Human factors impact medical device design

As technology continues to evolve, drug-delivery devices and drug-delivery training devices that simulate how to inject a prefilled syringe, auto-injector, or injection pen have adapted and evolved to new industry and health care standards. As in designing the actual drug-delivery device, human factors are important when designing a device trainer.

Human factors impact our ability to overcome nerves, anxiety, and other emotional and cognitive behaviors, so the use of multisensory technology – technology that engages the five senses – has proven to increase patient confidence and improve message recall. These technologies have been implemented in training devices for injectors, and the future holds many possibilities for integration into medical devices.

According to a recent survey conducted by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), only 16% of patients use auto-injectors properly.

“More than half missed three or more steps. The most common error was not holding the unit in place for at least 10 seconds after triggering release of the epinephrine,” the UTMB states. “Other common errors included failure to place the needle end of the device on the thigh and not depressing the device forcefully enough to activate the injection.”
 

Device training

To reduce user errors and build patient confidence, smart-device training tools have been developed to support patients in learning how to properly use their drug-delivery devices. Trainers mimic drug-delivery devices and leverage multisensory technologies to improve message recall, giving patients a practice tool to master technique and support the proper use of commercial platforms. Multisensory technologies incorporate audio, visual, and tactile feedback to maximize learning and provide a better educational experience to patients and healthcare professionals.

Common errors that can be addressed through device training include:

• Injection into an unapproved site
• Failure to remove device cap before actuating the device
• Insertion angle of needle or positioning of the device on the injection site
• Proper sequence to prepare or unlock safety mechanisms
• Recapping the device, either damaging the needle or accidentally actuating the device
• Premature or out-of- sequence actuation of the device
• Proper hold time to receive a full dose

Noble recently participated in a third-party user study that found patients who are trained prior to self-injecting increase their confidence in performing an injection by 86%. Furthermore, the study concluded that 84% of patients prefer to use an error-correcting trainer – a new multisensory technology that helps patients understand and correct their errors with tactile, visual, and spoken instruction. Think of a diabetes patient who has to inject insulin every day – a smart training device such as a Bluetooth Error Correcting Pen provides feedback, and helps patients overcome anxiety. This is an example of how multisensory technologies can be used to assist a patient.

Customization

Recent evolution in multisensory technology includes the addition of electronics, sensors, audio, LED, and tactile simulations to detect errors. Then the technology is able to teach patients, in real-time, in the patient’s home environment, the location of the actual injection. Repetition reinforces proper usage behaviors. These new technologies can be incorporated into packaging and training devices, and paired with mobile platforms to enrich the patient experience through adaptive and engaging support programs.

Multisensory devices, whether training or actual medical device, are the key to achieving an increased level of understanding with a user. Devices are customized to the needs of specific patient populations and delivery platforms to build adherent behaviors in patients. As applied to device trainers, devices use resettable mechanisms and multisensory technologies (visual, auditory, and tactile) to complement health care provider training, creating added value and brand loyalty within clinical settings.

Improved technologies, such as error correcting and wireless features, allow brands to engage patients and provide personalized training content based on individual needs and performance.

As new brands continue to launch in augment markets, brands will continue looking for strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors. In the modern era of patient-centric care, products that provide superior educational and user experiences will be competitively well positioned in the future.

Noble
www.gonoble.com

About the author: Craig Baker is executive vice president at Noble and has been active in the growth of Noble’s infrastructure, which more recently, includes growth in engineering and manufacturing. Baker can be reached at info@gonoble.com or 888.933.5646.

Sources: http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206%2814%2900752-2/fulltext and http://www.utmb.edu/newsroom/article10169.aspx