ABSTRACT
Background: Hemodialysis is a lifesaving treatment warranting extensive training to perform safely and effectively in different use environments. Shortages in nurse staffing due to the COVID 19 pandemic caused a desire to innovate systems that can be safely and effectively used by healthcare professionals (HCPs). The Tablo Hemodialysis System ("Tablo") is easy-to-learn, indicated for clinic, hospital, and home settings. Features include a simplified user interface, interactive touchscreen GUI coupled with videos to assist users. Prior usability testing of Tablo had a use error rate of 1.5%. Here we report on the results of simulated use human factors validation testing on recent software version of the Tablo Hemodialysis System ("Tablo") with HCPs in the clinic setting. Method(s): HCPs tested the Tablo in a simulated clinic environment to validate safety and usability. HCPs underwent training on all aspects of device operation;including setup, takedown, monitoring, routine maintenance, and alarm resolution. After a decay of at least one hour, HCPs performed tasks without the trainer. Task performance to use errors, close calls, and difficulties were recorded along with interview data. Result(s): Fifteen (15) HCPs were recruited, consisting of 9 RNs with prior HD experience and 6 dialysis technicians. A total of 7365 tasks were performed, with the use error rate across all tasks less than <1%, with most use errors related to Manual Blood Return. 100% of HCPs reported that they felt they could use Tablo safely and effectively. Summary of user task assessments shown in Figure 1. Conclusion(s): After standard 3-hour training, HCPs were able to safely and effectively operate Tablo in a simulated use clinic setting. HF testing of this more recent software shows further reduction in Tablo's already low use error rate. This supports prior data regarding the ability of HCPs to easily learn and use Tablo and the device's ability to facilitate expansion of available dialysis nursing staff while increasing the quality and safety of dialysis treatments across the care continuum. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many facilities experienced dialysis resource shortages of specialized dialysis staff, sterile dialysate, dialysis systems, and treatment locations. The Tablo® Hemodialysis System was deployed in numerous hospitals to help meet the increased need for dialysis delivery. Tablo is an all-in-one, easy-to-learn system indicated for clinic, hospital and home settings. Features include integrated water purification, on demand dialysate production, simplified user interface and two-way wireless connectivity. Tablo's clinical versatility and simplicity allow for broad prescribing and treatment location options. The objective is to report on Tablo training effectiveness during urgent deployment to facilities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Standard training with Tablo (< 4 hours) was performed during the peak COVID months of March through May at 51 facilities. Information regarding nursing experience and current role was recorded. Nursing staff trained on Tablo in May completed an electronic survey post-training. Based on a Likert scale ranging from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree, respondents rated their satisfaction with training, system ease of use, and confidence performing dialysis independently post training. Results: Of 926 clinicians trained, 854 were registered nurses (RNs). 136 RNs completed the survey and were representative of the entire group (49% vs 47% ICU, 35% vs 34% HD, 11% vs 16% Non ICU/Non HD). Responses of Strongly Agree or Agree are presented in Table 1 by experience and current role. Conclusions: Nurses of varied experience and areas of focus trained on Tablo during the pandemic reported: high levels of satisfaction with training, the device was easy to use, and confidence in providing treatment to patients. The Tablo Hemodialysis System can allow training of existing staff to efficiently expand a facility's renal replacement capabilities.