Development of the Newborn Baby Wristband of Phra Pathum Worartchasuriyawong 4 ward in Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital

Abstract

Accurate patient identification is essential for verifying medical information and preventing errors in medication administration, diagnosis, or medical procedures, especially for newborns who cannot communicate. This study aimed to (1) develop an innovative newborn wristband and (2) compare the effectiveness of conventional versus innovative newborn wristbands. The development process involved five steps: (1) empathize, (2) define, (3) ideate, (4) prototype, and (5) test. Participants included professional nurses at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital who provided newborn care (30 in the control group and 30 in the experimental group) and parents of newborns (30 in the control group and 30 in the experimental group). The research instruments were: (1) the innovative newborn wristband, validated by three experts, and (2) the newborn wristband performance evaluation form, with a content validity index (CVI) of 1.00 and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.89. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test.

 Results: The study found that introducing a newborn identification wristband made of brushed fabric resulted in statistically significant differences in safety performance (t (43.76) =-9.17, p < .01; t (45.82) = -30.98, p < .01). Parents and nurses in the experimental group scored higher than those in the control group (Mean = 4.64, 4.78; S.D. = 0.50, 0.20, respectively). Similarly, significant differences were noted in the effectiveness of newborn identification (t (39.90) =-5.28, p < .01; t (51.02) = -21.83, p < .01), with the experimental group of parents and nurses achieving higher mean scores than the control group (Mean = 4.63, 4.90; S.D. = 0.61, 0.31, respectively). Encouraging nurses to apply design thinking in developing patient-centered innovations is advisable. This approach involves systematic and analytical thinking at every stage, with a strong focus on addressing the needs of service recipients, thereby fostering continuous improvement in nursing practice.