MEDTECH NEWS

Interpretation of the Guidelines for the Review of Usability Engineering in Medical Device Registration

09 04 2024

The interpretation of "Guidelines for the Review of Usability Engineering in Medical Device Registration," published on March 27, 2024, are designed to enhance the usability requirements for Class II and Class III medical devices in China. These guidelines emphasize the critical role of human-machine interaction in medical device design, focusing on ensuring safety, effectiveness, and ease of use through comprehensive usability engineering. They specify processes for usability engineering lifecycle quality control, detail the verification and confirmation of user interfaces, and address the unique challenges associated with imported devices. Additionally, the guidelines discuss how usability engineering relates to clinical trials, the evaluation of existing user interfaces, and the specific considerations for devices used in combination. Application instructions for medical device registration under these guidelines include the submission of usability engineering research reports or use error evaluation reports, depending on the device's risk level. This initiative aims to align China's regulatory standards with international practices, thereby enhancing its global regulatory influence.