Application of AHP hierarchical analysis and KANO quality model to investigate the needs of eye drop users and the charm factor of the compliance aids design

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that many patients with eye diseases are not adherent to eyedrops due to the difficulty in administration. The purpose of using eyedrop compliance aids is to help patients who have difficulties in administering eyedrops. However, this method has not been well recognized and accepted. This study aimed to upgrade eyedrop compliance aids so that the adherence of eyedrop users could be improved. Among the research methods employed in this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) helped in proposing the best function sequence of the device, and a questionnaire based on the Kano model helped understand the degree of satisfaction with the existing products, as well as discover the appealing factors of their functions and examine their functional relationships. Finally, the results of the two methods were discussed and compared, and the results were used to identify the basic appealing factors influencing consumer satisfaction as well as provide the element attributes and significant features to be weighed in the design of eyedrops. This study suggested that in the design of eyedrops, both the physical and psychological needs of users should be taken into consideration, and reference indexes for aids design that may effectively improve user adherence to eyedrops should be proposed.