Autoinjector Design Parameters: A Human Factors Perspective

Abstract

Subcutaneous drug delivery systems have evolved to include patient-operated devices such as pen injectors, autoinjectors, and on-body injectors. This evolution is driven by a rising need for devices that enable users across chronic disease states to routinely self-administer medications at home instead of going to a clinic. Convenient and easy-to-use autoinjectors are a primary target of interest due to its simplicity to operate. There is an anticipated substantial growth in the autoinjectors market, which is driven by many factors, such as the growing demand for home care due to the increased chronic diseases rate. Autoinjectors that are easy to operate may reduce users’ anxiety related to needle-related phobia, accidents, and errors. Human factors development work is critical since enhanced usability can increase patient acceptability, safety, and compliance. Human factors methodologies can be applied to not only evaluate the safe and effectiveness of a user interface, but also to optimize the design of user interface by considering the user population characteristics including physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. In this investigation, we focus our efforts on user interface attributes relating to critical tasks in operating the autoinjector device, by consolidating information from successful autoinjector design published in literature and different anthropometric and ergonomic parameters, that could inform the user interface requirements that drive design specifications for autoinjectors.