Publication Date
11-1-2020
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Human Factors
Volume
62
Issue
7
DOI
10.1177/0018720820953644
First Page
1041
Last Page
1060
Abstract
Objective: We present examples of laboratory and remote studies, with a focus on studies appropriate for medical device design and evaluation. From this review and description of extant options for remote testing, we provide methods and tools to achieve research goals remotely. Background: The FDA mandates human factors evaluation of medical devices. Studies show similarities and differences in results collected in laboratories compared to data collected remotely in non-laboratory settings. Remote studies show promise, though many of these are behavioral studies related to cognitive or experimental psychology. Remote usability studies are rare but increasing, as technologies allow for synchronous and asynchronous data collection. Method: We reviewed methods of remote evaluation of medical devices, from testing labels and instruction to usability testing and simulated use. Each method was coded for the attributes (e.g., supported media) that need consideration in usability studies. Results: We present examples of how published usability studies of medical devices could be moved to remote data collection. We also present novel systems for creating such tests, such as the use of 3D printed or virtual prototypes. Finally, we advise on targeted participant recruitment. Conclusion: Remote testing will bring opportunities and challenges to the field of medical device testing. Current methods are adequate for most purposes, excepting the validation of Class III devices. Application: The tools we provide enable the remote evaluation of medical devices. Evaluations have specific research goals, and our framework of attributes helps to select or combine tools for valid testing of medical devices.
Keywords
analysis and evaluation, design strategies, tools, medical devices and technologies, qualitative methods, remote usability testing and evaluation
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Department
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Recommended Citation
Anne Collins McLaughlin, Patricia R. DeLucia, Frank A. Drews, Monifa Vaughn-Cooke, Anil Kumar, Robert R. Nesbitt, and Kevin Cluff. "Evaluating Medical Devices Remotely: Current Methods and Potential Innovations" Human Factors (2020): 1041-1060. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720820953644
Comments
This is the Version of Record and can also be read online here.