Introduction/
Background
Our research study 2 in 2012 and field trips in Mauritius from 2015 3 highlighted the high incidence of pressure ulcers in acute hospitals and in the community for people with neurological disability. It was identified that there was lack of existent structured rehabilitation facilities in Mauritius. This led us to carry out research and field trips in Mauritius that highlighted many issues.
Key Findings
Many pressure ulcers in hospitals and community
Wheelchairs were provided by the authorities without pressure cushions
Lack of safe manual handling of patients
Lack of knowledge and skills amongst health professionals
Non availability of rehabilitation aids and ignorance of their relevance to quality of life
Disabled were labelled as Bed Ridden by the family as well as by health professionals
Problem Solving Approach By Neuram
Neuram’s immediate objective was to provide a low cost and effective pressure cushions for wheelchairs.
Developing and putting concept to Action
Project concept : KS to manufacture affordable pressure cushion with locally sourced materials and skills.
Expert team from UK – Tissue viability nurse and Occupational therapist along with support from the locals searched for solutions
Team’s Knowledge , experience and urge to find solutions led to production of low cost pressure cushions in Mauritius
Developing the prototype of the pressure cushion
Funding by Neuram and International House
Initiated awareness and education in public , health professionals and authorities for the need of pressure cushions
Trainings to health professionals in the hospitals, conference for carers, social media and meeting with ministry of health
Collaboration with local charity
Lean-on was created by collaboration with Magic fingers, a local charity for the under privileged women
Magic fingers
Lean -on
Training provided to the women at Magic fingers
Identified locally available materials for the cushion
Identified suppliers of foam;
two way stretch material for the covers had to be imported
Created prototype of pressure cushion
After several trials on other materials first prototype was created
Prototype
Knowledge put to practice
Cushions meant for hot climate, providing immersion and effective pressure relief,
Future Direction of the project:
Expand range of products – Manual handling and functional aids
Obtain certification /approval of quality by the authorities
Supply products locally and to African countries
Provide vocational opportunities to the under privileged
Income generating social enterprise