The Critical Role of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in the Medical Device Industry

Human Factors Engineering (HFE) has a pivotal role in the medical device industry, serving as the intersection of human capabilities and system operations. It significantly contributes to safety, efficiency, and user experience. However, project failure can result in device designs that jeopardize effective and safe usage.

Pioneering this area of research, Dr. Katia M. Rojas, an expert in project management and operational excellence, has been studying the underlying causes of these project failures for almost a decade now. Her groundbreaking research began during her Ph.D. studies in Industrial & Systems Engineering at Binghamton University.

Dr. Rojas’ work has unveiled substantial insights into the root causes of failures and the crucial success factors in FDA HFE validation projects. Such observations have led her to assert that HFE validations are currently project managed at relatively low maturity levels, which significantly impacts project quality and success rates. This emphasizes the need for an industry-focused project management maturity framework to facilitate the standardization of emerging best practices.

“By focusing on improving project management maturity, particularly emphasizing the key success factors or best practices, we can drastically cut down the current 90% rejection rate at the FDA,” said Dr. Rojas. “This approach not only addresses the pressing challenges in the medical device industry, but also promises improved project outcomes and enhanced patient safety.”

Unveiling a Silent Crisis: Importance of Addressing Findings

In the fast-paced world where innovation and patient safety converge, patients are heavily reliant on the successful application of human factors engineering during medical device development. However, “the unsatisfactory application of HFE has subtly transformed into a silent crisis,” Dr. Rojas pointed out.

The alarming FDA rejection rates highlight the urgent need for proactive engagement from key stakeholders to implement corrective measures. Nevertheless, the lack of such engagement raises concerns about the effectiveness of any current interventions aimed at reducing the persistently high failure rate.

Introducing the Successful Human Factors™ 2.0 (SHF 2.0) Framework

To address these challenges, Dr. Rojas introduces the Successful Human Factors™ 2.0 (SHF 2.0) framework. SHF 2.0 is a researched-based maturity framework designed to optimize HF projects by focusing on key success factors, particularly those related to the delivery of an HFE Validation Report for FDA review. This approach will enable HF service providers (HFSPs) to refine their processes, establish consistent practices, and uphold the highest standards in medical device HFE.

Effectiveness of the SHF 2.0 Framework in Enhancing HF Project Management Maturity

A study investigating the effectiveness of the SHF 2.0 framework found that the average maturity level of successful HF projects corresponded to “Level 2 – Childhood” in the framework, revealing significant variations and a lack of standardization in implementing HFE best practices for medical devices. These findings underline the urgent need for a more standardized and consistent approach in the field.

Initial investigations validating the SHF 2.0 framework have demonstrated its potential and reliability as a tool for improving the maturity of HF project management. Participants of the study recognized its potential to enhance the success rates of HF submissions.

These key findings have been consolidated in a pre-print publication titled “Validating a Project Management Maturity Framework Based on Emerging Best Practices for Successful Human Factors Projects Requiring FDA Approval – Summary of Key Findings,” which is available on ResearchGate.

Future Outlook: Ongoing Research and Embracing the Long Road Ahead

“While the urgent need for improved HF project management practices in the medical device industry is apparent, stakeholders may still be in the early stages of understanding the value of the SHF 2.0 framework,” Dr. Rojas noted, acknowledging the long journey ahead. “Broader adoption of the SHF 2.0 framework can significantly improve HF project outcomes, contributing to progress in HFE within the medical device industry.”

The SHF 2.0 framework is designed for continuous improvement, encouraging HFSPs to benchmark their performance against industry standards and best practices. This drive towards excellence fosters innovation and creates new industry benchmarks.

To learn more about SHF 2.0, participate in ongoing industry-wide benchmark research, or explore the current industry maturity level report, visit: https://successfulhf.com