At the outset of this project, the aim was to improve children's health. Whilst investigating how children's medication is managed at school, we uncovered a surprisingly alarming issue;
Situation
o In
2011-12, 10.2% of Australians (or around 2.3 million people) had asthma
- (Abs.gov.au, 2013)
o In
2011, asthma caused the deaths of 378 Australians - (Abs.gov.au, 2013)
o “The majority
of children with asthma in Australia have infrequent intermittent asthma, which
means they have occasional ‘episodes’ of asthma symptoms lasting a short period
of time, and only take medication when they have symptoms rather than every day”
– (Asthmaaustralia.org.au,
2007)
o Up
to 90% of people who have asthma inhalers do not use them correctly
- (Asthmaaustralia.org.au,
2007)
o There
is a higher rate of hospitalisation for asthma in children than adults, and the
highest rate is in boys aged 0–4 years - (Asthmaaustralia.org.au, 2007)
o $655 million
was spent on Asthma in 2008-09 - (Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare, 2013)
o There
is reportedly a direct correlation between socioeconomic status and the
prevalence of Asthma
Problem
Up to
90% of inhaler users are using them incorrectly. This
could be due to:
o Lack
of education in proper technique
o Confusing
or inconvenient design
o Developing
bad habits
Some common misuses include:
Objective
o Spraying
directly into tongue, mouth
o Not
holding breath long enough for lungs to absorb vapour
o Administering
too much within quick succession – The compound takes approx. 1 minute to
settle in the lungs
o Holding
inhaler incorrectly
o Not
tilting head backward
o Not
breathing deeply enough
o Not shaking
the canister (for MDI)
Objective
Design a product that promotes the
correct usage of Metered Dose (MDI) or Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)
This will be realised through the development of several concepts, form studies, test rigs, CAD models and working prototypes, each undergoing extensive evaluation.
Target User
The intended user of the product will
be children, upwards of 5 years of age. As they gain more independence and responsibilities through the start of their schooling and organised sports, it is crucial that they can correctly manage their own health when required. Their
parents/guardians will also be considered, as they will ultimately be
responsible for how their child's asthma is treated. They will
typically be between 25 and 40 years of age, with school-aged children.
Schedule
Phase 1 – Research and
Conceptualization (9/8/13 – 3/9/13)
Phase 2 – Development (6/9/13 –
15/10/13)
Phase 3 – Preparation for Launch (18/10/13 – 15/11/13)
