The Design and Development of a Novel Device that Converts a Patient-Controlled Intravenous Pump into an Oral Liquid Medication Dispenser for Non-Controlled Substances.

Background: Timely administration of oral medications is a significant inpatient challenge, particularly in the context of postoperative pain management with limited nursing resources. Delays in delivering non-opioid analgesics, such as acetaminophen, can result in poorly controlled pain and increased opioid use. Methods: To address this gap, we developed the Patient-Controlled Oral Liquid Dispenser (P-COLD), a novel bedside device that enables patients to self-administer non-controlled liquid medications within programmable safety parameters. The system integrates a hospital-grade intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump into a secure, 3D-printed housing that delivers precise doses of medication into a bedside cup upon patient request. Results: The P-COLD was validated through laboratory testing and simulated-use evaluations without deployment in clinical patient care. Dose accuracy testing demonstrated consistent delivery within ±5% of target volume. Simulated usability testing with healthy volunteers confirmed reliable patient operation with minimal instruction. Nursing staff successfully completed training and setup protocols, and time-motion analyses indicated potential reductions in workflow interruptions and nursing burden during as-needed (PRN) medication delivery. Conclusion: The P-COLD was designed to enable patient-initiated delivery of non-controlled oral liquid medications without IV access and without requiring nurse presence at the bedside for each dose. Validation testing in the laboratory and through simulated use demonstrated accurate dosing, reliable usability, and favorable simulated workflow performance.