General details
EDIHs involved
Challenges
Blood Simpling AB engaged the services of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) to address significant challenges in the development of a medical device aimed at improving the success rate of venous blood sampling. Venous blood sampling is the world's most common diagnostic method, but it frequently fails on the first attempt, causing discomfort for patients and inefficiency in healthcare. The initial idea for Blood Simpling originated from a thesis project at the swedish university, Halmstad University, leading to a partnership with Health Data Sweden's partner Leap for life and further development.
The primary challenge was to create a prototype that would ensure successful blood draws on the first attempt. This need arose from the high failure rates and the associated costs and discomfort. Blood Simpling required support in understanding user needs, validating the necessity of the proposed functions, and refining their product through user feedback and testing, which prompted their engagement with EDIH.
Solutions
The solution is focused on developing a prototype equipped with several features to facilitate easier blood draws.
The process began with a first-generation prototype that the company had developed, designed to enhance the effectiveness of blood draws, particularly focused on difficult cases where veins are hard to locate. The next step involved forming a Test panel composed of healthcare professionals, including nurses and researchers, who regularly performs venous blood sampling. The panel provided practical insights into the usability and functionality of the prototype.
The test panel was conducted in the Clinical Test Center (KTC) at Halmstad University, where the prototype was evaluated in a controlled environment that simulated real-world conditions. The "Think Aloud" method was employed, wherein participants verbalized their thoughts and experiences while using the prototype, providing valuable real-time insights. The EDIH’s involvement extended to refining the feedback loop, ensuring that the insights gathered were effectively utilised to improve the prototype.
The collaboration between Blood Simpling AB, Leap for Life, and EDIH/HDS ensured that the prototype not only met the initial objectives but also incorporated user-driven improvements to increase its practical utility in real-world settings.
The rationale behind the investment, both public and private, was to accelerate the product development process, ensuring that the solution met the practical needs of healthcare providers. This public-private partnership aimed to leverage collective expertise and financial resources to create a viable, market-ready medical device that could improve efficiency and patient comfort in blood sampling.
Results and Benefits
The testing and feedback process yielded significant insights and benefits for both Blood Simpling AB and the participating healthcare proffesionals. The results indicated that the prototype was generally well-received, with participants finding it beneficial for difficult blood draws. Feedback from the Test panel included comments such as "The included features is promising, especially for patients with difficult veins, but the device needs to be more compact." or "The combination of features is innovative, but it requires better integration into the routine process."
The panel also noted the importance of ensuring that the device does not disrupt well-established routines unless it provides clear, additional value. The need for a balance between technological innovation and user-friendly design was a recurring theme in the feedback.
The project involved a mix of public funding through Leap for Life and private investment from Blood Simpling AB, reflecting a strong return on investment by accelerating product development and enhancing its market readiness. Financial benefits were anticipated in the form of reduced future healthcare costs and improved patient satisfaction, leading to broader market adoption.
Perceived social/economic impact
By increasing the success rate of venous blood draws, the device reduces patient discomfort and improves the efficiency of healthcare services. This innovation has the potential to lower healthcare costs by minimising the time and resources spent on repeated attempts. Socially, it enhances patient experience and satisfaction, particularly for those with difficult veins. The economic impact extends to healthcare providers who can allocate their time and resources more effectively, ultimately improving the overall quality of care. The successful implementation of this device is expected to set a precedent for future medical innovations, driving further advancements in patient care and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.
Measurable data
While the exact measurable data from the testing phase was not collected, some qualitative improvements is noted:
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User Satisfaction: The feedback indicated a positive reception of the prototype’s concept, with the potential for higher satisfaction rates if the design is refined.
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Usability: The prototype’s usability was generally well-received, but improvements in its size and interface were recommended.
DMA score and results - Stage 0
1. Digital Strategy and Leadership: 3.5/5
2. Digital Culture and Skills: 3.0/5
3. Digital Capabilities and Infrastructure: 2.8/5
4. Data Management and Analytics: 2.5/5
5. Innovation and Ecosystem Engagement: 3.2/5
Strengths and Weaknesses:
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Digital Strategy and Leadership: Blood Simpling AB demonstrated a clear vision and proactive leadership in their digital transformation. However, there was a need for better alignment of digital initiatives with long-term business goals and more consistent leadership support across all levels.
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Digital Culture and Skills: The company showed a strong commitment to building a digital culture through collaborations with academic institutions. Nonetheless, there was a need to enhance digital skills among employees, particularly in data analytics and digital tool usage.
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Digital Capabilities and Infrastructure: Initial infrastructure supported basic operations, and collaboration with Leap for Life provided access to advanced testing environments. However, the scalability and integration of more sophisticated digital tools were lacking, necessitating upgrades to support complex operations.
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Data Management and Analytics: While basic data management practices were in place, advanced data analytics capabilities were underdeveloped. Investment in data analytics tools and training was needed to improve data utilization for strategic insights.
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Innovation and Ecosystem Engagement: The company actively engaged with innovation ecosystems, facilitating collaboration and access to new technologies. Yet, sustaining continuous innovation and maintaining active participation in broader ecosystems were challenges. More robust processes for ongoing innovation and partnership management were required.
Lessons learned
Key lessons from this project include:
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The importance of early and continuous user feedback: Early and ongoing user feedback is crucial for refining product features and usability.
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Engaging end-users: Involving end-users, such as nurses and healthcare providers, in the testing phase is vital for gathering practical insights.
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Effective Testing Strategies: The use of the "Think Aloud" method during testing provided valuable real-time feedback and proved to be a successful strategy.
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Challenges with Initial Prototypes: The initial abstract nature of the prototype made it difficult for users to fully grasp its potential benefits. Future projects should ensure that prototypes are as realistic and functional as possible.
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Clear Communication: Clear communication about the product's purpose and functionalities is essential to avoid confusion among users.
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Flexibility in the Development Process: Maintaining a flexible approach to iteratively incorporate user feedback was essential for the project’s success.
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