Quickly Evaluating an Emerging Medical Technology Using Feedback From the Field: A Case Study of the BrainScope One...

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Medical Technology Assessment
• Defense Acquisition

Background:

• Ensuring far-forward medical teams receive suitable technology is critical for effective defense medical acquisition.
• End-user feedback prior to fielding candidate technologies is a crucial step in this process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the methodology for collecting end-user feedback on medical devices.
• To illustrate how feedback was gathered for the BrainScope One and Infrascanner 2000.
• To evaluate the suitability and future promise of these devices for field head injury assessment.

Main Methods:

• Collected end-user feedback from 158 medical personnel across 8 bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait.
• Utilized focus groups and interviews to gather data on two FDA-approved devices.
• The BrainScope One and Infrascanner 2000 served as an example to assess candidate technology.

Main Results:

• End users reported consistent concerns regarding the operational efficacy and suitability of current device versions.
• Identified specific areas where the BrainScope One and Infrascanner 2000 show promise for the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Demonstrated the depth and richness of feedback obtainable through this methodology.

Conclusions:

• Gathering end-user field efficacy and suitability feedback is essential during the medical acquisition process.
• The evaluation of the BrainScope One and Infrascanner 2000 highlights the necessity and value of this feedback.
• Discussed limitations and best practices for collecting end-user feedback in operational environments.