Pediatric Caregiver Drug Delivery Device Usability Research
Led a formative usability assessment with a pharmaceutical marketing team to evaluate caregiver preferences and usability of two percutaneous drug delivery devices for pediatric patients.
Project Info
Client: A Major Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
Time: 2024, 6 Months
Role: Project Lead, Principal Investigator
Project Overview
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The project commenced with a kickoff workshop where we met with a core client team to align on objectives, usability questions, and knowledge gaps.
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Initially scoped for thirty in-facility usability assessments across three markets, the study faced recruitment challenges in reaching pediatric caregivers. To address this, we pivoted to in-home research, ensuring participant engagement while maintaining budget constraints.
Research sessions involved simulated use of two percutaneous syringe devices to assess errors, followed by confidence, control, comfort, and ease-of-use scoring. Participants then shared their preferences in in-depth interviews. -
Findings were tabulated, and a root cause analysis identified use errors and near misses. We also documented participant responses to provide a comprehensive breakdown of insights.
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Deliverables included a detailed findings report with task-level assessments, use error analysis, and participant insights. We also provided an executive summary with key takeaways and video assets to facilitate knowledge sharing among business leaders.
Key Takeaways
Device Preference and Perceived Pain
Many parents preferred the auto-injector device with a hidden needle, as they believed it would result in a less traumatic drug administration experience for their child. This insight, along with others, informed design refinements for the client's drug delivery device currently in development.
Dose Frequency
The drug development team sought to understand how often parents would be willing to administer the treatment. Despite a preference for spaced-out doses, caregivers expressed a strong willingness to follow recommended dosing schedules to care for their sick child.
Challenges
Keeping a Vendor Partner on Track
Recruitment proved difficult, requiring firm but strategic engagement with our vendor. I pushed for expanded outreach while fostering collaboration to find creative solutions. This led to the shift from in-facility to in-home research, ensuring study completion within budget.
Juggling Fieldwork Logistics
To maintain consistency in fieldwork after the shift to in-home research, I developed a portable research kit with manikin test equipment and wireless streaming capability, ensuring that usability data remained valid and reliable across multiple home settings.