The selection of the best concept included rating numerous alternatives and the production of several prototypes. After analysis, testing, and feedback from doctors, nurses, developmental experts, and mothers, the selected concept has the following characteristics:
Shape: The shape of the mimetic device (The Zaky) consists of a human hand (left or right) as the shape is familiar to the mothers and nurses and assists the mother to be involved in the care of the child by feeling she is leaving a part of her with the baby. In addition, the fingers allow other uses as they can be tied, or fully filled to make them firmer.
Length: The optimum length was found to be up to the elbow so it does not interfere with other items in the bed, it can give support and comfort to the infant from head to toe, and the arm serves as an anchor to give stability to the hand when it is placed on top of the baby. It also allows flexibility of use and the adjustment of the weight of the hand to satisfy individual needs of the patient and the conversion to the pediatric bolster support (firm roll) by shifting all the weight to the forearm and folding it to secure it. This bolster device provides extra support from the top of the head along the spine to keep the sideling position and it prevents immobilized infants (i.e, intubated) from moving the head to the back or roll over.
Diameter Of Arm: The best option was found to be 9cms as it mimics the forearm of a regular sized woman, and is similar to the size of a rolled blanket, something that nurses are used to using. In addition, my making the entire forearm of a constant diameter, it converts to a firm tube (pediatric bolster support system) when all the filling is shifted to the arm.
Size Of Hand: One frequent feeling of caring mothers that have babies in the NICU is their inability to stay with the child; they wish they could leave a part of them accompanying their baby. The best was that size that mimics a regular sized woman.
Weight: The weight of 450-600grs was found to be the best in order for the user to select the weight of the hand and the firmness of the forearm according to the needs and size of the infant. Minimal shrinkage of the filling occurs when the Zaky is washed in warm or hot water but it will not damage or modify its characteristics.
Filled (% Of Total Cavity): 60-80% was found to be the optimal, combined with the consideration of the weight of the device. This percentage of filling allows the Zaky to conform to the surface it is placed on, and the user to shift the filling to the forearm to convert it into the pediatric bolster support system, and select the weight of the hand easily.
Ends Design: One side is the hand; the other end is a circular end, to allow the Zaky to have a tubular form with soft ends as the hand is folded under the tube.
Fabric Pattern: The best option was the solid color as other items of the bed such as towels are already colored and with patterns. The solid color is also more soothing for the infant.
Color: A neutral tan color was selected as it complements the color of the patient and it “conceals” dirt better than soft pastel colors.
The color of the babies such as those with jaundice, and other medical conditions were considered when making the selection. The color selected was the recommendation of nurses. Also, only one color is provided to eliminate the need to have different colors in inventory and mothers wanting a different color than that that was assigned.
Shell Material and Characteristics: 100% anti-pilling micro fleece. Since the device will be washed, an anti-pilling material was preferable. Also, was selected as it does not shrink, fade, it is breathable, it is fully washable, hypoallergenic, keeps the patient at a comfortable temperature and it soft to use directly on the skin of the baby
Lining: The Zaky has a 100% polyester bag inside the micro fleece, with double reinforced seams so that three seams must be open for the filling to spill. This is a safety consideration as it might be washed in industrial machines.
Filling Material: The material selected for the filling was polyethylene pellets, as it is fully washable, inherent to fluids that may be spilled on it, it conforms to the surface, and it does not get hot from a heat source, microwave, or inside an incubator.
Scent: The Zaky is unscented to allow the mother to scent it with her own scent so she and the baby feel closer to each other. Scenting can be achieved by placing it on the bare skin of the chest or behind the neck for a couple of hours (i.e., while visiting the baby). It could also be washed at home so that the baby starts smelling the scents he will find at home.
Method For Converting To A Pediatric Bolster Support (Firm roll): The method selected was the folding method, that is, the user will fold the Zaky to secure the filling in one of the sides. This method prevents potential tangles or misplacement of a detachable mechanism and the potential obstruction or safety hazards of a built-in mechanism.
Decoration: It is purposely kept to a minimum. An embroidered company logo on the top of the hand with colors that blend with the color of the device and it will not interfere with the use of the device. It is permanent and does not present a hazard to the infant. If ordered in large (3000+) quantities, the buyer may specify the decoration (hospital logo, company logo, a message, etc)
Label: A label that will not fade is placed at the bottom of the forearm and includes warnings, washing instructions, a place to write the name of the baby, and production information. This is a woven label so that it does not fade with washes and it is sewn all around to prevent entanglement of items or the infant’s extremities.
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