Ampoule Breaking Equipment: Ampoule Safety Cutter

Abstract

This study used the action research model in conjunction with the CQI (continuous quality improvement) process using the PDCA (plan-do-check-act) cycle development concept. The objective was to develop innovative ampoule breaking equipment for preventing injuries in medical personnel during work. The sample group was 40 registered nurses in the accident and emergency nursing workgroup, Buddhachinnaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok province, selected by purposive sampling. Tools used included the ampoule safety cutter, evaluation form to record the use of force and mechanical advantage, report on the incidence of injuries from sharp objects and assessment of satisfaction with the innovation. Descriptive statistics were analyzed including frequency, percentage, and mean. The sample group tested the innovation and collected data between March 2022 and March 2023. The results of the study found that the ampoule safety cutter was developed using the PDCA process in 4 formats, be able to break medicine ampoules with a diameter of 80 - 150 millimeters (volume 1 - 50 milliliters). The smallest hole for breaking an ampoule with a volume of 1 milliliter used a force of 34.98 Nm; and the largest hole for breaking an ampoule used a force of 4.01 Nme. Where every channel has a mechanical advantage greater than 1, it could be considered that the device was effective in relieving force. Comparing the time between breaking the amp by hand, it was found that the time required to break the amp was reduced to 5 - 10 seconds, compared to 20 - 30 seconds in the past. As a result, patients received medicine faster by 66.67 - 75.00 percent. Throughout the period of data collection, there was no incidence of injuries from sharp objects in the accident and emergency nursing workgroup. The incidence rate decreased by 100 percent. The sample group was satisfied with every innovation at the highest level, 96.39 percent (Mean=4.82, SD=0.40). Thus, the use of the innovation of the ampoule safety cutter had resulted in the faster life-saving medical services. It has been distributed for further use in wards and other public health agencies.