Hintergrund/Zielsetzung: Während laparoskopischer Eingriffe kommt es bei den Chirurgen zu biomechanischen Belastungen und somit zu einer erhöhten Prävalenz von Muskel-Skelett-Beschwerden im Schulter-Nacken-Bereich und Hand-Arm-Bereich. In diesem Forschungsprojekt wurde ein spezifisches Unterstützungssystem zur Belastungsreduktion für laparoskopisch tätige Chirurgen entwickelt und auf vorklinischer Ebene evaluiert.

Objective of the study was a comprehensive description of selected standard laparoscopic interventions in urology and gynecology by a multiple measurement approach using subjective and objective assessment techniques.The results show substantial asymmetric biomechanical strain (sEMG) which could not be observed by subjective assessment techniques and feedback of the surgeons.

The present contribution describes the limitations and potentials of the Human-Machine Interface. A new method for evaluation, the iFlow-Analysis, is presented with special respect to information flows and the overflow of information. A specific result is the relation between the information density and the ability of the user, shown on the example of a trailed crop protection sprayer.

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 overloading of the anesthetist could occur and therefor inhibit an efficient and save interaction. The design of the interfaces and the form of information presentation has a significant impact on these aspects.The contribution presents the possibilities of the new methodical approach "iFlow Analysis" (information-flow) to observe cognitive ergonomics and informatory load in such HMS. In our exemplary observation we used an eyetracking-system to evaluate the user interactions in a simulated scenario and in a field (thyroidectomy and exploratory laparotomy) situation. All incoming visual and auditory signals were observed during the procedure of anesthetic guidance. The interactions have been integrated in the so called iFlow Chart to evaluate the density of information presentation. In addition informatory load has been measured by the dynamic changes of pupil size.

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 widespread in terms of basic education, advanced training, research and even performance assessment [2]. There are many different areas of using modern patient simulators [3]. One of them is research on human factors and human limitations. One special focus of this research can be product usability and ergonomics. This research and the knowledge about human limitations can have an effect on future development to design safer devices [4]. The experience and the methodology in analysing medical cases combined with modern manikin based simulators and the infrastructure of modern simulation labs can provide a perfect test bed for innovative product development.