Safety first: combining task models of medical devices with numeracy skills and technical competence

Abstract

We propose that by more closely aligning interdisciplinary work in (a) numeracy education for medication dosage calculations and (b) model-driven design for medical devices that are used for delivery of medication we may help address the incident-rate in incorrect medication calculations and delivery, given that such devices commonly require the user to engage with numerical information via a digital interface. We demonstrate the use of task models as a way of supporting safe, effective and efficient delivery of medication to the patient, taking as our example the use of infusion and syringe pumps in Nursing. This work indicates a new way of facilitating knowledge transfer between numeracy education and medical device design and usage, using task models. We aim to support medical professionals’ and students’ numeracy education as well as to inform the design of medical devices based on a better understanding of the use and potential errors of medication delivery by trained professionals.