Identifying pain points in oral medication delivery for G- and NG-tube users

A pharmaceutical company needed to understand how patients and caregivers administer oral medications using G-tubes and NG-tubes. The goal was to uncover real-world pain points in home settings to inform product design and improve safety and ease of use.

We conducted in-home ethnographies with patients and caregivers actively using G- and NG-tubes for oral medication delivery. Researchers observed participants as they prepared, administered, and flushed medications, documenting the tools, techniques, and workarounds they relied on during daily routines. Follow-up interviews captured emotional context and additional details about challenges that may not have been visible during live observation.

The research uncovered critical usability challenges, including complex preparation steps, risk of contamination, and difficulties managing multiple medications or liquid consistencies. Emotional stress and anxiety about safe administration were also prevalent, particularly among new caregivers.

Our insights informed the design of safer, more intuitive medication delivery solutions and guided updates to caregiver instructions and support materials. The client applied these findings to reduce use-related risk and improve the overall at-home treatment experience.