Assessment of medical risks and optimization of their management using Integrated Medical Model
- Paper number
IAC-08.A1.3.7
- Author
Mrs. Mary Fitts, NASA Johnson Space Center, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Jerry Myers, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Diana Risin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Johnson Space Center, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Sriram Madurai, NASA Johnson Space Center, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Douglas Butler, Wyle Laboratories, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Eric Kerstman, Wyle Laboratories, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. DeVon Griffin, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Kathy Johnson-Throop, NASA Johnson Space Center, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Illnesses and injury during space flight are considered to be primary risks for crew health and loss of mission objectives in exploration class missions. These risks can be minimized and mitigated in multiple ways including stringent crew selection criteria, broader preventative measures and ensuring that the crew members have the appropriate hardware and training to successfully respond to medical events within the mission. The Integrated Medical Model (IMM) Project is a software-based technique designed toidentify and quantify the medical needs and health risks of exploration crew members during space flight and evaluate the effectiveness of potential mitigation strategies. The IMM Project employs an evidence-based approach that quantifies probability and consequences of defined in-flight medical risks, mitigation strategies, and tactics to optimize crew member health. Using stochastic techniques, the IMM ultimately can inform decision makers at both programmatic and institutional levels and enable objective assessment of crew health and optimization of mission success using data from relevant cohort populations and from the astronaut population. The objectives of the project include ? identification and documentation of conditions that may occur during exploration missions (Baseline Medical Conditions List [BMCL), ? assessment of the likelihood of conditions in the BMCL occurring during exploration missions (incidence rate), ? determination of the risk associated with these conditions and quantify in terms of end states (Loss of Crew, Loss of Mission, Evacuation), ? optimization of in-flight hardware mass, volume, power, bandwidth and cost for a given level of risk or uncertainty, and ? validation of the methodologies used. These objectives are compatible with the NASA Risk Management Model and incorporate the five stages of the NASA Risk Model: ? identifying: possible risks, statements of risk ? analyzing: evaluating likelihood/severity, classifying and prioritizing risks ? planning: defining mitigation approaches ? tracking: monitoring risk metrics, verifying/validating mitigation methods ? control: invoking contingency plans, re-working mitigation strategies An additional objective is the development of a common understanding of “acceptable risk” and “residual risk” for all mission phases. Clearly articulated assessments of what risk remains after mitigation or prevention steps have been executed (residual risk) are central to the primary use of IMM. If the residual risk is not acceptable to the Program, then modifications are required. The acceptable level of residual risk is not identical for all conditions so it is vital that these terms be defined for each condition and be thoroughly documented. The IMM uses Monte Carlo simulations of crew, mission, and in-flight medical capabilities to assess specific risks and optimize outcomes. The simulation interfaces with straightforward Excel spreadsheets to maximize ease of input. The output provides quantifiable assessment of risk using metrics, such as mission time lost or changes in fitness for duty, and addresses the efficacy of treatment capabilities and countermeasures. The IMM provide an unprecedented level of quantifiable assessment of crew health risk to the Constellation Program. Although the final definition of crew health requirements during Exploration missions is provided by the cadre of NASA flight surgeons (Subject Matter Experts), the IMM is an important tool in the decision-making process.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.A1.3.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.