ARMY AL&T
something they need and want, without their direct involvement and input.”
COLLABORATION
For Sanjakdar, center, the best way to nail down user requirements is to put devices in the hands of users.
return-to-duty decision in the deployed environment.”
“We’re trying to open up our aperture to see what else may be out there,” she added. “I think it’s necessary to ensure end-user input is a constant factor in product development, especially when we’re talking about military medi- cal products. When you are out there in a deployed setting—on the battle- field—everything is dynamic, it’s always changing. In light of this, we must ensure that we, as DOD product manag- ers, anticipate and adapt to changes in user needs, to develop and deliver the best possible products.
“Although we have general requirements, and gaps
identified by our capabil-
ity developers, it’s really those deployed medics, nurses, physicians’ assistants and doctors that will help guide and define exactly what it is we need to work towards delivering out there in the field—that’s why the end user should always be involved in the process.”
MOVING FORWARD Traveling between 10 stops in less than four weeks to meet with product users, Sanjakdar admits the assignment was intense, but she says it was well worth the effort involved—particularly in support of our warfighters. In fact, she feels USAM- MDA’s other PMO teams may now follow suit, finding opportunities to connect with their respective users as well.
“Involving the operational end user is a key piece of medical product development that was previously under-represented, but it has recently become more vital as the Army moves into its new multido- main battlefield operations concept,” said Sanjakdar.
“I believe this assignment has helped our PMOs restructure their programs around better defined user requirements,” she continued. “Tis experience has allowed us to incorporate user input to inform fielding decisions—to make sure that we develop products that meet the warfight- ers’ needs. You are less likely to develop
When it comes to trauma sustained in combat, Sanjakdar understands the importance of having the right product or device “in your bag” in order to save lives. However, she also realizes the “right” product or device can only be developed through the collaborative effort of key partners, both at home and abroad. While USAMMDA’s PMO teams work on their end to find effective solutions to satisfy the needs of our warfighters throughout the world, the involvement of product users remains paramount for success.
“Tis is something that I now do regularly, to build, maintain and grow those vital connections with our end users,” she said. “We have to bridge those gaps within and between medical and operational commu- nities, to really just work as one team, together. Tat’s what this valuable assign- ment has provided for our WBH PMO, and hopefully all of our PMOs—and for me as a product manager.”
For more information on the work and mission of USAMMDA, please visit its website at
http://www.usammda.army. mil/.
JEFFREY M. SOARES is a senior technical writer and communications specialist with General Dynamics Information Technology, providing contract support as chief writer for the Public Affairs Office and Office of the Commander at USAMMDA. For the past 13 years he has served the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. He holds an M.A. in English language and literature from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in education and English from the University of Scranton.
https://asc.ar my.mil
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