# Construction and enhancement of a prototype for a medical-hospital equipment for hypodermoclysis: a qualitative study

## TL;DR

Researchers built a semi-functional prototype for a subcutaneous hydration device and gathered feedback to improve its design and assess its clinical potential.

## Contribution

A semi-functional prototype for subcutaneous hydration and its evaluation through a multidisciplinary focus group using the Technology Acceptance Model.

## Key findings

- Four key components of the device were identified: infusion pump, needle/access device, clamp, and administration set.
- Themes like patient comfort, ease of use, and clinical context emerged as critical for device improvement.
- The prototype is considered viable and promising for clinical use, warranting further experimental studies.

## Abstract

to construct a Subcutaneous Hydration Device semi-functional prototype and gather initial information to improve this prototype design and realize its acceptance potential.

a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, which used focus group, following the Technology Acceptance Model. The group was held at the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Portugal, in December 2022, composed of nine participants from six different disciplinary areas, and followed thematic analysis.

four topics emerged associated with the device components: elastomeric infusion pump; needle/access device; clamp; administration set. From these topics, topics were triggered that highlighted: characteristics about the target population; ease of use and accessories; patient comfort and safety; and device application context.

the Subcutaneous Hydration Device semi-functional prototype is viable and interesting for the clinic. The results support its improvement and direct future investments for experimental studies.

construir protótipo semifuncional do Dispositivo de Hidratação Subcutânea e reunir informações iniciais para aprimorar o design desse protótipo e perceber seu potencial de aceitação.

estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, que utilizou o grupo focal, seguindo o Technology Acceptance Model. O grupo foi realizado na Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Portugal, em dezembro de 2022, composto por nove participantes de seis áreas disciplinares distintas, e seguiu a análise temática.

emergiram quatro temas associados aos componentes do dispositivo: bomba de infusão elastomérica; agulha/dispositivo de acesso; dispositivo de abrir/fechar (clamp); tubuladura/equipamento. A partir desses temas, foram desencadeados tópicos que destacaram: características acerca da população-alvo; facilidade de uso e acessórios; conforto e segurança do paciente; e contexto de aplicação do dispositivo.

o protótipo semifuncional do Dispositivo de Hidratação Subcutânea é viável e interessante para a clínica. Os resultados subsidiam seu aprimoramento e direcionam futuros investimentos para estudo experimental.