Testing new devices to help prevent 'misconnection' errors in health care.

The study, the first part of which was published in 2008, looked at, prospectively, how effective and safe new, nontraditional connectors were for use in spinal connector equipment such as spinal needles and infusion lines. The researchers analysed existing evidence on adverse incidents in this area, held workshops to discuss the problem, tested new devices with a simulator, and evaluated them in clinical practice trials at four different hospitals in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]