Skip to main content

Foot Imaging Solution With Flexi Foot In Polytrauma Patients: A Pilot Study

Foot Imaging Solution With Flexi Foot
Healthcare and Medical Devices las la-heartbeat green
Prototype fa-solid fa-pen-fancy orange
Reg. ID : 17554
603-7949 4422 Comments

Description

The lack of a suitable positioning device has increased the retake rate of foot X-Rays among polytrauma patients at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur. As foot injuries are common among emergency requests, maintaining and achieving a good foot X-ray for polytrauma patients with sponges and sandbags limits the radiographer's ability to obtain optimum image quality. Consequently, a high retake rate due to positioning technique was trending from June to October 2021 (49.8%). As there was no proper immobiliser for foot X-Rays, a new positioning device, Flexi Foot, was invented and tested as a pilot project to reduce the retake rate of foot X-Rays and overcome the challenges in foot positioning for polytrauma patients. Staff empowerment, hands-on training, video sharing, and information pamphlets were provided to the radiographers in the implementation process. The examination time before and after using the Flexi Foot application was also recorded. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from patient interviews after applying Flexi Foot, using a pain score scale (adopted from the Ministry of Health, Malaysia), radiographers and radiologists' surveys of image evaluation. It was found that Flexi Foot is a reliable foot immobiliser for polytrauma patients or inpatients (wheelchair/bed). The image quality was optimised with good diagnostic value for reporting. In addition, the standard care for polytrauma patients undergoing foot X-Ray examination was achieved with improved care and patient satisfaction. The Head of the Department of Biomedical Imaging, UMMC, approved using Flexi Foot as the new positioning device for polytrauma patients.

Highlights

1.0 Blueprint The innovation design was formed after several meetings with the team members. A detailed plan for the innovation was considered after obtaining feedback from patients, radiographers, and radiologist interviews. 2.0 Prototype Design The team members analysed the design prototype of the foot positioning device following the four dimensions of prototyping techniques as below. 2.1 Representation Initially, the team members sketched the design of the foot positioning device on paper as part of constructing the prototype. A series of quick sketches provided general and informative design ideas for the project by considering the objective and target group. The team members adopted the rehal (book rest) design to form the foot positioning device. 2.2 Precision In this product design stage, the team members had a few brainstorming sessions to discuss relevant details, such as the prototype design, materials used and the place or person that can create the device. Subsequently, the team members collaborated with a carpenter to accomplish the ideas and product design. The first product innovation was made from acrylic plastic, aiming to make the product lighter to ease lifting by the users. The outcome saw a design which was thin, lightweight, and radiolucent. After a few trials with polytrauma patients, unfortunately, this prototype broke, and it was found that the acrylic plastic could also be easily scratched. 2.3 Interactivity The prototype foot positioning device was designed for radiographers' use in polytrauma patients to produce the optimum image quality and assist radiologists in diagnosing the foot X-Ray. After radiographers used the prototype, valuable feedback and ideas were obtained to improve the product further. Discussions with the carpenter further improved the product design. Subsequently, the team members changed the material from acrylic plastic to wood to ensure robustness. 2.4 Evolution The team members continuously improved the design prototype throughout the project while maintaining the project's main objectives. The product's final design was a flexible device with a hand holder for use during foot X-Ray, and the product was called "Flexi Foot". 3.0 Product Design: Flexi Foot 1 3.1 Design Characteristics Flexi Foot 1 is smaller, highly durable and stable, and safer for both user and patient than the prototype. Furthermore, it is suitable for Computed Radiography (CR) cassettes (35 x 35 cm) or (35 x 43 cm) and Digital Radiography (DR) detectors. In addition, the new design has a handheld feature and is easily lifted and transported. 3.2 Technical Specification The technical specification of the Flexi Foot 1 Positioning Device is illustrated and detailed in the supporting document. 4.0 Product Design: Flexi Foot 2 Further changes to the Flexi Foot 1 were made. The new version, Flexi Foot 2 Positioning Device, is weighted 3.3 kg, less than 1.7 kg than the previous Flexi Foot 1. The new version is ergonomic for the users. It has a clip opener that assists the Radiographer in indicating which side to open during the positioning of the patient and also to prevent premature opening while lifting as part of the safety feature.

Contact Person/Inventor

Name Email Contact Phone
Nadiha Sofia Binti Kamaruddin nadiha@ummc.edu.my 60125942001

Award

Award Title Award Achievement Award Year Received
Malaysian Technology Expo MTE 2023 2023

Video

Additional Document

Attachment Size
file-1711940526.pdf (680.92 KB) 680.92 KB

Comment

LOG IN or REGISTER to post comments.

Star Rating

Star Rating
No votes yet

Contact Form