How to Evaluate a Proposal for a Human Factors Study for a Medical Device or Combination Product
By: Marissa Docimo, Nicole Stephenson, Jack Giacomini Selecting the right partner to support human factors (HF) research for your medical device or combination product is an important decision. The results of HF work can influence design decisions, regulatory approvals, and, ultimately, user safety. Given the complexity and importance of human factors engineering in the medical device industry, it’s essential to know what to look for when evaluating a proposal for an HF study. This post will walk you through the key criteria to consider when reviewing proposals to ensure you select a partner who can meet your project’s needs, work within your logistical constraints, and support your device’s regulatory approval. It will also help you consider how to evaluate proposals from different partners, and what to look for when selecting the option that best meets your needs. Your vendor support needs and priorities will vary from project to project. When reviewing proposals from multiple vendor