The recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin prefilled pen: results of patient and nurse human factors usability testing.
OBJECTIVE
The first prefilled pen for administration of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (r-hCG) has been developed. Usability testing was undertaken to evaluate the risk of dosing errors versus the existing r-hCG prefilled syringe, and assess function and handling of the pen.


METHODS
Infertile women who were trying to conceive, and specialist nurses, were recruited in Germany. Usability goals were defined and categorized as critical or functional operational goals. Individual, non-interventional, standardized, usability tests (including ease-of-use assessment) were performed with patients and nurses. Cumulative test scores for critical operations were compared. Non-standardized qualitative analyses of nurse-patient training sessions were performed.


RESULTS
The cumulative test score for the r-hCG prefilled pen was better than that of the existing prefilled syringe, so it was concluded that the overall risk of dosing errors was not higher with the pen. The ease of use of the pen was rated favorably by patients and nurses. Both user groups were confident that they could inject the correct dose using the pen.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall risk of dosing errors was not higher with the r-hCG prefilled pen than the existing prefilled syringe. The ease-of-use of the r-hCG prefilled pen was rated favorably by patients and nurses.
Merck Serono S.A., Geneva, Switzerland. helen.saunders@merckgroup.com
Helen
H
Saunders
Joan C
JC
Schertz
Clara
C
Hecker
Barbara
B
Lang
Pablo
P
Arriagada
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000295:instrumentation; D008508:Medication Errors; D008875:Middle Aged; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D057240:Patient Preference; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012646:Self Administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents