Exploring a human-centred approach to improve the usability of medical devices used in an outpatient intravenous antibiotic treatment

Abstract

Abstract There is limited evidence for how the medical devices used by a New Zealand District Health Board’s Outpatient Intravenous Antibiotic (OPIVA) system could be improved. This study used human-centred design (HCD) to explore a possible redesign of this system to improve patients’ experiences. Using an iterative design process, informed by semi-structured interviews, the study explored problems with the existing OPIVA system. Through the experiences and input of participants, potential product design opportunities were explored. This case study primarily focuses on the design of a new product solution to replace the surgical tape used to hold the intravenous line used within the existing system in place on the patient’s arm. This new solution, an adhesive clip, could increase the accessibility and ease of use of the system. Furthermore, it helps demonstrates the value of human-centred design-based approaches to medical product improvement. Historically, the design of medical products has centred on minimizing costs and improving health outcomes, often leaving patients out of the development process. Our findings demonstrate how putting patients’ experiences at the centre of the product improvement process can result in novel opportunities that may help drive medical device innovation.