Ximedica, Providence, RI, a medical-device development firm offering integrated research, product development, and manufacturing services, has added medical simulations to its growing set of capabilities. Working with a local medicalsimulation center as well as orchestrated simulations domestically and globally, the company can conduct user research in a medical-simulation setting. Normally used for medical training of residents, the use of medical-simulation technology offers possibilities for research and usability testing of medical devices in the development cycle. This can allow for compressed product development timelines and increased research opportunities.

Medical simulation uses life-like scenarios or medical events to create a lowrisk learning situation for medical staff and others. Using high-tech mannequins in a re-created hospital environment, participants learn to work through medical crises without the risk of harming patients. The use of simulation technology also affords medical device developers a number of advantages: by working with real clinicians in a simulated clinical setting, issues around patient confidentiality and clinician distraction are minimized. Also, access often can be arranged on relatively short notice, and development teams can gain access to user insight as it becomes necessary, without having to wait for lengthy approvals to access hospitals’ protected areas.