Endoscope Reprocessing

Objectives

Working in close collaboration, 3M and Atrium Health will explore opportunities for utilizing VR/AR technology for training in endoscope reprocessing journey.

Vision

• Develop improved training for endoscope reprocessing
• Proof-of-concept working prototype
• Create larger vision for long term opportunities and deployment

Project Hypothesis

We believe that developing training with immersive technology for technicians, managers, and educators, will achieve consistency in device reprocessing. We will know this is true when all steps in the process are consistently completed and there are safe culture levels.

Process and Methodologies

Workshops, job shadowing, co-design, on-site user testing

Solutions

Use voice-enabled process guidance workflow and VR/AR training solutions for technicians of all levels of experiences, we can help to reduce errors and increase attentiveness and compliance with the endoscope manufacturers" instructions for use (IFU).

Business Opportunities

• 3M Healthcare Academy branding advertising
• Collaboration with IFU database vendors and endoscope manufactures
• Endoscope identification and tracking using various 3M products such as RFID tags and durable label products

First Iteration

Our customer express strong interest in the workflow enhancement concept; here are the highlights of their "feedback":

• Provide “advanced mode” for experienced users where they can skip parts of IFU or when they have questions only about a certain step.
• Some users suggest using still techincal illustrations over animations.
• In our customer's facility, the workflow resembles a small assembly-line with three "technicians": Each is in charge of different stages of reprocessing of all the endoscopes of that shift, instead of one technician following through one endoscope from beginning to end.
• Voice UI with a speaker may not work in a noisy environment with multiple AER in the same room.