Medical Projects
Our medical human factors practitioners are leaders in the industry and are board certified. We have experience working with medical companies that are international as well as start-up companies. PSE provides field evaluations, design interfaces, and human performance studies of medical devices in their use environment. We have an in-house federally approved Institutional Review Board which reduces the time required for study authorization.
We have over 25 years experience evaluating medical device software and hardware from initial concept to production. Our human factors experts provide recommendations and work with clients to increase user satisfaction, system efficiency and effectiveness while meeting Federal and Drug Administration regulatory requirements. The result is reduced product development time and cost, reduced risk of product recall, fewer errors, and enhanced user satisfaction.
Technical Services:
- Analyses of software, hardware, workflow, and workspaces
- Development of storyboards and rapid prototyping
- Evaluation of tasks for susceptibility to human error and develop methods to reduce error rate
- Usability testing with focus group and / or individual interviews in the laboratory and field
- User interface development to enhance usability and reduce potential for error
- Training material development and assessment in a variety of media
Medical System Human Performance Testing and Training Pacific Science & Engineering performed usability testing and human factors evaluation of system interface and hardware at critical phases of the design cycle for a major medical system manufacturer. Using nurses and potential patients, and video capture and analysis, we were able to evaluate ease of use, user accuracy, recall, ease of learning, error frequency, satisfaction and severity rating. Once testing and evaluation were complete, we produced interactive training CDs that accompanied the devices when they were sold to customers.
Medical Usability Testing Our testing facility includes a suite of tools for head, eyelid, and gaze tracking, HD video capture and editing, audio recording and editing, and remote observation. Our test participants are drawn from a pool of subject matter experts including surgeons, nurses, and patients.
Device Labeling, Documentation, Instruction Materials and Training Proper labeling, documentation, and training is critical for reducing the potential of human error. Our materials include narrated, multimedia programs for web and CD and DVD delivery, quick-reference guides, and full product manuals. Our medical human factors experts have more than 25 years experience in human factors, ergonomics, and psychololgy. They hold advanced degrees in Applied Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Ergonomics.
Task Analysis Evaluating tasks for their susceptibility to human error and developing methods to reduce error rates is a critical part of our medical human factors experience.
Interface Design A key part in enhancing usability and reducing the potential for error is good interface design.