Medical Device designers often miss out on accessibility factors of products. Medical Device accessibility is the ease of use & comfort a device can offer. A Medical Device is eventually designed for end-user’s delight, if it fails to offer smooth functionality then all efforts are ruined.

There are 5 major areas to consider while designing a medical device:

• Technological literacy
• Physical Effort
• Incorporating Remote access in Medical Device Design
• Price or Cost
• Instruction Language

1. Technological literacy

While developing the device or product you might feel it’s a masterpiece. But, often what is perceived does not match the market feedback. When the device or machine goes to the end-user, it does not match the customer’s expectations. It’s important to understand the technical know-how of the end-user. Making it too technical or complicated can make it difficult for end-user. Medical engineers need to understand that end-user is not always tech-savvy. The interface must be intuitive & easy to understand for a layman.

2. Physical Effort

Medical devices must be easily accessible to all ages & setups. All the devices must be light, easy to carry, manage and clean in healthcare setups. Medical device designers should consider ease of handling as one of the important factors while designing medical equipment.

3. Incorporating Remote access in Medical Device Design

COVID-19 lockdown and limited physical reach to healthcare facilities have made remote access a big deal. There is a significant rise in people opting for remote healthcare advice. For instance, individuals with high or low blood pressure, cardiac conditions, or any other similar severe healthcare condition are looking for options where they can reach the doctor within the comfort of their homes. The new-age devices for accessing/sharing patient data are incorporated with AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies to facilitate easy data sharing. The shift in the way healthcare is being served demands manufacturers consider incorporating remote accessibility in all their medical device designs.

4. Price or Cost

While manufacturing health equipment one spends a large sum of money on technology, innovation, and ergonomics of the design. Several devices don’t need to be fancy; they need to be economically accessible. It’s important to perform a directional analysis of industrial design and user’s intent. Once you get into the shoes of the user, your product is bound to succeed. Setting an unrealistic price or unwanted fancy features can dissolve the user’s buying intent.

5. Instruction Language

Instruction Manuals must be universal. Often, brands underestimate the power of language & communication. The communication part is often taken very lightly. This limits the scope of product understanding. To resonate with a potential buyer, it’s important to maintain instruction manuals, QRF, and related documents in multiple languages. If not multiple, then at least in major buyer’s language.

Why you should consider expanding device accessibility?

Expanding your medical device accessibility opens up a new segment to explore. The ease of use is the primary controlling factor for making the device successful. The more it is accessible, the more it is likely to be accepted in the world market.

The Accessible Home Healthcare Devices by Johari

NishCalm:

It’s a smart innovative solution to provide relief in insomnia & anxiety.

• The device is based on Cranial Electrostimulation Therapy. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation is a well-researched technology to impart relaxation by triggering the release of hormones like serotonin, endorphin, and relaxing neurotransmitters.
• It’s a non-invasive, non-pharmacological device to impart soothing sensation & relaxation.

Physiokit:

Our physio@home range offers a perfect pain management solution within the comfort & safety of homes. Physiokit is a stylish, handy backpack with all physiotherapy essentials. This backpack contains USFDA Cleared electrotherapy and ultrasound.

Key Features

• Ultrasound, TENS, IFT, EMS in one backpack
• Exclusively designed for physiotherapists delivering physiotherapy at home
• US FDA approved devices for efficient and safe treatment

To hire us as your “Accessible Medical Device” manufacturing partners or partner with us comment below!