A review of use errors reported in human factor validation studies of biological combination products

Abstract

Drug-device combination products should be safe and effective for intended uses by intended users under intended use environment during human factor (HF) studies. All known use errors and use-related problems should be considered during design of device and use-related risk analysis. Availability of such information in a compiled manner is scarce. This review compiles information of use errors reported during HF validation studies of biological combination products (drug + device) approved by USFDA’s Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research between 21 June 2011 and 31 December 2019. Information regarding product, indication, type of devices, use errors, root causes and mitigation strategies were collected from published documents. Total 280 use errors were reported during HF validation studies of 39 devices across 5 categories. Overall approach and methodology for use error data collection during HF validation studies was in line with the US FDA recommendations. Performance of participants for critical and essential tasks was evaluated during HF validation studies via simulated use assessment, knowledge task assessment and interview. The root causes for use errors reported during HF validation studies were identified and use errors were mitigated by suitable corrective measures. Instructions for use clarification/improvement and labelling improvement were the most common mitigation strategies implemented across devices.

Keywords:

• Biological combination product
• device
• human factor
• risk
• use error

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).