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Insights & Innovation

Explore our latest articles, case studies and expert perspectives on the medical device industry. 

BLOG

Insights & Innovation

Explore our latest articles, case studies and expert perspectives on the medical device industry. 

BLOG

Insights & Innovation

Explore our latest articles, case studies and expert perspectives on the medical device industry. 

ClariMed logo featuring a stylized graphic element and the text ‘ClariMed’ in a modern sans-serif font.
ClariMed logo featuring a stylized graphic element and the text ‘ClariMed’ in a modern sans-serif font.
ClariMed logo featuring a stylized graphic element and the text ‘ClariMed’ in a modern sans-serif font.

10 Critical Tips for Acing Your ISO 13485:2016 Certification Audit

10 Critical Tips for Acing Your ISO 13485:2016 Certification Audit

Aug 26, 2024

Master ISO 13485:2016 certification with ClariMed's expert tips. Enhance your medical device QMS for regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

Hand holding a stylus interacting with a digital interface above a laptop.
Hand holding a stylus interacting with a digital interface above a laptop.
Hand holding a stylus interacting with a digital interface above a laptop.

5 Document Control Best Practices That Can Revolutionize Your Product Development

5 Document Control Best Practices That Can Revolutionize Your Product Development

Aug 15, 2024

Explore 5 document control best practices to enhance product development. Learn how to streamline operations, improve compliance, and revolutionize your quality management process.

CPR training manikin with an AED trainer attached, surrounded by participants in a first aid training session.
CPR training manikin with an AED trainer attached, surrounded by participants in a first aid training session.
CPR training manikin with an AED trainer attached, surrounded by participants in a first aid training session.

Uncovering Use Errors via a Known Use Problem Summary (KUPS)

Uncovering Use Errors via a Known Use Problem Summary (KUPS)

Apr 10, 2023

Known Use Problem Summary: A crucial tool for identifying and mitigating medical device use-related risks.

Medical equipment including a blue glucose meter, a blood pressure monitor, a red first aid box with supplies, and an infrared thermometer.
Medical equipment including a blue glucose meter, a blood pressure monitor, a red first aid box with supplies, and an infrared thermometer.
Medical equipment including a blue glucose meter, a blood pressure monitor, a red first aid box with supplies, and an infrared thermometer.

Medical Devices vs. Combination Products

Medical Devices vs. Combination Products

Jan 31, 2023

Key differences in human factors processes for medical devices vs. combination products: FDA perspective.

Large ‘FDA’ logo, which stands for Food and Drug Administration, with ‘New Draft Guidance’ below, featuring a person holding a medication box and leaflet in the background, indicating healthcare and pharmaceutical policy.
Large ‘FDA’ logo, which stands for Food and Drug Administration, with ‘New Draft Guidance’ below, featuring a person holding a medication box and leaflet in the background, indicating healthcare and pharmaceutical policy.
Large ‘FDA’ logo, which stands for Food and Drug Administration, with ‘New Draft Guidance’ below, featuring a person holding a medication box and leaflet in the background, indicating healthcare and pharmaceutical policy.

2023 FDA Labeling Draft Guidence

2023 FDA Labeling Draft Guidence

Jan 24, 2023

FDA issues draft guidance on dosage labeling for prescription drugs and biologics; comments due 3/14/2023.

Laboratory setting with various scientific instruments, featuring an individual in a lab coat and gloves conducting an experiment.
Laboratory setting with various scientific instruments, featuring an individual in a lab coat and gloves conducting an experiment.
Laboratory setting with various scientific instruments, featuring an individual in a lab coat and gloves conducting an experiment.

Formative Evaluations Series: Early Usability Evaluations to Optimize Medical Product Design

Formative Evaluations Series: Early Usability Evaluations to Optimize Medical Product Design

Jan 3, 2023

Optimize medical device usability: Formative evaluations guide design, reduce costs, and improve outcomes.

Balance scale comparing ‘FDA’ on the left pan and ‘NMPA’ on the right pan, emphasizing the evaluation of these two regulatory entities.
Balance scale comparing ‘FDA’ on the left pan and ‘NMPA’ on the right pan, emphasizing the evaluation of these two regulatory entities.
Balance scale comparing ‘FDA’ on the left pan and ‘NMPA’ on the right pan, emphasizing the evaluation of these two regulatory entities.

New NMPA Human Factors Guidelines for Medical Devices in China: What Manufacturers Need to Know

New NMPA Human Factors Guidelines for Medical Devices in China: What Manufacturers Need to Know

Jul 27, 2022

Comparing NMPA and FDA human factors guidance: Key differences in medical device regulation in China vs US.

Close-up of a person’s hands, one holding a pill and the other papers of a medication label, with a blister pack of medication in the foreground.
Close-up of a person’s hands, one holding a pill and the other papers of a medication label, with a blister pack of medication in the foreground.
Close-up of a person’s hands, one holding a pill and the other papers of a medication label, with a blister pack of medication in the foreground.

Updated FDA Guidance: Drug and Biologic Instructions for Use

Updated FDA Guidance: Drug and Biologic Instructions for Use

Jul 14, 2022

FDA updates drug and biologic IFU guidance: Key changes in content, readability, and usability requirements.

Blurred background of medical equipment with a person in blue attire, overlaid with a red ‘RECALL’ sign, indicating a product recall notice in a medical context.
Blurred background of medical equipment with a person in blue attire, overlaid with a red ‘RECALL’ sign, indicating a product recall notice in a medical context.
Blurred background of medical equipment with a person in blue attire, overlaid with a red ‘RECALL’ sign, indicating a product recall notice in a medical context.

Human Factors Return on Investment Through the Lens of Medical Device Recalls

Human Factors Return on Investment Through the Lens of Medical Device Recalls

Jun 15, 2022

Medical device recalls: Rising trends, financial impacts, and how human factors engineering can mitigate risks.

Close-up of a person’s hands holding a pen and flipping through pages of a document with multiple-choice questions, indicating assessment or survey activity.
Close-up of a person’s hands holding a pen and flipping through pages of a document with multiple-choice questions, indicating assessment or survey activity.
Close-up of a person’s hands holding a pen and flipping through pages of a document with multiple-choice questions, indicating assessment or survey activity.

A Guide to FDA 483s and Warning Letters

A Guide to FDA 483s and Warning Letters

May 31, 2022

FDA inspections, Form 483s, and warning letters: Implications for medical device manufacturers and prevention.

Three individuals in white medical garments and blue face masks working on practice dummies in a dental office, surrounded by dental equipment and bright lighting.
Three individuals in white medical garments and blue face masks working on practice dummies in a dental office, surrounded by dental equipment and bright lighting.
Three individuals in white medical garments and blue face masks working on practice dummies in a dental office, surrounded by dental equipment and bright lighting.

Best Practices for Medical Device User Training

Best Practices for Medical Device User Training

Apr 21, 2021

Medical device user training: Key findings on effective methods for healthcare providers from ClariMed study.

Line graph showing task success percentage over varying training decay lengths for All Tasks, Cognitive, and Psychomotor/Motor tasks, indicating a decline in success as training time increases.
Line graph showing task success percentage over varying training decay lengths for All Tasks, Cognitive, and Psychomotor/Motor tasks, indicating a decline in success as training time increases.
Line graph showing task success percentage over varying training decay lengths for All Tasks, Cognitive, and Psychomotor/Motor tasks, indicating a decline in success as training time increases.

FDA Training Decay Pilot Study - Results & Discussion

FDA Training Decay Pilot Study - Results & Discussion

Jan 21, 2021

FDA-funded study by ClariMed explores training decay in medical device usability. Pilot results show task success varies with training periods.

Graphic with the text ‘Get ready for Brexit,’ featuring varying font sizes and colors, emphasizing ‘ready’ with a red arrow pointing right.
Graphic with the text ‘Get ready for Brexit,’ featuring varying font sizes and colors, emphasizing ‘ready’ with a red arrow pointing right.
Graphic with the text ‘Get ready for Brexit,’ featuring varying font sizes and colors, emphasizing ‘ready’ with a red arrow pointing right.

How Will Brexit Affect the Implementation of Human Factors Engineering for Your Device?

How Will Brexit Affect the Implementation of Human Factors Engineering for Your Device?

Dec 31, 2020

Examine Brexit's impact on medical device usability regulations. Discover key differences between UK and EU requirements for implant information and post-market surveillance under the new MDR.

Close-up of a person’s hand holding an inhaler typically used to manage asthma.
Close-up of a person’s hand holding an inhaler typically used to manage asthma.
Close-up of a person’s hand holding an inhaler typically used to manage asthma.

Applying Human Factors Engineering to Combination Products

Applying Human Factors Engineering to Combination Products

Dec 27, 2020

Key human factors considerations for combination products: Comparing CDER and CDRH FDA guidance.

Medical syringe with measurement markings and an attached needle, set against a white background.
Medical syringe with measurement markings and an attached needle, set against a white background.
Medical syringe with measurement markings and an attached needle, set against a white background.

Mastering FDA Guidelines: Bridging Human Factors Data for Combination Products

Mastering FDA Guidelines: Bridging Human Factors Data for Combination Products

Dec 15, 2020

FDA guidance on bridging human factors data for combination products: Analysis and submission tips.

Gloved hand holding a test tube labeled ‘COVID-19’ in focus, with a blurred laboratory background featuring additional test tubes and bottles, representing medical testing.
Gloved hand holding a test tube labeled ‘COVID-19’ in focus, with a blurred laboratory background featuring additional test tubes and bottles, representing medical testing.
Gloved hand holding a test tube labeled ‘COVID-19’ in focus, with a blurred laboratory background featuring additional test tubes and bottles, representing medical testing.

FDA Q&A Regarding COVID-19 In-Vitro Diagnostic Tests (May 13, 2020)

FDA Q&A Regarding COVID-19 In-Vitro Diagnostic Tests (May 13, 2020)

May 13, 2020

On May 13, 2020, the FDA hosted a Virtual Town Hall for COVID-19 test manufacturers, addressing updates to Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) guidelines and validation for antigen tests.

Venn diagram illustrating the relationship between complaints, medical device reports (MDRs), and adverse events. The largest circle represents 'Complaints,' including non-safety-related issues. Inside, a smaller circle labeled 'MDRs' refers to product malfunctions. The innermost circle, labeled 'Adverse Events,' represents cases where harm occurred.
Venn diagram illustrating the relationship between complaints, medical device reports (MDRs), and adverse events. The largest circle represents 'Complaints,' including non-safety-related issues. Inside, a smaller circle labeled 'MDRs' refers to product malfunctions. The innermost circle, labeled 'Adverse Events,' represents cases where harm occurred.
Venn diagram illustrating the relationship between complaints, medical device reports (MDRs), and adverse events. The largest circle represents 'Complaints,' including non-safety-related issues. Inside, a smaller circle labeled 'MDRs' refers to product malfunctions. The innermost circle, labeled 'Adverse Events,' represents cases where harm occurred.

Improving Complaint Management for Medical Devices Under EUAs with Human Factors

Improving Complaint Management for Medical Devices Under EUAs with Human Factors

Apr 27, 2020

A guide to enhancing medical device complaint management through human factors integration. Improve data collection, analysis, and resolution of use-related issues.

3D rendered illustration of the COVID-19 virus with detailed spike proteins on a blue background with other similar germs in the distance.
3D rendered illustration of the COVID-19 virus with detailed spike proteins on a blue background with other similar germs in the distance.
3D rendered illustration of the COVID-19 virus with detailed spike proteins on a blue background with other similar germs in the distance.

FDA COVID-19 EUA Resources

FDA COVID-19 EUA Resources

Apr 14, 2020

A summary of FDA's latest COVID-19 updates, including EUA process, N95 mask reuse, and upcoming town halls on diagnostic tests. Essential info for medical device manufacturers.

Light blue surgical mask with ‘CORONAVIRUS’ written in red uppercase letters, set against a solid light blue background, symbolizing COVID-19 pandemic safety measures.
Light blue surgical mask with ‘CORONAVIRUS’ written in red uppercase letters, set against a solid light blue background, symbolizing COVID-19 pandemic safety measures.
Light blue surgical mask with ‘CORONAVIRUS’ written in red uppercase letters, set against a solid light blue background, symbolizing COVID-19 pandemic safety measures.

FDA Guidance Relating to Clinical Usability Studies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

FDA Guidance Relating to Clinical Usability Studies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mar 19, 2020

A comprehensive overview of FDA's guidance for clinical trials and usability studies during COVID-19, covering safety measures, protocol changes, and reporting requirements.

Two hands against a white background, one holding a light blue surgical mask and the other holding a teal N95 respirator mask, representing personal protective equipment (PPE)
Two hands against a white background, one holding a light blue surgical mask and the other holding a teal N95 respirator mask, representing personal protective equipment (PPE)
Two hands against a white background, one holding a light blue surgical mask and the other holding a teal N95 respirator mask, representing personal protective equipment (PPE)

FDA Enforcement Policy and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Face Masks and Respirators

FDA Enforcement Policy and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Face Masks and Respirators

Feb 4, 2020

A comprehensive overview of FDA's regulatory changes for face masks and respirators in response to COVID-19, including Enforcement Policy and Emergency Use Authorizations.

Cover page of a document titled ‘Medical devices — Application of risk management to medical devices (ISO 14971:2007, Corrected version 2007-10-01) ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14971:2019,’ featuring a large green circular arrow symbolizing review or revision.
Cover page of a document titled ‘Medical devices — Application of risk management to medical devices (ISO 14971:2007, Corrected version 2007-10-01) ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14971:2019,’ featuring a large green circular arrow symbolizing review or revision.
Cover page of a document titled ‘Medical devices — Application of risk management to medical devices (ISO 14971:2007, Corrected version 2007-10-01) ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14971:2019,’ featuring a large green circular arrow symbolizing review or revision.

ISO 14971:2019—Which Changes Impact Human Factors?

ISO 14971:2019—Which Changes Impact Human Factors?

Dec 31, 2019

A comprehensive overview of ISO 14971:2019 updates, focusing on key changes in risk management processes and their impact on human factors engineering for medical devices.

Two individuals in a medical setting, one in a purple scrub outfit with a clipboard and the other in surgical attire holding a syringe, preparing for a procedure, with various surgical instruments on a table.
Two individuals in a medical setting, one in a purple scrub outfit with a clipboard and the other in surgical attire holding a syringe, preparing for a procedure, with various surgical instruments on a table.
Two individuals in a medical setting, one in a purple scrub outfit with a clipboard and the other in surgical attire holding a syringe, preparing for a procedure, with various surgical instruments on a table.

Human Factors Validation Study Guidelines for Medical Devices

Human Factors Validation Study Guidelines for Medical Devices

Dec 23, 2019

A comprehensive overview of the 2016 FDA Human Factors Guidance, covering key requirements for medical device validation testing and submission.

Venn diagram showing the overlap between function, aesthetics, and sensorial elements, with the intersection labeled as 'Perceived Quality.' The orange circle represents aesthetics, the blue circle represents function, and the green circle represents sensorial factors.
Venn diagram showing the overlap between function, aesthetics, and sensorial elements, with the intersection labeled as 'Perceived Quality.' The orange circle represents aesthetics, the blue circle represents function, and the green circle represents sensorial factors.
Venn diagram showing the overlap between function, aesthetics, and sensorial elements, with the intersection labeled as 'Perceived Quality.' The orange circle represents aesthetics, the blue circle represents function, and the green circle represents sensorial factors.

Perceived Quality—What it is and Why it is Important

Perceived Quality—What it is and Why it is Important

Dec 23, 2019

An in-depth look at Human Factors Engineering for FDA submissions and the importance of perceived quality in medical device design, development, and user experience.

Group of individuals in surgical attire gathered around an operating table, with medical equipment and an overhead surgical light visible. On the right side, a close-up of a woman wearing clear glasses, a hair net, and a mask.
Group of individuals in surgical attire gathered around an operating table, with medical equipment and an overhead surgical light visible. On the right side, a close-up of a woman wearing clear glasses, a hair net, and a mask.
Group of individuals in surgical attire gathered around an operating table, with medical equipment and an overhead surgical light visible. On the right side, a close-up of a woman wearing clear glasses, a hair net, and a mask.

Reverse Human Factors Engineering

Reverse Human Factors Engineering

Oct 25, 2019

Discover how Reverse Human Factors Engineering enhances medical device clinical trials by minimizing use errors and tracking human variability for better outcome analysis.

A seated woman in a blue long sleeve shirt and white skirt reading an instruction manual while holding an in vitro diagnostic medical device.
A seated woman in a blue long sleeve shirt and white skirt reading an instruction manual while holding an in vitro diagnostic medical device.
A seated woman in a blue long sleeve shirt and white skirt reading an instruction manual while holding an in vitro diagnostic medical device.

Redefining "Normal Use" for Medical Devices

Redefining "Normal Use" for Medical Devices

Jul 29, 2019

ClariMed proposes a new definition for "Normal Use" in medical device usability, addressing real-world user behaviors and improving usability validation testing methods.

Graphic with ‘Do’s’ and a green checkmark on a green background, ‘Don’ts’ and a red cross on a red background, and ‘Human Factors Data’ below.
Graphic with ‘Do’s’ and a green checkmark on a green background, ‘Don’ts’ and a red cross on a red background, and ‘Human Factors Data’ below.
Graphic with ‘Do’s’ and a green checkmark on a green background, ‘Don’ts’ and a red cross on a red background, and ‘Human Factors Data’ below.

FDA’s Dr. Feng Presents on Do’s and Don’ts for Human Factors Data in CDRH Premarket Submissions

FDA’s Dr. Feng Presents on Do’s and Don’ts for Human Factors Data in CDRH Premarket Submissions

May 14, 2019

Expert advice from FDA's Human Factors Reviewer on improving medical device submissions. Covers risk analysis, validation testing, and addressing FDA feedback.

Adult holding a child’s hand, preparing to use a lancet for a finger prick to check blood sugar levels, while sitting on their living room floor.
Adult holding a child’s hand, preparing to use a lancet for a finger prick to check blood sugar levels, while sitting on their living room floor.
Adult holding a child’s hand, preparing to use a lancet for a finger prick to check blood sugar levels, while sitting on their living room floor.

Medical Device Learnings from the April 2019 IEC Joint Working Group Meeting

Medical Device Learnings from the April 2019 IEC Joint Working Group Meeting

Apr 13, 2019

ClariMed shares key takeaways from the IEC 62366-1:2015 update, covering unintended users, lay vs. professional use, and symbol usage in medical device usability standards.

Close-up of hands holding a smartphone displaying a brain scan, with a computer keyboard and stethoscope in the background.
Close-up of hands holding a smartphone displaying a brain scan, with a computer keyboard and stethoscope in the background.
Close-up of hands holding a smartphone displaying a brain scan, with a computer keyboard and stethoscope in the background.

How to Enhance User Experience of Connected Devices for Digital Health Platforms

How to Enhance User Experience of Connected Devices for Digital Health Platforms

Feb 22, 2019

ClariMed's insights on connected medical devices, digital health applications, and FDA usability requirements from their workshop at the SMi conference in London.

Large commercial airplane taking off from a runway, with landing gear extended and a city skyline in the background.
Large commercial airplane taking off from a runway, with landing gear extended and a city skyline in the background.
Large commercial airplane taking off from a runway, with landing gear extended and a city skyline in the background.

Interview with Jeff Durney, Ambulatory Human Factors Specialist

Interview with Jeff Durney, Ambulatory Human Factors Specialist

Jun 7, 2018

Jeff Durney's perspective on applying aviation safety principles to healthcare, focusing on surgical checklists, training, and safety reporting to improve patient outcomes.

Illustration of a human head in profile with the brain exposed, showcasing the intricate folds and structures of the cerebral cortex.
Illustration of a human head in profile with the brain exposed, showcasing the intricate folds and structures of the cerebral cortex.
Illustration of a human head in profile with the brain exposed, showcasing the intricate folds and structures of the cerebral cortex.

Cognitive Bias in Usability Testing

Cognitive Bias in Usability Testing

Dec 22, 2016

An overview of cognitive bias in usability studies, its potential impact on results, and strategies for identifying and mitigating these subconscious influences.

FDA logo in bold letters over a professional setting with individuals working at desks.
FDA logo in bold letters over a professional setting with individuals working at desks.
FDA logo in bold letters over a professional setting with individuals working at desks.

Cliff Notes: FDA Draft Guidance for Human Factors (2011)

Cliff Notes: FDA Draft Guidance for Human Factors (2011)

Aug 13, 2015

A detailed guide to the FDA's human factors engineering process for medical devices, covering user research, risk analysis, prototyping, testing, and regulatory submission.

FDA acronym in white letters representing the Food and Drug Administration, set against a medical operating room filled with equipment.
FDA acronym in white letters representing the Food and Drug Administration, set against a medical operating room filled with equipment.
FDA acronym in white letters representing the Food and Drug Administration, set against a medical operating room filled with equipment.

The FDA’s 2011 Draft Guidance vs. 2000 Guidance for Human Factors

The FDA’s 2011 Draft Guidance vs. 2000 Guidance for Human Factors

Aug 13, 2015

An in-depth look at how FDA guidance on human factors in medical device design evolved from 2000 to 2011, highlighting key changes and their significant impact on manufacturers.

Close-up of documents, a clipboard, and pens on a desk with two blurred individuals in business attire reviewing papers in the background, indicating a professional meeting or discussion.
Close-up of documents, a clipboard, and pens on a desk with two blurred individuals in business attire reviewing papers in the background, indicating a professional meeting or discussion.
Close-up of documents, a clipboard, and pens on a desk with two blurred individuals in business attire reviewing papers in the background, indicating a professional meeting or discussion.

FDA 2011 Human Factors Draft Guidance vs. IEC 62366-1:2015

FDA 2011 Human Factors Draft Guidance vs. IEC 62366-1:2015

Aug 13, 2015

This post analyzes differences between IEC 62366-1:2015 and FDA's 2011 Human Factors Guidance for medical devices, covering unique aspects of each standard for usability engineering.

Healthcare professional in a white coat placing a blood pressure cuff on a patient’s arm, with a blood pressure monitor on the bed.
Healthcare professional in a white coat placing a blood pressure cuff on a patient’s arm, with a blood pressure monitor on the bed.
Healthcare professional in a white coat placing a blood pressure cuff on a patient’s arm, with a blood pressure monitor on the bed.

Usability Engineering for Medical Devices 101

Usability Engineering for Medical Devices 101

Apr 26, 2015

A comprehensive guide to the 5 key phases of Usability Engineering for medical devices, covering research, risk analysis, testing, validation, and regulatory compliance.

Let's work together!

Contact us to discuss how we can advance your medical device development efforts together.

Let's work together!

Contact us to discuss how we can advance your medical device development efforts together.

Let's work together!

Contact us to discuss how we can advance your medical device development efforts together.