Presentation
MDD2 - Accounting for Economic Decision-Making in Medical Device Use among Intended Users
DescriptionIdentifying intended product users and designing and testing products with these users in mind is a critical component of product development and human factors research. By identifying product users and considering their specific characteristics throughout this process, much can be learned about how actual users might interact with products. This knowledge is critical to informing potential design improvements and evaluating whether products can be used safely and effectively. A number of user characteristics are often considered when designing and testing products, including physical characteristics such as handedness, vision, or dexterity; education level; profession; and relevant experience with similar products or tasks. However, one characteristic or tendency that may not be given as much consideration is the influence of economic or environmental decision making on product use.
Users’ intentions to behave economically are not inherently problematic in terms of use-based risk, but there are instances where conflict arises with the intention of safe and effective product use. For example, users exhibit unintended or unexpected behaviors that are based on a desire to avoid waste or reduce their own personal healthcare costs. This type of conflict can manifest in multiple ways, including saving money, saving time, or saving waste. Some specific examples include reusing needles or storing injection devices with needles attached, using damaged or expired devices, or administering partial doses of medication rather than discarding residual portions. This poster explores the role of economic decision making on product use. Observations and data from human factors studies will be included to illustrate these considerations.
How does the economic context of the product’s intended users influence behavior? Users might behave differently if their medication is covered by insurance or not, opting to use damaged or expired devices if they are paying out-of-pocket. Users may behave differently if it takes time to manage the acquisition of new supplies or disposal of used devices, for example some users may not know where to acquire/dispose of a sharps container. Users might also behave differently if there is a perceived alternative method of use that does not generate as much waste.
Product designers, manufacturers, and human factors researchers should consider this information. Are these root causes being incorporated sufficiently in the design process? The economic context is an element of the user, and these economic factors potentially impact decision-making and user behavior in a systematic way and therefore should be considered.
Users’ intentions to behave economically are not inherently problematic in terms of use-based risk, but there are instances where conflict arises with the intention of safe and effective product use. For example, users exhibit unintended or unexpected behaviors that are based on a desire to avoid waste or reduce their own personal healthcare costs. This type of conflict can manifest in multiple ways, including saving money, saving time, or saving waste. Some specific examples include reusing needles or storing injection devices with needles attached, using damaged or expired devices, or administering partial doses of medication rather than discarding residual portions. This poster explores the role of economic decision making on product use. Observations and data from human factors studies will be included to illustrate these considerations.
How does the economic context of the product’s intended users influence behavior? Users might behave differently if their medication is covered by insurance or not, opting to use damaged or expired devices if they are paying out-of-pocket. Users may behave differently if it takes time to manage the acquisition of new supplies or disposal of used devices, for example some users may not know where to acquire/dispose of a sharps container. Users might also behave differently if there is a perceived alternative method of use that does not generate as much waste.
Product designers, manufacturers, and human factors researchers should consider this information. Are these root causes being incorporated sufficiently in the design process? The economic context is an element of the user, and these economic factors potentially impact decision-making and user behavior in a systematic way and therefore should be considered.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeMonday, March 254:45pm - 6:15pm CDT
LocationSalon C
Digital Health
Simulation and Education
Hospital Environments
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices
Patient Safety Research and Initiatives