Contextualizing applied interaction pressure data during simulated neonatal ventilation

Abstract

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) provides life-saving support to newborns via face mask and air flow source. PPV requires a careful balance of applied force on the face mask to provide enough pressure to form a tight seal for air flow without delivering too much pressure that could injure the infant. Previously, there was no tool or quantitative technology to assist in training clinical staff on applying the proper amount of pressure to achieve effective ventilation. In this work, we describe the initial design of a sensor system to monitor pressures at key locations on a newborn’s head and the proximal air flow rate between the ventilator and the face mask. Using a manikin and our system, we determined the minimum pressures to form a complete seal of the mask, which will support contextualizing real-time feedback to the user.

Perceived Usability of a Live Feedback Interface for Neonatal Ventilation Training

“…The force sensor system is comprised of four SingleTact microforce sensors (PPS UK Limited, Glasgow, UK) located on the manikin’s face and one digital calibrated scale (SparkFun Electronics, Niwot, CO, USA) under the manikin’s head. The hardware of the system was validated in a previous study (Hannan et al, 2022). The user interface displays the forces measured on the infant manikin’s face in two formats, as a diagram with color corresponding to the force and as a shape-coded timeseries (Figure 2).…”

“…We aim to create a training tool to provide live feedback about the amount of applied force at the patient interface, giving additional context for achieving effective PPV with a face mask. Prior work developed and performed benchtop validation of a sensor system for monitoring applied forces to an infant manikin’s face and head (Hannan et al, 2022). This benchtop study provided preliminary information about the relationship between applied force and air leakage around the mask when performing PPV.…”

Characterising applied forces during positive pressure ventilation: a randomised cross-over simulation study

“…We previously validated a benchtop system for measuring the applied forces during simulated PPV. 10 The present study characterises applied forces on the manikin’s face and head during simulated PPV for different devices, masks, and healthcare provider (HCP) experience levels.…”