Describing A Latent Design Cycle In 100 Years Of Innovation And Adoption In Anesthesia Equipment: The Origin Of Awkwardness

Abstract

Much is understood about the human-technology relationship and the importance of user focused design. This is well recognized in anesthesia with human factors investigations leading to patient safety awareness, regulation, and workload management. Conversely, this has inspired little change in the design of equipment to reduce the awkwardness in providing anesthesia. In fact, it has increased it by not discriminating between normal use and adopted use where the anesthesia profession has, over time, created habits to overcome and accommodate design deficiencies. This study examines past and present anesthesia equipment and use methods to deduce the origin of awkwardness. By describing the latent design cycle in the evolution of anesthesia equipment, a prediction can be provided for the application and acceptance of future technologies in anesthesia. The anesthetic profession may continue with standardized equipment design; conversely, the benefits of innovation in digital technologies to reduce awkwardness will probably be associated with significant change in the convention of use.