Co-creating a sternal wound support device

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Co-creating a sternal wound support device for those at risk of wound breakdown following sternotomy

• IRAS ID

  248149

• Contact name

  Nicola Morrell-Scott

• Contact email

  n.e.morrell@ljmu.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Liverpool John Moores University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 9 months, 3 days

• Research summary

  Around eight patients in every 100 who undergo cardiac surgery develop a wound infection. In a small group of patients, this can lead to death. Some research has shown that patients who wear a chest support after surgery are less likely to develop these complications. However, the chest supports are uncomfortable to wear, with nearly 30% of patients refusing to wear them. Women, who are more likely to develop an infection found it particularly difficult to wear.
  The aim of this study is to reduce the number of people experiencing wound breakdown following heart surgery. We aim to develop a risk assessment tool in order to identify which patients are more at risk of developing post-sternotomy complications. From this we will then develop a wearable device that is comfortable for high risk patients to wear. This aim will be achieved through a process of co-creation where patients, carers, clinicians and academics from healthcare and design engineering come together to explore the problems and develop a patient friendly solution

• REC name

  North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  18/NW/0854

• Date of REC Opinion

  31 Jan 2019

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion