Today was our final presentation, and it was exciting to share our final prototype and design process with our classmates and instructors.
Some thoughts that we had about challenges that need to be addressed in the future:
- testing the chemical tests with bacteria in order to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the tests- at what levels can bacteria be detected? Is it too high such that we will only detect bacteria when it is too late to prevent infection? Is it too low such that the test will yield false positives and nurses will no longer pay attention to the test?
- How do we ensure that the detection pad will not be contaminated when it is manufactured? Where can it be manufactured such that sterility is maintained, without increasing the cost of manufacturing the device?
- How much time should we allow for detection? Wicking time must be shorter than the time interval after which the dressing is changed in order for the device to be useful.
- How will we ensure that the device is implemented properly? That hospital staff are held accountable to changing the catheter dressing when bacteria is detected? That parents will know how to use the device and won't be afraid to take charge of their newborn's care?
- How will we ensure that the device remains safe? That the wick remains sterile so as not to introduce infection? That the chemicals are completely encased so that no toxic chemicals are in contact with the newborn?
We hope that if a future Dlab student continues this work, they will try to address one or more of these challenges.
Thank you!
Neta, Thais, Stephanie
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