Stefan Pfeffer

Furtwangen University | HFU · Faculty of Industrial Technologies

The inadequate anthropometric design of state of the art operation rooms (ORs) is a source of high physical workload for the surgical staff, not least since the advent of minimally invasive surgery. Due to static postural work of the surgeons musculoskeletal complaints are reported by numerous studies. One of the main goals is the transfer and adap...

Present work is concerned with developing a method for assessing human-machine-interaction (“Gebrauch”) including users, which is called evaluation of use (“Gebrauchsevaluation”). Owing to known benefits for the design process, the development pursues a quantifying approach. Additionally, the method shall offer a versatile application. For this pur...

The aim of this article is the analysis of a multidisciplinary developed first prototype of an innovative Arm‐Support‐Device (ASD) for laparoscopic surgery. This device follows the motions of the leaned lower arm of the surgeon and supports the posture in order to relief the surgeon. During the multidisciplinary development process, important requi...

This study systematically analyses the effects on performance (effectiveness and efficiency) as well as experience (satisfaction) when using a Posture Assistance Device (PAD). Therefore an evaluation of the presented PAD was made by a multiple measurement approach in laboratory setting. In a within subject design two tasks were performed in two con...

Laparoscopic surgery (LS) induces physical stress to the surgeon that is associated with an increased prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and injury in the shoulder-neck region. The aim of this research project is to develop an arm support system (ASsyst) that reduces physical stress and is applicable to various laparoscopic interventions and operat...

This study is part of a research project with the aim of reducing physical demand and workload of surgery staff. In a first step, human factors of assistant additional to the surgeon should be analyzed. Therefore subjective and objective measurement approach was utilized. In general the subjective results show slight perceived demand. Furthermore,...

This pilot study systematically analyses and compares ergonomics of laparoscopic and open surgery in gynecology and urology. The results will help to identify and describe elements for ergonomic optimization in these professions. Further a supporting technical system to reduce physical demands shall be developed on the basis of assessment. A multip...

Usability studies often use methods focused on product parameters. Test designs are processed in laboratories and evaluation is commonly performed by expert opinions. For validation studies we want to point out the importance of field studies and user and system oriented evaluation. For this purpose we want to present the methodological approach iF...

Realistic simulation training is on its way to spread all over healthcare [1]. For example, in Denmark simulation training is compulsory for all anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists, in Germany the Anaesthesia Society DGAI promoted the establishment of simulators in all medical schools. Also the goals for using simulators become more widespre...

The anesthesia workplace can be regarded as a complex human-machine-system (HMS). In this information-intensive "cockpit" the operator has to handle several devices. Not only visual but also auditory cues have to be integrated in the action-control-loop. It's obvious that in some stressful and complex situations, a perceptual and cognitive overload...