Research

Poster

Assessing Usability in Menopause Forecasting: A Formative HFE Evaluation of LifeAhead

Authors: Shruti Chopra, PhD; Vandana Yadav, MS; Stan Kachnowski, PhD, MPA

Predicting an individual’s timing of the menopausal transition remains an unmet clinical need. Conventional biomarkers (AMH, FSH) cannot provide long-range forecasting. LifeAhead applies a validated stochastic follicle-depletion model (Lawley et al., Science Advances, 2024) to generate individualized menopause forecasts from ovarian reserve markers and patient demographics. As a Class II SaMD, FDA Human Factors Engineering guidance mandates formative and summative usability evaluation before marketing submission. HITLAB conducted this independent two-round formative HFE evaluation on behalf of LifeAhead, with three clinicians from diverse clinical backgrounds. Using semi-structured interviews, think-aloud protocols, and the System Usability Scale (SUS), the study assessed forecast interpretability, clinical workflow alignment, patient safety, and counselling efficacy — with Round 1 findings directly shaping Round 2 refinements. Round 1 identified 9 major thematic areas; Round 2 yielded 30+ actionable recommendations. Together, these findings provide an evidence-based roadmap for platform refinement ahead of summative evaluation and FDA submission.

Join the hundreds of invite only Executives at the HITLAB Summit

Review the Evidence of What Works in Digital Health

See how digital and AI are helping employers, providers, payors, and life science to accelerate revenues, improve workflows, and innovate faster. Save 20% off with code: SUM20AUG