Human factors research is crucial in MedTech and pharmaceuticals in the diabetes space. While large in-house teams seem like the logical solution to human factors research needs, the real innovation lies in conducting efficient human factors work through strategic vendor partnerships. By streamlining strategies for location-based studies and taking a patient-centric approach to finding ideal participants, healthcare companies can stretch their resources further with the same impact.

The Importance of Human Factors Research in Diabetes Care

Understanding why human factors research is important in diabetes care and how to integrate this kind of research across your organization is essential for maximizing ROI. From device usability to patient adherence, each aspect plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of MedTech solutions and pharmaceutical interventions.

Strategic Vendor Selection

Rather than maintaining a comprehensive in-house team, MedTech and pharmaceutical companies can strategically partner with vendors. These partnerships offer specialized expertise, tapping into diverse skills and knowledge. Skills such as:

• Usability testing

• Regulatory compliance

• Data analysis and interpretation

• Adaptive research methodologies

• Cross-disciplinary collaboration

• Patient-centric research

Streamlining Location-Based Studies

Feasibility Studies
Incorporating feasibility studies before initiating a project can save significant time and resources for smaller teams. This step enables researchers to assess the viability of connecting with the required patient demographic, ensuring a successful Human Factors study by quickly adapting plans if needed—whether it's exploring alternative locations or adjusting audience criteria.

Technology Integration for Remote Studies
In the digital age, technology facilitates remote studies. Tools for virtual participant engagement and monitoring simplify the process, making location-based studies more efficient and cost-effective. 

Cost-Efficiency and Flexibility
Maintaining a vendor network ensures cost efficiency and flexibility. Companies can scale research efforts based on project requirements without the fixed costs associated with an in-house team.

Utilizing External Research Partners
Collaborating with external research partners streamlines location-based studies. These external organizations have extensive networks and can work with existing partnerships to make the process smoother. But if you find the right partner, this collaboration goes beyond merely outsourcing tasks; it's about tapping into specialized domain expertise that enhances the efficiency and quality of human factors research. By assembling a team of specialists, companies can achieve better results with less effort than a single-vendor approach.

Thrivable offers a model where companies can trust that each aspect is handled with excellence. Companies can leverage Thrivable's expertise without needing a dedicated internal team and take a backseat to the entire process. This collaborative model minimizes oversight headaches, streamlining the research process for better outcomes.

Finding Ideal Participants 

Patient-Centric Approach
Understanding the patient's perspective is at the heart of human factors research. Companies can collaborate with Thrivable to identify and engage ideal participants, adding depth to research outcomes with speed and ease. 

Leveraging Online Communities
In the digital era, online communities provide a platform to connect with potential participants. Engaging with diabetes-focused forums and social media groups helps identify individuals passionate about contributing to advancements in care.

Incentivizing Participation
Acknowledging the value participants bring and incentivizing their involvement is crucial. This could range from financial incentives to contributing to the advancement of diabetes care, creating a win-win scenario.

Redefining Human Factors Research in Diabetes Care

Conducting human factors research efficiently without a dedicated team is feasible and strategic for MedTech and pharmaceutical companies in diabetes care. By building a web of vendor partnerships, leveraging technology for location-based studies, and embracing a patient-centric approach to participant identification, companies can navigate the complexities of human factors research with agility and effectiveness. As the healthcare landscape evolves, this collaborative approach can lead to significant advancements in diabetes care.

If you’re interested in tapping into Thrivable’s diabetes database, which contains 50+ data points on each patient and caregiver, and pairing those panelists with Thrivable’s expertise in diabetes to confidently run your next market research project or recruit for human factors or clinical trials, feel free to set up a call with our team.