Abstract
In this study critical care nurses and emergency medical workers (including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics) were surveyed regarding their opinions of medical device usability. The goal of the study was to determine how the two populations fared in terms of general product understanding, proficiency, usability, and functionality. Furthermore, the study identified similarities and differences between the two populations, and explored areas of medical technology design upon which manufacturers can improve. Results showed that a major concern of both populations was training; nurses and emergency medical workers felt that workloads do not allow time for sufficient mastery of the devices. The respondents also felt that medical devices could be more consistent and less complex. Both groups indicated that it is most important to design products that are easy to learn, easy to use upon first use, and efficient to use long-term.
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