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Accessibility and Ease of Use in Neuromodulation Devices
Brett Glenn1, Vinicius Tieppo Francio2, Benjamin D Westerhaus3
1College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Summary
Neuromodulation devices increasingly use inclusive design, but none are fully accessible to all patients. Physical handling remains a significant barrier, especially for those with dual sensory impairments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Neuromodulation therapy use is expanding across various medical conditions.
- Patients often have comorbid physical, visual, or auditory impairments, impacting device usability.
- Limited research exists on the accessibility and inclusive design of neuromodulation devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accessibility and inclusive design of Food and Drug Administration-approved neuromodulation devices.
- To identify features that enhance or limit device usability for patients with disabilities.
Main Methods:
- Electronic survey distributed to manufacturers of US-approved neuromodulation devices.
- Assessment of device features, adherence to universal/inclusive design guidelines, and accessibility methods.
- Analysis of 11 devices from seven manufacturers (spinal cord, peripheral nerve, deep brain stimulators).
Main Results:
- 91% of manufacturers reported using universal inclusive design guidelines.
- 91% of devices featured visual feedback, and 82% included auditory feedback.
- All surveyed devices required physical handling, posing a barrier for patients with physical impairments.
Conclusions:
- Most devices offer features aiding visually impaired users (auditory signals, tactile buttons, speech commands).
- Dual sensory impairment presents a significant limitation across all surveyed devices.
- Physical impairment is the primary barrier due to the requirement for physical handling; universal design is crucial for improving adherence and outcomes.
