Tanya Graham1, Sangeeta Sooriah2, Silvia Giampieri3, Rachel Box4, Patricia Grocott5. 1. Research Fellow, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London. 2. Research Assistant, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London. 3. Research Associate, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London. 4. Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Hand Therapy, Hand Therapy Department, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust. 5. Professor of Nursing Innovation and Technology, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genetic skin disorder which requires intensive hand therapy to delay fusion of the digits. Existing dressings do not conform to the complex structure of the hand and are applied in patches held with additional bandages, leading to an occlusive environment. The aim was to co-design with patients a dressing glove based on their user experiences and needs. METHOD: Qualitative interviews and focus groups with children and adults with RDEB, and their carers, were conducted. Iterative feedback of design cues, bench and surrogate testing of materials and prototype refinement were achieved through collaborative codesign with patients, carers, clinicians and manufacturers. RESULTS: Thematic analysis generated eight user needs and corresponding design cues, addressing issues of absorbency, adherence, comfort, adaptability, ease of application and removal, breathability, protection, and hand hygiene. A prototype was selected for proof of concept testing. CONCLUSION: This novel dressing glove design met the patient's requirements for a dressing, which conformed to the hand structure and sat in the web spaces to keep fingers separated. Proof of concept testing has since been undertaken with patients to determine performance, value for money and whether further developments are required.
OBJECTIVE:Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genetic skin disorder which requires intensive hand therapy to delay fusion of the digits. Existing dressings do not conform to the complex structure of the hand and are applied in patches held with additional bandages, leading to an occlusive environment. The aim was to co-design with patients a dressing glove based on their user experiences and needs. METHOD: Qualitative interviews and focus groups with children and adults with RDEB, and their carers, were conducted. Iterative feedback of design cues, bench and surrogate testing of materials and prototype refinement were achieved through collaborative codesign with patients, carers, clinicians and manufacturers. RESULTS: Thematic analysis generated eight user needs and corresponding design cues, addressing issues of absorbency, adherence, comfort, adaptability, ease of application and removal, breathability, protection, and hand hygiene. A prototype was selected for proof of concept testing. CONCLUSION: This novel dressing glove design met the patient's requirements for a dressing, which conformed to the hand structure and sat in the web spaces to keep fingers separated. Proof of concept testing has since been undertaken with patients to determine performance, value for money and whether further developments are required.
Entities:
Keywords:
epidermolysis bullosa; experience-based codesign; hand therapy; medical device development; novel dressing glove