Patient input into medical device development: A missed opportunity

Abstract

The delivery of care to people who are patients has, beyond doubt, reached the digital age. This is never more striking than in the area of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices. Patients’ standard of care has risen exponentially in light of the technological and innovative advances in the medical device field. Yet, in many instances, medical device development is undertaken without patient input. This article discusses why it is important to include patients’ perspective in the process of developing medical devices. In addition, it addresses several related topics, such as the issue of access to medical devices and the need for transparency with regards to the data collected by medical devices. It also provides an example of a research project aimed to better understand and promote patient engagement in medical device development.