ABSTRACT
Ergonomic optimization of surgical work systems and usability of medical products have become subjects of increasing interest during the past years as they have been proven to be a key factor in patient and user safety. Technical progress in the medical field has not only lead to new therapeutic possibilities but also to additional risks in terms of more complex man-machine-interaction and an increased number of devices in the OR. In the OrthoMIT project an approach for an integrated surgical workstation based on open standards was developed and implemented. This framework allows for flexible configuration of the surgical work system and safe interoperation between included devices according to specific interventions or workflows. As man-machine-interaction in such integrated work systems implies additional risks and questions (e.g. regarding situation and system awareness or versatile interaction n1odalities) diverse approaches were developed. A model based prospective risk assessment method for complex man-machine-interaction as well as a sterile multipurpose input device for planning and navigation tasks are presented as examples.
