Utilizing Simulation Hospital in Usability Testing of Medical Devices : Case Studies and a Concept

Abstract

This thesis was ordered by Metropolia Proof Health and Health Proof Helsinki to raise awareness of the possibilities of the Metropolia Myllypuro Campus’ simulation center. The center’s hospital facilities are of high quality to simulate real events in health care and to offer learning experiences for students in a unique way. The facilities can also be used for conducting regulatory usability tests of medical devices for device manufacturers. The research problem was that the concept had not been documented from a medical device usability testing point-of-view before. It would be valuable to have all the different aspects documented and analyzed carefully to utilize the usage better to improve collaboration experiences in the future.

During the research process, one teaching event including two simulated scenarios for paramedic students was observed. In addition to that, two separate medical device usability testing events with different contents and services were observed to gather information of the practical collaboration with device manufacturers and how the simulation center facilitates such events. The documentation of research was conducted through literature research, interviews, observations, and analysis of the results.

The results of the thesis show that the concept works and is of high quality. The observation notes made during the three cases were combined with interview results with each participant in order to form an understanding of the concept’s functionalities from an unbiased point of view. Eventually, some points of improvement regarding the arrangements of a simulated usability testing event were pointed out for further discussion.