Innovative self-learning ‘kiosk’ is developed at St Mary’s for neonatal nurses
A senior clinical technologist at St Mary’s Hospital has developed an innovative self-learning device for nursing staff working in the neonatal intensive care unit.
An interactive ‘kiosk’, it helps nursing and medical staff develop their use of complex medical equipment and uses engaging and interactive material to help build confidence and knowledge in an effective and memorable way.
Believed to be the first of its kind in the NHS, the new NeoPOD - neonatal personal oriented development – has been designed at the Trust to give senior nursing staff practice and another level of support using the equipment, enhancing the education programme already in place.
It can also be used as an introduction for junior staff, allowing them to become acquainted with key pieces of medical equipment and giving them a thorough understanding of what they do.
Designed by senior clinical technologist Priyesh Patel, from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, the NeoPOD currently covers four key complex life support machines.
The kiosk uses video, information, touch screen and interactive technology to give nurses an overview of using complex medical equipment, including its set up and maintenance.
Senior clinical technologist Priyesh Patel said:“I developed this training kiosk to give nursing staff added support and to build up their confidence;NeoPOD kiosk either by preparing themselves prior to using a machine itself or simply as a reference point as they are setting up.
“It is a great support tool that is not only engaging and interactive but gives 24-hour access to information and video training material whenever nursing staff need it. Enhancing our education programme, it helps build individual confidence and unlike other training methods, is a very inviting, engaging and a dedicated system with user experience in mind.”
Currently, the NeoPOD has been developed to cover four key areas: nitric oxide therapy, cooling therapy, ventilation and blood gas analysis.
Priyesh added: “To my knowledge, this is a first of its kind for the NHS, and embraces one of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust’s core values which is to encourage innovation in our hospitals for the benefit of our patients.”
Sue Meads matron of the neonatal unit at St Mary’s said: “This is an exciting innovation for the neonatal unit, it is interactive and easy to use. We hope to develop the NeoPOD further within Imperial College Healthcare’s neonatal service. Since launching this education tool, other departments have shown an interest in having something similar, indicating great potential for its use in the NHS more broadly.”
Godambe Sunit, consultant neonatologist said: “This is a fantastic e-learning tool that is easily accessible to not only nursing but medical staff too. The doctors and nurses who have used it have found it to be of good educational value. We hope to develop all our equipment training on this device and create a similar device for our neonatal unit at Queen Charlotte & Chelsea Hospital. I see its benefit and potential for the future in all critical care areas within NHS.”
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