Describing the purpose of a health product
A practical way to describe product purpose, users and functions before discussing evidence or market requirements.
Read the resourcesectors
Rehabilitation and assistive products
Rehabilitation and assistive products support function, mobility and participation in daily life. Their design and use need to reflect the people, environments and support arrangements involved.
Product scope
The sector includes relevant rehabilitation equipment, mobility and daily-living aids, and associated components or software. Products are considered according to their intended function rather than a general claim to improve wellbeing.
Usability and fit
An assessment should consider set-up, adjustment, physical demands, the environment and any assistance needed. The experience of the person using a product may differ from that of a purchaser, clinician or carer. Those perspectives need to remain visible in design and product information.
Areas of work
- Performance and durability for the stated conditions of use.
- Safe adjustment, maintenance and the availability of instructions.
- Human factors and use by people with differing capabilities.
- Evidence supporting the specific function or outcome described.
- Supply, repair and lifecycle considerations affecting continued use.
Resources
Connecting product statements to supporting evidence
An editorial review method for tracing a product statement back to its scope and supporting material.
Read the resourceIndustry participation
Manufacturers and specialist suppliers can raise questions that would benefit from shared technical work. Proposals should identify the intended users and the practical setting concerned.