A feasibility study into the economic, technical, commercial and financial viability of providing innovative flexible prosthetic devices to limb-difference patients in Sri Lanka
Lead Participant:
MITT WEARABLES LIMITED
Abstract
"**Challenge**
In Sri Lanka limb-loss is a recognised country wide-challenge with about two-thirds of those with limb-differences facing unemployment forcing many to turn to begging on the streets and becoming marginalised by the rest of society.
Despite the scale of the challenge, there are few viable upper-limb prosthetic devices available for those in need Where available they are either a fully artificial-prosthetic with no-functionality and poor-comfort often resulting in device abandonment or; a rigid, mechanical-prosthesis (spring-loaded, opening through shoulder extension). Such devices offer limited-functionality (useful for a few simple tasks), poor adaptation to body-shape eliminating large groups of users and are prohibitively expensive(\>£10,000). As a result, it is estimated that \>90% of limb-difference patients in Sri Lanka have no access to prostheses, preventing the fulfilment of normal activities impacting employment, self-esteem, and social acceptance.
**Our Plan**
Building on a patented upper-limb prosthesis developed for the UK-market, we seek to understand the potential for innovative, low-cost, comfortable device in developing countries, where we expect a sizeable commercial opportunity and ability deliver significant humanitarian-benefits.
Working with Jaffna Jaipur Centre for Disability Rehabilitation (JJCDR) and London South Bank University (LSBU), we intend to undertake a 6-month technical, commercial and financial-feasibility study to understand the key challenges i.e. affordability/functionality/culturally/amputation-type. As well as explore the local stakeholders for the supply, manufacture, distribution and sale of prosthesis.
**Key Activities**
* User Needs Analysis- 100 limb-loss patients surveyed & 20 user's assessed
* Wider-stakeholder analysis to better understand healthcare delivery in Sri Lanka
* Regional IP/FtO analysis
* Supply chain/distribution analysis
* Technical/Commercial/Financial/Logistical feasibility study
Our prosthesis are \>20x more affordable than current solutions therefore overcome current adoption barriers, has a patented- soft socket so it is easy to fit and grow with the amputee -empowering individuals to take control over their own disability.
**SDG**
* SDG3: good health and well-being
* SDG8: decent work and economic growth
**Expected Impacts**
* Make upper limb prosthesis widely available
* Provide a prosthesis that is suitable for all ages
* Reduce abandonment rates
* Overcome the lack of trained prosthesis personnel:
* Creation of direct jobs
* Improved employment levels in amputee population
* Improved social inclusion for amputees-
* Improved gender equality
* Improved mental well being"
In Sri Lanka limb-loss is a recognised country wide-challenge with about two-thirds of those with limb-differences facing unemployment forcing many to turn to begging on the streets and becoming marginalised by the rest of society.
Despite the scale of the challenge, there are few viable upper-limb prosthetic devices available for those in need Where available they are either a fully artificial-prosthetic with no-functionality and poor-comfort often resulting in device abandonment or; a rigid, mechanical-prosthesis (spring-loaded, opening through shoulder extension). Such devices offer limited-functionality (useful for a few simple tasks), poor adaptation to body-shape eliminating large groups of users and are prohibitively expensive(\>£10,000). As a result, it is estimated that \>90% of limb-difference patients in Sri Lanka have no access to prostheses, preventing the fulfilment of normal activities impacting employment, self-esteem, and social acceptance.
**Our Plan**
Building on a patented upper-limb prosthesis developed for the UK-market, we seek to understand the potential for innovative, low-cost, comfortable device in developing countries, where we expect a sizeable commercial opportunity and ability deliver significant humanitarian-benefits.
Working with Jaffna Jaipur Centre for Disability Rehabilitation (JJCDR) and London South Bank University (LSBU), we intend to undertake a 6-month technical, commercial and financial-feasibility study to understand the key challenges i.e. affordability/functionality/culturally/amputation-type. As well as explore the local stakeholders for the supply, manufacture, distribution and sale of prosthesis.
**Key Activities**
* User Needs Analysis- 100 limb-loss patients surveyed & 20 user's assessed
* Wider-stakeholder analysis to better understand healthcare delivery in Sri Lanka
* Regional IP/FtO analysis
* Supply chain/distribution analysis
* Technical/Commercial/Financial/Logistical feasibility study
Our prosthesis are \>20x more affordable than current solutions therefore overcome current adoption barriers, has a patented- soft socket so it is easy to fit and grow with the amputee -empowering individuals to take control over their own disability.
**SDG**
* SDG3: good health and well-being
* SDG8: decent work and economic growth
**Expected Impacts**
* Make upper limb prosthesis widely available
* Provide a prosthesis that is suitable for all ages
* Reduce abandonment rates
* Overcome the lack of trained prosthesis personnel:
* Creation of direct jobs
* Improved employment levels in amputee population
* Improved social inclusion for amputees-
* Improved gender equality
* Improved mental well being"
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| MITT WEARABLES LIMITED | £53,938 | £ 37,757 |
Participant |
||
| LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY | £21,211 | £ 21,211 |
| INNOVATE UK | ||
| LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Nathan Macabuag (Project Manager) |