DSharp
Redesign of a sharps bin to prevent the rising sharps injuries and spread of blood-borne diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, etc. This was my Master's thesis at the Glasgow School of Art and University of Glasgow
Software
Overview & Problem Statement
Sharps are medical devices that are used to puncture or lacerate the skin. They include hypodermic needles, scalpels, contaminated glass, guidewires, and other medical devices. The World Health Organization estimates that 16 billion injections are administered world wide every year.
Sharps injuries are responsible for 16,000 HBV, 6,600 HCV, and 5,000 HIV infections worldwide annually. From 2012 to 2017, NHS had 1,833 injury claims which cost the NHS £4,077,441. NHS estimates that 40,000 needle stick injuries occur within the workplace per year and recognizes that the true figure may be twice this due to under reporting of injuries. The main causes of sharps injuries as listed by the NHS are:
1) Non-compliance with standard infection control precautions
2) Inadequate disposal of clinical waste
3) Overfull sharps bins
4) Not using safer sharps and
5) Not using Personal Protective Equipment.
About the design
The DSharp bin is a sharps bin designed to prevent further injuries to healthcare workers and sanitation workers by immediately isolating the needle. It also helps to segregate waste and can be steam sterilized for disinfection, making it reusable. At the end of life, it is recyclable. The product can help the NHS eliminate sharps injuries and create a safer environment for healthcare workers while also providing more options for recycling and helping the environment.
Project Overview
This project aims to design a solution to reduce or eliminate sharps injuries and improve waste handling. Interviews with healthcare professionals and waste management officers were conducted to understand the problem. Research was done on existing products used by the NHS and solutions used by other countries. The final concept of a sharps bin was developed with constant feedback from healthcare professionals. The material PPSU was selected based on cost, economic batch size, and manufacturing processes. The product would have to be tested in a medical environment before finalizing the design. If proven successful, the design would be available to the world without patent cost. The development of cheap electronic components would allow for more iterations of the design. The product can help solve the current problem of sharps injuries but may become obsolete with further advancements in needle-free technology.
