R1.4: Problem Definition

R1.4 will synthesize the findings of Projects R1.1, R1.2, and R1.3 and will develop a prioritized list of areas of need. It will also ascertain the state of the art of medical instrumentation in the problem areas identified. Program R1 provides a foundation for most other activities in the RERC. Results of Research Program R1 will be used in Programs R2 and R4, and in Development Programs D2, D3, and D4.

In anticipation of possible areas of focus for the R2: Usability Analyses and the D2.2: Student Design Competition, during the Summers of 2003 and 2004 a number of students conducted product searches, in the form of Preliminary Technical Reports in a number of following strategic areas.

Prioritization of the order in which types of medical instrumentation are considered for RERC analysis and redesign has turned out to be a challenge because of the breadth and depth of the consumer needs. In consultation with our Advisory Council, our decisions about where to focus our resources are being influenced by a number of variables, including survey results (e.g., frequency of device usage, severity of potential impact on personal health, number of people affected), considerations of desired short- and medium-term outcomes, and areas of expertise of our team.