Kennesaw, Georgia | December 4, 2024
Researchers in Kennesaw State University's Human Factors, Occupational Optimization, and Ergonomics (HOPE) Laboratory are integrating advanced technologies such as eye-tracking sensors and wearable exoskeletons to improve patient safety and reduce costs. The aim is to improve healthcare by reducing the number of patients and increasing the quality of care.
The institute's research combines industrial engineering and medical insights to redesign processes and systems that solve pain points for both patients and healthcare professionals. Awatef Elgay, associate professor of engineering at Kansas State University Southern Polytechnic Institute, said many medical workflows are outdated and inefficient, putting unnecessary strain on the process. By using sensors to identify constraints, we aim to eliminate redundant steps and improve both staff performance and patient care.
“Outdated healthcare workflows are not only inefficient, they drive up costs and put avoidable pressure on both patients and providers. Improving these processes can reduce inefficiencies and We can improve patient safety, improve the quality of care, and ultimately improve the quality of care,” Elgay said. Making health care more affordable, safe and effective for everyone. ”
Valentina Nino, assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering, said the lab focuses on eliminating friction in workflows by addressing aspects of cognitive and physical design.
For example, eye-tracking sensors monitor where healthcare workers are focusing their attention, revealing potential areas of distraction or cognitive overload. By analyzing this data, teams can suggest changes to workflow layouts, user interfaces, and training protocols that help improve focus and reduce errors. Another example is the integration of continuous monitoring devices into medical operations (tasks) and customized models that help streamline processes. This technology is especially important in high-stress environments such as emergency rooms and intensive care units, where quick decision-making and clear focus are critical.
Similarly, wearable exoskeletons, motion capture, and EMG sensors play an important role in improving the physical ergonomics of medical work. These devices (this refers only to exoskeletons) are designed to support healthcare workers by reducing the physical strain of repetitive tasks such as lifting, bending, and reaching. Masu.
These sensors can help design exoskeletons that provide real-time assistance by tracking worker movements and monitoring stress on muscles and joints. Exoskeletons redistribute weight and help prevent musculoskeletal injuries common in manufacturing. This reduces absenteeism and turnover due to injury and allows employees to perform their jobs more sustainably.
“Our goal is to assess whether incorporating them into medical practice will benefit healthcare providers and patients,” Nino said.
By collaborating with Wellstar Health System and KSU's Coles College of Business, the team is refining the study based on real-world feedback. These partnerships provide insight into test design in clinical settings and ensure proposed solutions address real-world challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
He collaborates with Doreen Wagner, Mark Gale, and Katherine Ingram at WellStar University, and with Swetasneha and Adrian Randolph at Coles College of Business. In the College of Computing and Software Engineering, we partner with Maria Valero, Yong Shi, and Paola Spoletini, and in Radow College, we partner with Israel Sanchez-Cardona. This interdisciplinary approach helps strengthen our research and ensures that the solutions we develop are technically sound and closely aligned with real-world medical needs.
The institute also aims to address rising healthcare costs and the growing problem of burnout among healthcare workers, who are often exposed to long hours, high-stress environments, and physically demanding jobs.
“By improving the physical sustainability of healthcare operations, we contribute to a healthier workforce, which in turn leads to improved patient care,” Nino said.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, KSU researchers envision a future where human-centered design principles and advanced technologies are seamlessly integrated into everyday healthcare practices.
“We want to create a system where technology is beneficial to the people who use it and not the other way around,” Nino said.
– Story by Raynard Churchwell
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State University is a member of the University System of Georgia, which has 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong international connections, and entrepreneurial spirit attracts students from across the country and around the world. Kennesaw State University is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), one of an elite group of only 7% of U.S. universities with R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
