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The objective of this study is to characterize nephrology nurses’ and nephrologists’ design expectations and preferences for a wearable dialysis device that allows a dialysis patient greater mobility and improved independence. We gathered ideal design characteristics, acceptable size and weight parameters, and the most preferred design type of a wearable dialysis device. Using qualitative analysis of open-ended questions and quantitative analysis of rank-order questions, our results indicate seven categories of ideal design features and give an estimate of parameters for the largest acceptable size and heaviest acceptable weight of the device. Furthermore, our results show that the clinicians significantly prefer a belt design over a shoulder bag, a vest, or a distributed design type. The findings from this study offer a vision for design preferences and usability objectives to help ensure users’ safe and efficient use of a wearable dialysis device.

The objective of this study is to guide the designs of a portable dialysis device that allows patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) greater mobility and flexibility to travel. We gathered patients’ and care partners’ motivations behind their travels along with the barriers they experience when planning an overnight trip. Using a quantitative analysis approach for the open-ended questions along with rank-order of response frequencies, our findings indicate that the majority of the motivations behind participants travel is to visit their family and friends but the participants find themselves either completely hindered or experience significant challenges when planning overnight trips where the designs of current dialysis devices and or the logistics of planning or scheduling treatments in an unfamiliar dialysis center outweigh the enjoyment of traveling. Our results give an estimate of parameters for the largest acceptable size and weight of a portable dialysis device that meets users’ needs. The results of this study help provide the designers of a portable dialysis device with better-targeted solutions to design a device that comfortably supports patients’ mobility and freedom of travel.

The goal of this study is to identify ways to increase the usability of a mobile dialysis device through semi-structured interviews during the early stage of product development. We analyzed interview data using a mixed method of rank order and open-ended questions. The results from the open-ended questions showed that patients and care partners prefer the device being carried on patients’ backs, followed by the waist and the shoulder. We also identified 13 key categories of ideal features that the mobile dialysis device must hold. The results from the rank order question showed that the participants significantly preferred the Vest over the Backpack, Shoulder bag, and Distributed model. Accuracy of the device is more important compared to Safety, Ease of attachment, Comfort, Size, Operational simplicity, and Invisibility. The prioritized needs from patients and care partners provide designers and clinicians with better target solutions for designing a mobile dialysis device.

Dialysis is performed mostly in-center for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who lose normal functionality of their kidneys. The Center for Dialysis Innovation (CDI) at the University of Washington is developing a mobile dialysis device called the Ambulatory Kidney to Improve Vitality (AKTIV). Existing mobile dialysis devices focus on functionality, paying limited attention to human factors. The goal of the current study is to identify human factors-related recommendations for the wearable, constantly dialyzing device currently being developed. To reach this goal, we interviewed both patients and caregivers to understand their needs and preferred attributes for such a device while performing daily activities. We found that travel, recreation, and physical exercise were key task types for a wearable dialysis device to accommodate. In addition, safety and accuracy were found to be the attributes most important to participants Incorporating human factors considerations into the design of the mobile dialysis device has the potential to improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers.