Medical device deaths and complications are serious problems in the healthcare and medical device industries. Human factor research plays an increasingly important role in preventing them.
Human factor research focuses on understanding how humans interact with devices, systems, and processes and how to design devices to be as safe and effective as possible. Human factor research involves studying how people use medical devices and the design elements that can increase safety and usability. This research is often used to create user-friendly medical devices, which can help reduce the risk of medical device deaths and complications. Human factor research also helps identify potential problems in the design or use of medical devices. It can help manufacturers improve their products and reduce the risk of errors and complications.
One example of how human factor research can help reduce medical device deaths and complications is developing better user interfaces. The user interface is an important part of any medical device, and it should be designed in a manner that is proven to be easy to use and understand. Poorly designed user interfaces can lead to errors and complications, resulting in medical device deaths and complications. By conducting user research, manufacturers can understand how people interact with their devices and design user interfaces that are easy for humans to use and understand. Human factor research can also help manufacturers create medical devices with better safety features. For example, manufacturers can research how people use medical devices and then use this information to design devices with built-in safety features that help prevent errors and complications. These features include automatic shut-off, audible alarms, and other safety measures. Finally, human factor research can help manufacturers create medical devices that are more reliable and durable.
Here are five known deaths that could have been prevented by adequate human factors research. The list of complications is likely much longer and underreported.
- In 2014, a woman in Florida died after a nurse administered a drug incorrectly labeled in a medical device. The medical device had a user interface that was difficult to use, resulting in the nurse mistaking the drug for a different one.
- In 2017, a woman in Maryland died after a nurse incorrectly set the dosage of a drug delivered via a medical device. The medical device had a complex user interface, and the nurse had difficulty operating it, leading to the incorrect dosage.
- In 2018, a man in California died after a doctor incorrectly set the dosage of a drug delivered via a medical device. The medical device had a confusing user interface, and the doctor had difficulty understanding how to operate it, leading to the incorrect dosage.
- In 2018, a woman in Illinois died after a doctor operated a medical device incorrectly. The medical device had a complex user interface, and the doctor had difficulty understanding how to operate it, leading to the device being operated incorrectly.
- In 2019, a man in Wisconsin died after a nurse incorrectly set the dosage of a drug delivered via a medical device. The medical device had a confusing user interface, and the nurse had difficulty operating it, leading to the incorrect dosage.
Manufacturers can design devices that can withstand daily use and normal wear and tear by researching how people use medical devices. This research may help reduce the risk of medical device deaths and complications and improve the device’s overall performance. In conclusion, human factor research is increasingly important in preventing medical device deaths and complications. By understanding how people use medical devices and designing devices to be more user-friendly, reliable, and durable, manufacturers can reduce the risk of errors and complications. This knowledge can help save lives and improve healthcare quality for everyone.