title: The effect of design on the usability and real world effectiveness of medical devices: a case study with adolescent users.
abstract: Adolescents are currently overlooked in many fields of healthcare research and as a result are often required to use medical devices that have been designed for use by either children or adults. This can lead to poor adherence and a reduction in health outcomes. This study examines the role of device design in the real-world effectiveness of a medical device used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis from the perspective of adolescent users. Interactive design interviews were carried out with 20 adolescent users of the acapella(®) physiotherapy device to investigate user requirements and themes about the user-device relationship that are important to this user group. This study found that adolescent users of the acapella(®) device do not use the device as regularly and correctly as is recommended by clinicians. A number of aspects of the current design of the acapella(®) device were identified that affect how and how often it is used. Five factors are identified that may improve the real world effectiveness of the acapella(®) device for adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis: engagement, information, confidence, aesthetics and compatibility with lifestyle.
authors: Human Factors Research Group & MATCH, MATCH Office, Tower Building, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. alexandra.lang@nottingham.ac.uk
authors: Alexandra R
authors: AR
authors: Lang
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Martin
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Sharples
authors: John A
authors: JA
authors: Crowe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001294:Attitude to Health; D035641:Chest Wall Oscillation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D004954:Esthetics; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011187:Posture; D012119:Respiration; D012649:Self Concept; D013686:Telemetry; D055815:Young Adult