Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral intravenous (IV) access remains a common problem faced across healthcare, leading to significant healthcare losses in terms of working hours, resources, as well as patient pain and discomfort. At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s (TJUH) infusion center, many healthcare workers utilize hot towels and disposable heat packs to warm patients’ arms if IV access is difficult- a wasteful solution that provides limited heating.

Methods: Nurses at TJUH’s infusion center were interviewed to define the problem and identify optimal product requirements for healthcare workers. In conjunction with market research, a heat-warming sleeve is designed and created. The design of the IV warmer underwent multiple iterations until the current prototype was reached. Research is also conducted into material design to ensure the device meets hospital disinfection requirements.

Results: A reusable heating sleeve was designed and created. The heating sleeve measures the surface temperature of the arm and operates under a closed loop to ensure that heating has been completed for a preset time. Subsequently, it indicates to the user that the patient’s arm is ready for IV placement.

Discussion/ Conclusions: In this study, a gap in the IV placement market is identified and met. A prototype IV warmer is designed to address the limitations of current heating methods adopted at TJUH. This device is designed around patient-centered care to reduce discomfort for patients during routine IV placements. Additionally, this product aims to lessen waste by reducing the use of disposable heat packs and the extra time healthcare workers spend on additional attempts at IV placement.

Additional Files
Fayek_Bassen_Kravatz_Isaac_poster.pdf (911 kB)

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS