NHS Grampian trials world-first medical technology

Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital has trialled new technology which could “change healthcare”.

The hospital’s medical ward has become the testing site of a new ‘Bedside Intelligent Cabinet’ which stores routine medicines securely and alerts patients or their guardians when it’s time to take their medication. Medical staff are also sent updates as well as alerts if medication is missing.

Product developer Kinetic-ID contacted NHS Grampian’s Innovation Hub last year to see if they could support the trial and the request tied in with plans to help facilitate the self-administration of medicines, the health board said.

Kirsty Mair, who’s a full-time carer for her son Jacob, said the product has helped her “to be a mum again”.

The 13-year-old suffers from Arnold-Chiari malformation – a condition where part of the brain is pushed downward into the spinal canal – and has very complex needs.

He was the first patient in Scotland to have a shunt – a device used to redirect the flow of fluid from one area of the body to another - that drains the build-up of fluid from his brain into his gallbladder.

Mair said: “It has totally changed things for us because I don’t have to rely on other people; I can do it myself. The really good thing about it is if you’re late giving medication it flashes up red. It’s absolutely brilliant – I want one for the house.”  

It’s hoped the new technology will make it possible for Jacob, who has a tracheostomy and requires 24/7 support with his breathing, to be discharged in time for Christmas. 

Medication safety advisor at NHS Grampian Lindsay Cameron said: “Self-administration of medicine is about supporting individuals to take their own medication while in hospital. It’s not suitable for every patient or every medicine, but it can improve patient satisfaction and confidence, encourage independence and self-care in a safe environment, and improve an individual’s knowledge and understanding of their medication.

“This can help those already on medicines to continue to self-administer while they are admitted to hospital and others getting used to new medications to feel better prepared when it’s time to go home.” 

Hospital staff have suggested newer models of the cabinet could generate a log of all medication the patient has self-administered, and Kinetic-ID is considering the recommendation.

One of Jacob’s nurses, Anna Jenneson, said: “Families as well as the staff team here at the children’s hospital have shared suggestions with Kinetic-ID about how the Bedside Intelligent Cabinet could be improved. It’s great to see these changes coming to life with the updated prototypes which now have bigger screens and better handles. 

“This new technology helps us help families by empowering them to continue giving meds or get to know new medicines, supporting their routine and reassurance. It also prompts questions and helpful conversations with us nursing staff who are always on hand. It’s a really positive step in the right direction.” 

It is understood other hospitals across the world, are now interested in introducing the technology in their premises.

The project will next explore whether it’s possible to sync the cabinet’s software to technology used by the hospital to keep patient records. It is understood such an upgrade could help to automate the process of updating the machine with patients’ prescriptions. 

Wayne Miller, senior solutions consultant at Kinetic-ID, said: “This product has the potential to change healthcare not just in the UK but across the globe. The development of the Bedside Intelligent Cabinet would have been much, much slower without the input of NHS Grampian and I don't think we would ever get our product market-ready and fit for purpose without their help.”