Future Labs Group has launched FlipPad, a medical-grade iPad case designed for use in hospital settings.
FlipPad can be used with the iPad 2 and the new iPad HD and has been designed to pass tough standards for waterproofing and shock protection and to be easy to clean with standard infection control sprays.
The cover was unveiled at the recent EHI Live 2012 show, where practical demonstrations showed an iPad protected by FlipPad come out unscathed after being cleaned at a sink. Further still, the special glass was dropped and stood on whileremaining intact. Another added feature was the ability to use a FlipPad-protected iPad using rubber gloves and to make simple annotations on the screen against a medical image being shown on the iPad.
It is now being deployed at seven NHS sites as part of a pilot project.
The NHS is increasingly looking to mobile technology to improve patient care
Mike Casey, chief executive of Future Labs Group, said: "The NHS is increasingly looking to mobile technology to improve patient care and many healthcare organisations are turning to the iPad because of its large screen size, fast start up, and good battery life. FlipPad ensures the iPad can survive the rough handling of clinical settings and can be introduced without compromising hygiene standards or increasing the risk of healthcare associated infections."
Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) affect more than 300,000 patients each year, with one in 10 hospital inpatients picking up an infection. These are estimated to cost the NHS around £1billion a year, while patients with an HCAI are seven times more likely to die than uninfected patients and will spend an average of an extra 11 days in hospital.
Casey said: "It's vital that, as we introduce more technology into clinical settings to improve care, we don't also introduce more opportunities for infections to be passed between patients, staff and visitors.
It's vital that, as we introduce more technology into clinical settings to improve care, we don't also introduce more opportunities for infections to be passed between patients, staff and visitors
“Every aspect of FlipPad has been chosen to ensure it can be easily and safely cleaned with standard infection control sprays to reach the same hygiene standards as any other equipment on the ward. We also took into account feedback from clinical staff at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital when refining our initial prototype into the rugged, hygienic model launched at EHI Live."
FlipPad is the start of a new medicalgrade product range for the iPad and integrates with a new product called LasarPen, which allows users to draw directly onto the iPad. Waterproof and made of the same durable material as the FlipPad, the LasarPen can be used with standard iPad drawing apps or a range of specialist clinical drawing and data collection apps being developed by Future Labs Group.
- Companies:
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
- Future Labs Group
- E-Health Insider
