Beyond the bottom line: Why patient input matters in medical device purchasing decisions

Abstract

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) technologies, including blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, thermometer, scale, and tablet, allow eligible patients to monitor and share their vitals with their healthcare team from the comfort of their home. When procuring new RPM devices, human factors specialists sought feedback from patients and clinicians using the RPM devices and conducted usability testing with patient advisors to inform the purchasing decision. Usability testing is a validated human factors technique that evaluates the ease of use and safety of medical devices and equipment. A device that is easy to use can increase patient adherence to reporting their vitals, reduce stress for the patient, and increase the pool of patients who can use the devices easily at home. Lessons learned on how to incorporate usability testing into the procurement cycle, and the value of involving end-users in patient facing medical device evaluations will be provided.