CASE STUDY
Assessing the value of potential product iteration options for existing Medical Device Feeding Pumps
UNMET NEED
Some people need to be tube fed over an extended period of time. Tube feeding requires the use of an enteral feeding pump to ensure that a person’s nutritional need are sufficiently met and the feed is pumped into a person’s body effectively. There are various devices already available within the healthcare marketplace to meet this need, with varying features.
SOLUTION
The aim of this project was to undertake a comprehensive stakeholder assessment of a current CE-marked feeding pump and to identify which potential new features are seen as a priority should a new iteration of the pump be developed. Through our multiple professional networks, we aimed to reach a wide number of stakeholders (healthcare professionals, feeding pump users, carers, family members, and industry experts) to understand the emerging needs.
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT BEFORE WORKING WITH NIHR CYP MEDTECH
Basic idea
Concept development
Prototype development
Prototype validation
Clinical testing
Regulatory approval
Manufacturing
Commercially available
SUPPORT PROVIDED BY NIHR CYP MEDTECH
Identification and validation of unmet needs
The project team worked collaboratively to identify and understand the unmet needs of people who use, or care for people who use, feeding pumps.
Stakeholder assessment report
NIHR CYP MedTech and NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative co-produced a report of the stakeholder assessment for the commercial partner.
Project management
NIHR CYP MedTech and NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative provided day-to-date management of the project.
NEXT STEPS
Our commercial partner on this project has been provided with a comprehensive report from this contracted piece of work, which will inform their product development strategy.
IMPACT
The feedback from this project will allow our commercial partner to develop new iterations of enteral feeding pumps which will better suit the needs of people who use feeding pumps.
FUNDING
This project was funded by our commercial partner.
PARTNERS
Last updated: 18 May 2022
