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DOI
https://doi.org/10.63853/RVGX1680
Description
INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP
Background: This prototype design project addresses the critical need to enhance pediatric patient comfort by reimagining common medical equipment to be child-friendly. A significant gap exists in pediatric device development, as most tools are repurposed from adult models and fail to consider the unique psychological, emotional, and developmental needs of children (Espinoza et al., 2020). Devices such as pulse oximeters, though essential in monitoring oxygenation and widely regarded as the “fifth vital sign” (Al-Beltagi et al., 2024), often cause distress for young patients. Traditional models feature intimidating adult-centric aesthetics, bright red sensor lights, and sticky wraps that are uncomfortable and easily removed, creating frustration for both children and caregivers (Williams, 2009). The goal of this project is to develop a child-friendly pulse oximeter prototype that improves comfort, reduces anxiety, and supports positive healthcare experiences through empathetic, playful design.
Implementation: This project began with a virtual design consultation with the MakerHealth team, a healthcare prototyping group partnering with Children’s Health Medical Center to support nurse-led design and iterative experimentation. Initial sketches for a child-friendly pulse oximeter led to a first prototype kit including silicone probe covers, design stickers, and silicone tape to replace the original manufacturer cover. Testing showed a need for iteration: silicone covers posed choking risks, and silicone tape lacked adhesion. Based on nurse feedback, a second kit used hand-sketched designs printed on Coban and Medi-pore tape. The Coban design proved most effective, offering flexibility and easier repositioning, though adhesion remains a challenge. The next iteration will refine the Coban-based cover by adding glue dots for stability and will incorporate feedback from perioperative staff, patients, and families to ensure safety, comfort, and child-centered usability.
Evaluation: Feedback from nurses in the peri-operative department was collected using the standardized MakerHealth prototype evaluation after each prototype iteration. Peer input guided the refinement process to explore different materials and adhesive tapes. The most positively received prototype was the Coban with the laser-printed wand. According to peer evaluations, this version was easy to apply and wrap, allowed for repositioning, and still showed the child-friendly design once in use. The next prototype iteration will include wand designs that developed by patients to increase their pediatric appeal and will continue to seek evaluation feedback from staff and families. References available upon request.
Publication Date
11-24-2025
Disciplines
Pediatric Nursing
Recommended Citation
Dickens, Holly, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi No Boo-boo Pulse-Oximeter: A Child-Friendly Prototype to Improve the Pediatric Experience" (2025). 2025. 8.
https://scholarlycollection.childrens.com/nursing-anf2025/8
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
