Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services has launched a usability testing program called human factors testing at the Health Innovation Acceleration Centre (HIAC) in St. John’s. This new initiative uses real people to test the design of medical devices so that these devices are safe, more intuitive, and highly effective for health-care providers and patients.

“Human factors testing, also known as usability engineering, is critical in the development of medical devices. By studying how users engage with technology in a real-world setting, we aim to identify potential design issues and find solutions,” said Dr. Liam Kelly, provincial director of Research and Innovation, NL Health Services. “By focusing on how real people interact with these technologies, we can reduce the risk of error, increase confidence in use, and support better health outcomes for patients and clients.”

One of the first projects for human factors testing is the next generation of BD Pyxis™ PharmacyKeeper™ IV Workflow Management System. This project is a cloud-based software solution that involves a careful process where health-care providers prepare custom IV medications for patients, requiring accuracy and close attention to patient safety. The system helps verify that IV medication is prepared accurately and safely by verifying each drug with barcodes, keeping electronic records, and confirming doses through weight checks, thereby reducing workload and enhancing accuracy.

“We are pleased to be part of the human factors lab at NL Health Services, supporting the evaluation of our technology in real-world settings,” said Ivy Parks, president of BD-Canada. “This collaboration helps us enhance the usability, safety, and efficacy of our solution, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more effective health system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Human factors testing is just one of the amenities that HIAC offers. HIAC brings together health professionals from NL Health Services, innovation partners, and post-secondary institutions to work on new health-care ideas. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a collaborative space where innovative ideas are generated, and solutions are tested and refined to foster innovation in health care. This team-based approach shows HIAC’s dedication to supporting practical innovations that meet the real needs of the health-care system. Projects for the human factors lab are selected based on the value they can bring, and in support of NL Health Services’ strategic goals. The focus is on improving patient care, making the health-care system more efficient, and creating positive social change.

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