Usability Assessment of an Innovative Device in Infusion Therapy: A Mix-Method Approach Study

Abstract

Background: Flushing a venous access device is an important procedure to maintain their patency and prevent malfunctioning and complications. An innovative double-chamber syringe was developed, allowing for the assessment of catheter patency, drug delivery and final flush. This study aims to assess the usability of this new device, considering three development stages (concept, semi-functional prototype, functional prototype). Methods: An iterative methodology based on a mix-method design (qualitative and quantitative) enabled the assessment of the devices’ usability by their primary end-users. A usability questionnaire was developed and applied, along with focus groups and individual interviews to nurses. Results: The usability questionnaire integrated 42 items focused on four dimensions (usefulness; ease of use; ease of learning; satisfaction and intention to use). The initial psychometric findings indicate a good internal consistency and the conceptual relevance of the items. The scores seem to be sensitive to the usability evaluation of the medical devices in different stages of product development (with lower values on functional prototype evaluation), and related to nurses’ perceptions about functional and ergonomic characteristics. Conclusions: Quantitative and qualitative data provided a comprehensive overview of the double-chamber syringes’ usability from the nurses’ point of view, informing us of features that must be addressed.

Nurses’ Practices in the Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization of Adult Oncology Patients: A Mix-Method Study

“…These results are concerning since international standards of care include statements on flushing as a gold standard practice that enhances catheter patency and function [41][42][43][44]. Flushing peripheral intravenous catheters before and after each administration of intravenous medication allows for the assessment of catheter patency, avoids the mixing of incompatible drugs and fluids, and reduces the build-up of fibrin and biofilm [16,45,46]. Future investment is required to promote standardized flushing practices between the ward nurses, as well as provide single-use materials that counteract the use of shared bags of normal saline, as reported in phase two.…”

Nurses’ Involvement in the Development and Usability Assessment of an Innovative Peripheral Intravenous Catheterisation Pack: A Mix-Method Study

“…According to the feedback provided, a semi-functional PIVC-P prototype was developed and assessed by the nurses ( n = 13) in the second focus group. After a brief period of interaction with the prototype, nurses were asked to fill out a usability questionnaire [ 23 ]. Nurses were then asked to discuss the pack’s current requirements, potential use in clinical settings, and design.…”

“…Allocation to each starting arm (A-B or B-A) was pre-determined blindly by a research assistant using the participants’ alphanumerical codes using the online software . At the end of phase two, each nurse completed the same usability questionnaire used during the second focus group [ 23 ]. Nurses were interviewed to explore their perceptions regarding the usability and applicability of the PIVC-P in a real clinical setting.…”

“…The participants were requested to perform PIVC three times in each arm given the potential existence of a learning curve and training needs required to use the PIVC-P. Secondary parameters were assessed through a usability questionnaire [ 23 ], as well as through the audio recordings from the individual interviews and focus group carried out. The questionnaire was comprised of 42 items divided into four domains: (i) usefulness, with 12 items (e.g., item 4: “It helps me to be more efficient”, item 9 “It allows me to have better control over my tasks”); (ii) ease of use, with 10 items (e.g., item 14: “It is simple to use“, item 18 “It does not require physical effort to use”); (iii) ease of learning, with 6 items (e.g., item 25: “I easily remember how to use it”, item 28: “there is no need for written instructions to use it”); and (iv) satisfaction/intention to use, with 14 items (e.g., item 30: “I would recommend it to colleagues”, item 41: “I will like to use it frequently”).…”

Co-Design in Electrical Medical Beds with Caregivers

“…The employees that have to manage and face this complexity are mainly caregivers, often involved in HCD processes (e.g., discovering needs, end-user testing) for research technologies. In some cases, they participate in the early phases of a device’s development, giving information about user requirements for specific technologies [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], while in other cases, they test the developed devices [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. For a scoping review of health and medical device development, the work by Matinolli and colleagues can provide valuable insights [ 29 ].…”