A study conducted by a medical branch of the University of Texas at Galveston revealed that almost 80% of patients did not demonstrate the correct use of an auto-injectable device. The most common errors were not applying enough force to the device, not holding it correctly, and selecting an unsuitable injection site.
The study also found that wet injections caused 86% of the errors during the injection process. It could mean that patients would not receive their full doses of medication. Another issue that the researchers discovered was that many patients did not understand the instructions that came with the device. A survey conducted by Noble and colleagues revealed that over half of the participants had not read the IFU document before they started treatment.
Besides the usual package inserts and instructions, healthcare providers are sometimes used as learning intermediaries for patients. They can additionally provide their patients with training and education. However, drug delivery training devices can be very effective, as research has shown various inconsistencies and variability in how these pieces of training are conducted.
One of the most effective ways to address the various gaps in the onboarding process is by developing training devices designed to provide a consistent and accurate patient experience. These devices are usually simple to implement and can be easily integrated into the training program. However, they require a lot of engineering and design expertise to develop and implement successfully.
The Quality Control Process
A study by a medical institution revealed that over 80% of patients who used an auto-injectable device did not follow the correct procedure. Patients’ most common errors were not holding the device correctly and not selecting an appropriate injection site.
The researchers noted that over 86% of the errors that occurred in the procedure were caused by wet injections. It could mean that patients did not receive their full doses. Another issue the study revealed was that many participants did not understand the IFU document.
Besides the usual instructions and package inserts, healthcare providers can also help patients by providing them with training and education. This method can be very effective, as studies have shown that various methods are involved in conducting these types of training.
One of the most effective strategies to address the various issues during the onboarding process is by creating drug delivery training devices designed with a consistent and accurate experience. These devices can be easily integrated into a training program, but they require a lot of expertise to succeed.
What Makes Drug Delivery Training Devices Outstanding?
Modern drug delivery devices are more sophisticated than their predecessors. These include sensors and electronic components that allow them to monitor the precise timing and dose delivery of drugs. They can also provide patients with feedback to know if they have been successfully delivered. These devices are also connected to various apps and programs, allowing them to collect data.
These devices can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of care for patients and caregivers. They can track the amount of medication each patient has taken and provide them with a detailed history of their medication. They can also alert them when they are low on medication or trigger automatic refills.
These drug delivery training devices can also connect to various apps and programs, allowing them to deliver drugs more effectively and efficiently. They can also remind patients when a dose is due or trigger alarms if they are not taking the medication as prescribed.
The right combination of these features can help improve the safety and effectiveness of drug delivery devices. However, the added features can also make them more demanding on the user. For instance, users might need to learn how to use an app to monitor and track their medication.
In addition to being able to monitor and track their medication, users might also need to learn how to interpret the various sounds and lights of the device to determine if it’s ready to use. It is much more complex than simply pushing a plunger.
The Balance Between Simplicity and Functionality
When it comes to designing medical devices, it’s important to balance the need for ease of use and functionality with the need for patients to be able to access the device. Just because a feature can get connected doesn’t mean it should be. Developers should also ask themselves if the connected feature improves the experience or adds unnecessary complexity.
We can also balance the needs of both the users and the device manufacturers by keeping humans at the center of the design process. Human factors studies can help us identify areas where improvements can be made.
Sometimes, these can be as simple as changing the device’s design or the software itself. Doing so can help improve the experience for patients. In addition to providing a better user experience, these changes can also help reduce the number of actions the user has to perform.
Human Factors in Drug Delivery Training Devices
Our team also conducts human factors studies to help medical device developers identify the most critical factors to consider when making their products safer. We’ve been able to help many companies make effective decisions by asking the right questions and conducting the right studies. Human factors studies can also help manufacturers avoid costly mistakes and develop products designed to maximize the safety and acceptance of their drugs.
As the technological advancements that are being made in the pharmaceutical industry continue, the design and engineering of these devices will become more complex. It will allow patients to improve their treatment confidence and overcome treatment barriers. One of the most important factors that manufacturers must consider when developing training devices is ensuring that they are tested and approved to work properly. It means that patients will be able to thoroughly understand the various steps involved in the administration of drugs. Aside from being able to perform the tasks properly, training devices also need to be designed to accurately reproduce the interaction and ergonomics of the device.
Due to the increasing number of patients who are taking self-administered medications, the need for training has become more prevalent. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in developing effective training solutions to help their customers improve their experience.