Consumer opinions on adverse events associated with medical devices

Introduction: Post-market surveillance of medical devices relies on compulsory and voluntary reports. Although direct consumer reporting of medical device-related adverse events (AEs) is available in Australia, the proportion of consumer reports has remained low. Limited qualitative research has previously explored consumer insights on AEs associated with medical devices and in particular, AE reporting. Objective: To explore consumer opinions on AEs related to medical devices, and their knowledge of, experiences with, and views on, the reporting of medical device-related AEs. Methods: Focus groups (n = 4; total of 29 participants) were conducted in metropolitan Sydney, Australia. Focus group discussions of approximately 1.5 h in length centred on consumers' understanding of AEs, opinions on AEs and their previous experiences, views on medical device benefits and harms, and actions taken (or potential actions) in response to AEs. With participant consent, discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results: Participants regarded medical device-related side effects to be unexpected AEs associated with their use. Where there was a clear need for the medical device itself, potential improvement in quality of life took precedence over potential harms. Most participants had not experienced negative issues with their medical device (s). There was poor awareness among participants of an existing direct consumer AE reporting system for medical devices. Despite this, the value of reporting was acknowledged. Severity of the AE was a key motivator for potential AE reporting. Conclusions: Further efforts are necessary to improve consumer awareness of available AE reporting systems to better support post-market surveillance and safe medical device use.