DermIt: Innovative Device that Applies Adhesive Bandages
Abstract
The aim of this project is to identify a solution to prevent Medical Adhesive Related Skin Injuries (MARSI) through a device that eliminates the potential causes of said injury. Defined as a skin condition caused by trauma to the skin from medical adhesives during application and removal, MARSI’s are a major issue in today's healthcare system. In a study published by the Int J Environ Res Public Health, they found that out of 143 patients observed following a procedure, 52 of them developed MARSIS (36.3% overall incidence rate). Not only is this condition taxing to a patients recovery process, it costs hospitals funds that could go towards other endeavors.This development would benefit hospitals as well as patients of all ages, especially those who are more vulnerable to this condition— neonates and the elderly. There are known studies that examine the structural makeup of adhesives. However, it’s just as important to recognize and improve the methodology of such. Wounds UK collected clinician perspectives on MARSI through a survey. When asked, “What do you believe causes the types of skin injury that you come across?”, out of 918 wound care clinician respondents, the most frequent response was that “the adhesive was applied incorrectly”. Incorrect application can occur when the adhesive is stretched too far prior to being placed on the skin, causing the skin to constrict. DermIt is an innovative device that combats the human error that occurs when applying these adhesives. To test, adhesives, markers, and rulers were used to measure effectiveness of the device. A boundary was drawn on the skin marking where the adhesive was originally placed. In a 20 minute time frame, the amount at which the adhesive deviated from the original marking was measured. Success is measured by determining if the difference in skin constriction is statistically significant between the two methods of application. A statistical difference helps to support the hypothesis that if the methodology at which an adhesive is applied is altered, the occurrence of MARSI can be greatly diminished.
DermIt: Innovative Device that Applies Adhesive Bandages
ECL 118
The aim of this project is to identify a solution to prevent Medical Adhesive Related Skin Injuries (MARSI) through a device that eliminates the potential causes of said injury. Defined as a skin condition caused by trauma to the skin from medical adhesives during application and removal, MARSI’s are a major issue in today's healthcare system. In a study published by the Int J Environ Res Public Health, they found that out of 143 patients observed following a procedure, 52 of them developed MARSIS (36.3% overall incidence rate). Not only is this condition taxing to a patients recovery process, it costs hospitals funds that could go towards other endeavors.This development would benefit hospitals as well as patients of all ages, especially those who are more vulnerable to this condition— neonates and the elderly. There are known studies that examine the structural makeup of adhesives. However, it’s just as important to recognize and improve the methodology of such. Wounds UK collected clinician perspectives on MARSI through a survey. When asked, “What do you believe causes the types of skin injury that you come across?”, out of 918 wound care clinician respondents, the most frequent response was that “the adhesive was applied incorrectly”. Incorrect application can occur when the adhesive is stretched too far prior to being placed on the skin, causing the skin to constrict. DermIt is an innovative device that combats the human error that occurs when applying these adhesives. To test, adhesives, markers, and rulers were used to measure effectiveness of the device. A boundary was drawn on the skin marking where the adhesive was originally placed. In a 20 minute time frame, the amount at which the adhesive deviated from the original marking was measured. Success is measured by determining if the difference in skin constriction is statistically significant between the two methods of application. A statistical difference helps to support the hypothesis that if the methodology at which an adhesive is applied is altered, the occurrence of MARSI can be greatly diminished.
