Changing a Life: Impactful Designs for Sick Children

Presenter: Wayne Hosley

IntroductionFor small children with respiratory complications, improper tools have become an increasing problem.

Children with certain illnesses are provided a respiratory mask that is supposed to be a life-saving device, but in some cases can cause serious health problems such as pressure ulcers.

Statistics• In the medical field, only 6% of healthcare dollars are allocated for pediatric patients,

which means the quality of the devices clinicians use are not the best.

• In fact, 27% of all acutely ill infant patients develop pressure ulcers. It has been estimated that medical devices are the cause of over half those patients developing the ulcers (Murray, Noonan, Quigley & Curley, 2013).

Goal: Redesign the C-PAP Respiratory Mask

The focus of our project is primarily on: • Headgear Attachment

What is C-PAP?CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure• Increases air pressure in your throat • prevents airway collapse

Used for:• sleep apnea • infants whose lungs have not fully developed• children with illnesses that affect breathing

Current Problems• No universal fit / comfort• Strapping complications• Pressure Ulcers • Loss of suction over time• Cost

Data Collection – Overview Literature Review (articles, books and patents)• Info on design and operation of respiratory maskExpert/User Review• Hands-on experience at hospitalsCompetitive Analysis• Pros and cons of different masksForms of Design Innovation and Usability Testing• Methods used to identify what features should be included in the

redesign

Identifying User Needs: Clinicians and RT’s• Problem areas include the bridge of nose and

jaw/chin• Replaceable/cost-effective• Attach and detach easily• Patients DO NOT LIKE – needs to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Findings from Clinicians and RT’s

• Prefer spandex-covered strap material• Quick assembly for attachment pieces• Indication of tightness• Don’t want to constantly adjust for

proper fit• No hard material touching skin

Initial Concepts for Redesign

Components:• The headgear• Attachment Ideology• Materials

Concept 1:

Concept 2:

Final Concept for Redesign:

Where do we go from here? Phase 2

Any Questions?

Thank You