The Implementation of a Participatory Technology Development Process in a Clinical Setting

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Healthcare Technology
• Patient Care Devices

Background:

• Decubitus ulcers (pressure ulcers) are a significant concern in patient care, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare costs.
• Traditional technology development often overlooks end-user needs, resulting in suboptimal medical devices.
• Participatory technology development (PTD) offers a framework to integrate user perspectives early in the design process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a participatory technology development process for an anti-decubitus system.
• To involve nurses, as key end-users, throughout the technology development lifecycle.
• To present and discuss the results, methodical background, and realization conditions of the PTD process.

Main Methods:

• A participatory technology development approach was employed.
• Nurses were actively involved as the primary user group in the co-design and development process.
• The study focused on both the outcomes of the anti-decubitus system development and the PTD methodology itself.

Main Results:

• The participatory approach facilitated the development of an anti-decubitus system tailored to the practical needs of nurses.
• Key insights into the methodical background and specific conditions enabling successful PTD in a clinical setting were gained.
• The co-development process led to a functional anti-decubitus system, with user feedback integrated into its design.

Conclusions:

• Participatory technology development is an effective strategy for creating user-centered healthcare technologies like anti-decubitus systems.
• Involving end-users, such as nurses, is crucial for the successful design and implementation of medical devices.
• The study highlights the importance of understanding the specific contextual factors influencing the realization of PTD in healthcare environments.