Work

The Design and Development of a Novel Device that Converts a Patient-Controlled Intravenous Pump into an Oral Liquid Medication Dispenser for Non-Controlled Substances

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Timely administration of oral medications is a significant inpatient challenge, particularly in the context of postoperative pain management with limited nursing resources. Delays in delivering non-opioid analgesics, such as acetaminophen, can result in poorly controlled pain and increased opioid use. Methods: To address this gap, we developed the Patient-Controlled Oral Liquid Dispenser (P-COLD), a novel bedside device that enables patients to self-administer non-controlled liquid medications within programmable safety parameters. The system integrates a hospital-grade intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump into a secure, 3D-printed housing that delivers precise doses of medication into a bedside cup upon patient request. Results: The P-COLD was validated through laboratory testing and simulated-use evaluations without deployment in clinical patient care. Dose accuracy testing demonstrated consistent delivery within ± 5% of target volume. Simulated usability testing with healthy volunteers confirmed reliable patient operation with minimal instruction. Nursing staff successfully completed training and setup protocols, and time-motion analyses indicated potential reductions in workflow interruptions and nursing burden during as-needed (PRN) medication delivery. Conclusion: The P-COLD was designed to enable patient-initiated delivery of non-controlled oral liquid medications without IV access and without requiring nurse presence at the bedside for each dose. Validation testing in the laboratory and through simulated use demonstrated accurate dosing, reliable usability, and favorable simulated workflow performance. Plain Language Summary: In hospitals, patients often have to wait for a nurse to bring them medicine such as acetaminophen for pain or fever. These delays can leave patients in pain and lead to greater use of opioids to manage symptoms. We created a new device, called the Patient-Controlled Oral Liquid Dispenser (P-COLD), that lets patients safely take certain liquid medicines by themselves at the bedside. The device uses a hospital pump placed inside a secure case. When the patient presses a button, the pump delivers a measured dose of medicine into a cup. Safety limits are built in so patients cannot take too much. In testing, the device gave the right dose every time. Nurses and pharmacy staff were able to set it up quickly, and patients easily learned how to use it. The P-COLD may improve comfort, reduce delays, and decrease the need for as many opioids by making timely, safer medicines available at the bedside. The platform is designed to support delivery of a range of non-controlled oral liquid medications, including antipyretics, antiemetics, bowel regimens, and electrolyte supplements. Keywords: medical device design, oral solution medication delivery, patient-controlled analgesia, postoperative pain management, nursing staffing

Source: Medical Devices Evidence and Research

DOI: 10.2147/mder.s582446

Authors: Taj El-Khalili, Lara Varma, Karley Yung, Jinlei Li, Daniel Wiznia

Institution: Yale University

Language: English

Topic: Intravenous Infusion Technology and Safety

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,320