Pathogen Transmission Reduction Devices for Doors.
Lead Participant:
NONWOVENS INNOVATION & RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIMITED
Abstract
A reduction in the transmission of Healthcare Acquired Infections (HCAI’s) such as E.coli, Enterococcus Faecalis, S.Aureus, MRSA & C-Diff is a major NHS objective. In addition to better hand hygiene, effective cleaning of contact surfaces such as door handles & push plates is essential; ideally they should remain disinfected at all times. Existing self-cleaning handles & push-plates are expensive and have long response times of up to 24 hours rendering then non-efficacious.
The applicants have developed an innovative range of patent-pending, compression-activated hand hygiene devices that clip-fit directly to existing door handles and push plates in hospital & clinical environments to reduce the spread of HCAIs. On contact, the devices immediately deliver any clinically-approved disinfectant liquid directly to the immediate contact surface thereby producing a rapid self-cleaning effect on the pad or handle. Any residual liquid evaporates, leaving it dry within seconds of use. Door handles & pushplates are therefore rendered disinfected at all times, reducing the risk of microorganism transmission in the seconds between one user & the next passing through the door. The product aims to provide a secondary defense system, designed specifically to complement existing alcohol gel dispensers & effectively act as though the door has been disinfected after each & every user.
The technology has passed NHS In-Vitro trials, killing a range of bacteria in seconds & has gained the support of key NHS buyers & Infection Control specialists. In addition, potential commercial customers have also expressed an interest in trialling the product upon launch.
This project looks to take a well developed concept, fabricate prototypes, demonstrate its effectiveness in a relevant environment (durability, efficacy and user trials in a NHS hospital), & use these trials to make final product design changes. This will allow us to evaluate the clinical utility of the new product.
The applicants have developed an innovative range of patent-pending, compression-activated hand hygiene devices that clip-fit directly to existing door handles and push plates in hospital & clinical environments to reduce the spread of HCAIs. On contact, the devices immediately deliver any clinically-approved disinfectant liquid directly to the immediate contact surface thereby producing a rapid self-cleaning effect on the pad or handle. Any residual liquid evaporates, leaving it dry within seconds of use. Door handles & pushplates are therefore rendered disinfected at all times, reducing the risk of microorganism transmission in the seconds between one user & the next passing through the door. The product aims to provide a secondary defense system, designed specifically to complement existing alcohol gel dispensers & effectively act as though the door has been disinfected after each & every user.
The technology has passed NHS In-Vitro trials, killing a range of bacteria in seconds & has gained the support of key NHS buyers & Infection Control specialists. In addition, potential commercial customers have also expressed an interest in trialling the product upon launch.
This project looks to take a well developed concept, fabricate prototypes, demonstrate its effectiveness in a relevant environment (durability, efficacy and user trials in a NHS hospital), & use these trials to make final product design changes. This will allow us to evaluate the clinical utility of the new product.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
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NONWOVENS INNOVATION & RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIMITED | £210,823 | £ 94,870 |
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Participant |
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THE TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY BOARD | ||
CVR LIMITED |
People |
ORCID iD |
Michael Rogers (Project Manager) |