The essential considerations:

Human Factors and Usability Testing

during the Rapid Manufacture of
Ventilator Systems

There are four Human Factors issues to consider

throughout the design process:

1. Users 2. Environment 3. Tasks 4. Risks

Understand the Think about where Identify the tasks Predict the hazards
capabilities and the ventilators will for these minimally to users and patients.
limitations of be used. clinically acceptable
the novice and ventilators.
experienced users.
 ho will be using the
W  hat will the lighting
W  hat do your users need
W  ow can a user or
H
new ventilators? level be? to do with the ventilator? patient be harmed?
 hat training will
W  ow should effective
H How easy is it to set up?  an the users read,
C
be given (detail and alarms be designed  re the steps clear for:
A interpret, monitor and
duration)? (audio/visual)? • Initial set up and checks adjust the settings at
 hat level of PPE will
W • Initiation of mechanical all times?
 re there designated
A
users be wearing? spaces for the ventilators? ventilation  ow does the ventilator
H
• Reacting to sudden design prevent hazards
changes in status. from happening?

Speak to experts, Review spatial Create a thorough Perform a thorough

manufacturers layouts (Health task analysis with use related risk
and users of Building Notes) and usability experts and assessment.
existing systems. environmental design real end-users.
(Health Technical
Memoranda) e.g.
Field and Nightingale
hospitals.

These will influence:

Instructions for use Ventilator user interface Training

Alert users to the Design a good and intuitive Build competence and
correct and safe use user interface by understanding confidence in the ventilator.
of the ventilator. user requirements.

• Use the task analysis to ensure
procedures are written clearly,
step‑by-step.
• Text should be easily
understood, in plain
language with a consistent
use of colours.
• Try to align new ventilator designs to • Training based on a thorough task
existing designs to reduce use errors. analysis will be consistent.
• Design the ventilator for using whilst • A training protocol will help ensure
wearing Covid-19 PPE. all users are adequately trained.
• From the risk assessment identify • Training consistency is critical if
critical information to display on the training is used to mitigate risks.
ventilator to alert the user.

Instructions for use should
be tested during the
ventilator design with high
risk steps clearly marked.
Use CIEHF usability protocol to test The training, instruction
in line with MHRA RMVS001. for use and user interface
must convey consistent
information to the user on
safe and effective use of
the ventilator.

The CIEHF has all the guidance you

need to expedite your design process.
Formative Usability Testing of Human Factors
Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator Systems in the Design and Operation
by Chartered Ergonomist and Human
of Ventilators for Covid-19
Factors Specialists (C.ErgHF)

Contact us or download our FREE guides.

Guidance from the Chartered Institute
of Ergonomics and Human Factors

1 Formative Usability Testing of Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator Systems 1 Human Factors in the Design and Operation of Ventilators for Covid-19

E: covid19@ergonomics.org.uk 
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W: www.covid19.ergonomics.org.uk

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