Advancing Heart Failure Care: IAA’s Role in Validating the Furoscix® Wearable Infusor
By Dr. Anthony D. Andre, CPE, Director & Founder, and Carson Whitaker, Senior Human Factors Engineer, Interface Analysis Associates, et al.
We’re excited to share that the article “Human Factors Validation of a Wearable, On-Body Infusor for Subcutaneous Administration of Furosemide” has received over 2,500 views in the past year on Dove Press.
This high engagement reflects growing interest in innovative, patient-centered solutions for managing heart failure (HF), a condition affecting over 64 million adults globally and 6.2 million in the U.S. alone. Hospitalizations remain the primary cost driver in HF care, projected to reach $53 billion in the U.S. by 2030.
The study focused on the Furoscix® On-Body Infusor (OBI) which is a wearable device that allows patients to self-administer subcutaneous furosemide at home. This novel, pH-neutral formulation offers bioequivalence to IV furosemide while minimizing skin toxicity, a common issue with traditional subcutaneous administration. The OBI allows patients to receive treatment at home as opposed to an emergency room visit and day long infusion at the hospital, thus offering a significant convenience for those needing urgent care.
Key Features of the OBI include:
- Prefilled medication cartridge
- Simple, illustrated Instructions for Use (IFU)
- One-button activation
- Covered needle for safety
- Visual feedback via blinking light
The human factors validation demonstrated that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike could safely and effectively use the device, with the effect of reducing hospitalizations and improving quality of life. The Instructions for Use, developed by IAA, was considered a key user interface in the successful use of the product.
Read the full article here: https://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=93771
Published: 24 June 2024 · Medical Devices: Evidence and Research
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Anthony D. Andre, Ph.D., CPE is a leading expert in Human Factors, Usability, and Ergonomics. A past President, Titan and Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) and a Fellow of the International Ergonomics Associates (IEA), Dr. Andre has held numerous leadership roles in the field.
In 1993, Dr. Andre founded Interface Analysis Associates (IAA), a consulting firm specializing in designing and evaluating user experiences and interfaces for a wide range of products and industries with a current focus on drug delivery systems and medical devices. IAA has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the User-Centered Design Award.
Dr. Andre is also a co-founder and Adjunct Professor in the Human Factors and Ergonomics Graduate Program at San Jose State University, where he has taught since 1993. Previously, he was a Principal Scientist at NASA, developing next-generation cockpit and air traffic control interfaces.
He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the journal Human Factors in Healthcare and the Founder and Vice-Chair of the International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare.
Carson Whitaker earned his Master of Science degree in Human Factors and Ergonomics from San Jose State University. He previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Certificate in Human Factors from the University of Utah. While at the University of Utah, Carson managed a team in the Applied Basic Cognition Lab, gaining hands-on experience in research and leadership.
He is a strong advocate for user-centered design, emphasizing correct design principles, creative problem-solving, focused research, and data analysis. Carson joined IAA in 2013. Outside of work, he enjoys building projects with his hands and spending quality time with his family.
