Human factors in the design and operation of ventilators for COVID-19: Guidance from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors

Summary

The purpose of this document is to provide designers and manufacturers of ventilators with overarching advice and guidance on the key themes for consideration and specific Human Factors and Ergonomic (HFE) issues in a period of “crisis management” requiring rapid design and production.

Content

This document outlines seven key topics that designers and manufacturers of ventilators should address. Suggestions for how to address these issues and the link to the COVID-19 crisis are identified:

1. User interface
2. Users of ventilators
3. Environment of use
4. Task
5. The risks
6. Instructions for use
7. Training.