Evidence Library

Abstract:

Aim: To investigate the benefits of and barriers to user involvement in medical device technology development and evaluation.
 
Methods: Literature review.

Findings: The main benefits of user involvement are increased information about users' needs, experiences and ideas. Users generate ideas for both new and innovative products. Involvement also leads to improvements in the design, interface, function, usefulness and quality of medical devices. It is more useful if users are involved in the early stages, such as concept and idea generation, as well as the development, prototype testing and trials stages, rather than just in the late stages of product testing.

The main barriers to involvement are lack of resources, particularly time and money.

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Related entry: none currently available

Categories: health
Identifying topics, prioritising and commissioning
impact on research
impact of public involvement
journal article

Date Entered: 2010/09/28

Date Edited: 2012/11/21