Artemis 389 is a patient transfer equipment that provides effortless and pain-free experience to the patients and the healthcare workers while performing patient transfers inside hospitals. It makes patient transfers simpler, smoother and less time-consuming
The healthcare sector has witnessed an exponential growth in infrastructure and technology across the world. However, India being a developing country faces its share of hurdles. In India, the healthcare sector lacks emphasis on 'patient and healthcare worker experience'.
There is an identified need to enhance the overall safety and experience of patients and healthcare workers during patient transfers inside & outside hospitals.
Nurses, Ward-boys/Attendants, Doctors and Patients are the direct/indirect users of patient transfer equipment. All these stakeholders concerned were interviewed using methods such as one to one user interviews, surveys, online/offline questionnaires, also ethnographic and anthropometric data was collected. Their comments were noted down.
This research was conducted in 20 hospitals, with 100+ stakeholders. 36 patients, 45 nurses, 46 ward-boys and 40 doctors were interviewed.
Users complained of pain, discomfort and musculoskeletal injury (MSI)
Experienced rough handling due to inexperienced and over-worked management, primitive equipment and handling techniques
Confusion and chaos during patient transfer
Lack of planning done beforehand
Inefficient communication
Inexperienced management
Primitive handling techniques require manpower
Lack of technology-driven equipment
Lack of training on existing equipment usage
IOT controller used to easily manoeuvre the equipment by the healthworker
Linear actuators help to accurately adjust the height of the equipment
Ergonomically curved transfer board ensures patient stability and comfort
Lead screw mechanism enables horizontal movement of the tranfer board
Slide and lock mechanism allows the transfer board to get fixed onto the trolley
Detachable transfer board allows smooth patient transfers onto various surfaces
Understanding existing mechanisms and technology available played a vital role in fulfilling the need for a better solution for patient transfers. The dimensions of the equipment are 1870*570*900 mm, weighs 45 kg, and has a load-bearing of 159 kg. It is lightweight, durable, easy to sterilize, safe usage and user-friendly.
A 3D model was designed for better visualization which was later used for laser cutting. Artemis 389 is a 1:2 working scale model made with materials like MDF and stainless steel.
Various machines and tools like a laser cutter, drilling machine and power hands tools were used to make the final prototype. The working 1:2 scale prototype integrated with arduino was tested by transferring mannequins onto other surfaces. It helped in testing the functionality, technicality, intuitiveness and ethnography. The prototype was assessed by healthcare stakeholders following which several iterations were made to the final design.
Artemis 389 was displayed at Pune design festival held at Hyatt hotel, Pune and Pearl Portfolio, held at Sahara Star hotel, Mumbai. These events provided a great opportunity to interact with peers and professionals from the industry. These events made it possible to connect with people from the industry and seek constructive feedback. Interacting with professionals and peers from varied backgrounds helped in understanding their point of view and the expectations of the industry.
Artemis 389 was displayed at various design events across Mumbai and Pune. It was awarded at quite a few of these events. These awards and recognitions have encouraged and motivated me to continue creating empathetic and meaningful design solutions for a better future.
