The key to creative design isn't necessarily coming up with something entirely new, but rather, being aware of what problems exist, and conceiving of solutions to those problems. And, according to technology design and development firm Cambridge Consultants, a focus on "Px" development — the art and science of designing around the patient experience — is crucial to the future of medical device innovation. The firm is now zoning in on the high proportion of asthma patients who fail to use their inhalers properly — approximately three out of every four asthma sufferers, studies show.
Making a medical device, such as an inhaler, easier to use can help improve patient compliance rates, and help prevent problems from escalating. On average, more than three Americans go to the emergency room every minute due to asthma attacks — a number that could be driven down if more patients used their inhalers correctly. Cambridge Consultants' T-Haler concept is a device that aims to tackle this problem by teaching users how to improve inhaler technique. The device provides visual feedback on their performance and points out areas that need improvement.
The T-Haler measures three key factors for proper inhaler use. First, whether the patient has shaken the inhaler prior to breathing in; second, the force with which they breathed in; third, when they pressed down on the canister (the step which releases the drug). Study results have been positive thus far; participants went from around a 20% success rate without training to a success rate of more than 60% after only three minutes with the T-Haler device, researchers said.
The role of human factors in medical device design is certainly a worthy area of focus, and it will hopefully only yield more and more innovative devices down the line.
