Impact of New Medical Technology on User Performance

Advances in medical technology have enabled many diagnostics to be performed by patients themselves. One example involves the meters used by diabetics to monitor their blood glucose levels. To reduce user error, newer meters eliminate the need to wipe excess blood from the test strip. This study examined user performance with “no-wipe” and “wipe” meters. Procedural errors and reading accuracy were observed in groups differing in blood glucose testing experience. The results indicated that, each group initially made significantly fewer errors with the “no-wipe” meters; after extended use, this difference disappeared. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in the accuracy of readings obtained with the “no-wipe” and the “wipe” meters. The potential gains in effectiveness by the newer “no-wipe” technology were offset by the continued presence of another type of user error. User performance testing can identify the steps that are most critical to safe and effective use of a medical device. Improving user performance at these steps, then, can become the focus for new technology.