Comparing perceptions of Human Factors - priorities of cardiologists and biomedical engineers in the design of cardiovascular devices

Abstract Catheter-based cardiovascular devices have unique and complex design requirements. Biomedical R&D engineers often turn to Human Factors to enhance their design to suit target users and optimise the interaction with the product. The aim of this study is to understand perceptions of Human Factors within the product development process of these devices. Attitudes of biomedical engineers were compared to those of the clinicians who use these devices. Data were gathered from 57 biomedical engineers and 20 cardiologists via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results highlight that the priorities of engineers in the product development differ to those of cardiologists. User specific data, context specific data, upper limb torque strength and dynamic force data were highlighted as key gaps in the data that inform design guidance. By identifying and later filling data gaps and barriers to optimise design, these findings can improve how Human Factors is implemented during product development, leading to improved user experience and better patient outcomes.