Investigating Vibration Levels in Neonatal Patient Transport

Canada's first standardized Neonatal Patient Transport System (NPTS) has been introduced in Ontario. Vibrations experienced by neonatal patients during transport in the NPTS have been a concern, since previous studies have suggested that such vibrations could increase morbidity and mortality rates for neonates. A road test mimicking actual transport was carried in a ground ambulance with the NPTS. Results show an amplification of vibrations at the neonate's head, relative to the floor, mostly at 9.5 Hz, and that neonates likely experience vibrations exceeding adult standards. A standardized environment test has demonstrated the first successful installation and validation of an entire NPTS atop an industrial shaker table. Results demonstrate that custom mattresses decreased the vibration when compared to the currently used Geo-Matrix™ mattress by 2-4 times, and use of a head restraint harness showed a decrease in vibration when compared to the standard five-point harness by 1.7-3.3 times.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering, Electrical and Computer

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Darwaish, Fadwa

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2021 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, research, scholarship, and teaching. Theses may only be shared by linking to Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be used without proper attribution to the author. No part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2020-14398

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/41563