Prospective user-oriented design of medical products – methods to foster compliance of selfapplied medical aids

Project-Nr. FF-FR0188

Status:

ongoing 05/2011

Aims:

Aim of this study is the evaluation of influences to patient´s compliance in usage of selfapplied medical aids, particularly orthoses for lower limb. Compliance in this area alternates and thereby the therapeutical benefit is reduced. Interventions to enhance continuity in this treatment processes are needed.
With this long-term survey relevant factors for using behaviour are explored to find approaches for improving compliance.

Activities/Methods:

Two studies are conducted with orthopaedic patients. They are using either a knee orthoses (STUDY 1), or an ankle-foot orthoses (STUDY 2) for six weeks. Usage of the devices is monitored by a heat sensor. In addition to these objective data patients are interviewed with a standardized online procedure every week. They can provide information about satisfaction with device and services, assess the cost-benefit ratio, describe activities and further more influences of wearing behaviour.
In this study design also an intervention to improve compliance is implemented. On a weekly inquiry patients are asked about intentions and plans to wear the device and to cope difficult situations. To verify an effect on compliance by such an Online-Planning-Intervention a randomized control group design is used.

Last update:

29/06/11