According to the NFU (2024), pulse oximeters are the second most environmentally impactful disposable medical product in terms of CO₂-equivalent emissions. At Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis (RdGG), all departments have transitioned to reusable pulse oximeters, except for the pediatric units.
This graduation project, conducted in collaboration with RdGG, investigates the barriers to adopting reusable pediatric pulse oximeters and proposes a solution through product design.

Initial research revealed that fully reusable pulse oximeters face several barriers in pediatric care, primarily due to concerns around hygiene, usability, and child- friendliness. Among the alternatives explored, a hybrid pulse oximeter, combining a reusable sensor with disposable adhesive stickers, was identified as the most promising solution for the pediatric context.

The goal of this project was to develop a user-friendly, cleanable, and sustainable storage solution that encourages nurses to use the hybrid pediatric pulse oximeter while ensuring safe storage for a long sensor lifetime. This led to the creation of the SatuSavers, a family of three product variants.

Of the three, the pole-mounted version was fully developed and tested for implementation. Through interviews, observations, co-creation, and prototyping, the design was refined to meet the criteria.
A full transition to hybrid sensors supported by the SatuSavers could lead to a significant reduction of environmental impact, alongside a cost reduction of up to 70.2% compared to the current use of disposable sensors.

The SatuSavers offer a practical and context specific solution to facilitate a seamless transition towards more sustainable pediatric pulse oximetry.