A model of user engagement in medical device development.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to address three topical themes: user involvement in health services research; determining the value of new medical technologies in patient care pathways, furthering knowledge related to quality in health and social care; and knowledge exchange between manufacturers, health service supply chain networks and device users. The model is being validated in a case study in progress. The latter is a "proving ground" study for a translational research company. Medical devices play a pivotal role in the management of chronic diseases, across all care settings. Failure to engage users in device development inevitably affects the quality of clinical outcomes. A model of user engagement is presented, turning unmet needs for medical devices into viable commercial propositions.


METHODS
A case study investigating the perceptions of individuals with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), their lay and professional carers into unmet needs. EB is an inherited condition affecting the skin and mucosal linings that leads to blistering and wounds.


RESULTS
Qualitative data are being collected to generate understanding of unmet needs and wound care products. These needs are being translated into new design concepts and prototypes. Prototypes will be evaluated in an n = 1 experimental design, generating quantitative outcomes data.


CONCLUSIONS
There are generalisations from the case study, and the model outlined. New products for managing EB wounds can logically benefit other groups. The model is transferable to other clinical problems, which can benefit from research and technological advances that are integral to clinical needs and care.
Grocott
Patricia
P
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London, UK. patricia.grocott@kcl.ac.uk
Weir
Heather
H
Ram
Mala Bridgelal
MB
D003256:Community Participation; D004739:England; D004867:Equipment Design; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011787:Quality of Health Care