CASE STUDY
Patient-Centered Approach to the Design of Instructions for Simponi SmartJect Autoinjector
SmartJect is a delivery system for SIMPONI®, a prescription medicine for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Symptoms include: joint pain, swollen joints, weakness, inflamed fingers, blurred vision, stiffness
PROBLEM
Patients with RA, PsA, and AS self-administer weekly injections to maintain their condition. Many patients have dexterity issues and have a difficulty navigating between the device and the cumbersome instructions for use. Additionally, the visual presentation of the instructions cause a lot of confusion and user errors. This leads to a high level of complaints, sub-optimal patient experience and a Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) from the FDA.
The goal was to learn about the patient, not just in the context of their therapy, but their wholistic, end-to-end journey from initial symptom onset to long-term treatment. We mapped their interactions with healthcare professionals, support systems, and the injection routine to build empathy for patients throughout the organization.
Research tools:
• Affinity mapping
• Patient Journey
• Stakeholder mapping exercises
• Usability studies
• Stakeholder workshops
DISCOVERY
LEARNING AND INSIGHTS
Based on our research, we uncovered principles to guide the redesign of Johnson & Johnson’s instructions for use.
How might we…
build confidence around self-injecting?
ensure mediction adherence?
help patients familiarize themselves with a device or therapy?
identify critical steps that the patient must get right?
SOLUTION
Multi-faceted outreach strategy that includes sales teams, call centers and medical science liaisons to provide better support patients.
Additional training materials are consistent and reinforce key messages within the IFU.
BEFORE
Guiding principles for developing instructions for use:
1. Address the smallest behaviors that matter most.
2. Deliver the right information at the right time.
3. Communicate in the language of the user.
4. Provide immediate and appropriate feedback.
5. Place behavioral triggers in the pathway of the user.
AFTER