Incorporating a Hands-On Device-Based Activity in a Human Factors Biomedical Engineering Course in Sub-Saharan...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Human Factors Engineering
• Medical Device Design

Background:

• Integrating practical medical product experience into biomedical engineering curricula, particularly in low-income settings, presents challenges.
• A significant gap exists between theoretical human factors concepts and their application within the specific clinical context of Malawi.
• Designing and evaluating medical devices requires consideration of local user needs and environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement new hands-on modules for a biomedical engineering human factors course at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences.
• To enhance student understanding and application of human factors principles by engaging them with a locally relevant medical device.
• To improve the human factors aspects of the IMPALA vital signs monitoring device through student evaluation and recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Students critically evaluated the software and hardware of the IMPALA, a vital signs monitor designed for Malawi.
• Hands-on modules were developed and integrated into the biomedical engineering human factors course.
• Student feedback and design recommendations were collected regarding user interface elements, controls, and ports.

Main Results:

• Students gained practical insights into human factors issues, including user interface design, by interacting with the IMPALA device.
• The collaboration leveraged local student expertise to inform improvements in the IMPALA patient monitoring system.
• Student engagement was significantly higher during interactive modules compared to traditional lectures.

Conclusions:

• Applying human factors concepts to a real-world medical device like IMPALA greatly benefited student learning and engagement.
• The project successfully integrated direct experience with medical products into the biomedical engineering curriculum.
• Student-led evaluations provided valuable input for refining the design of a medical device for a low-income setting.