Beatty from Hand To Hold, and Tammy Thompson from Patient Centered Design! We appreciate Tammy’s time developing the design charrette and providing valuable feedback for our students. The winning team will be announced next Tuesday and receive free passes to the Healthcare Design Conference in San Diego next month (gifted from Tammy), and a travel stipend to cover air-fare and hotel (gifted by the d. School). Congratulations to all the students! Great job.