Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda University Health Board
Bwrdd Iechyd Addysgu Powys Powys Teaching Health Board
TriTech Institute supports the development of new healthcare solutions
Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Prifysgol Felindre Velindre University NHS Trust
Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru Public Health Wales
Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Gwasanaethau Ambiwlans Cymru Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
TriTech Institute is a collaborative initiative across Hywel Dda University Health Board, involving Clinical Engineering, Research/Innovation departments, the Assistive Technology and Innovation Centre in UWTSD, and the Healthcare Technology Centre in Swansea University focused on healthcare technology. During the onset of the pandemic, Clinical Engineering and Research came together to look at addressing the shortage of equipment and medical technologies, and this relationship has continued to develop. Professor Chris Hopkins, Head of TriTech, explains “This is an exciting opportunity to bring clinical teams, academia, industry and patients together. Tritech Institute adopts a Value-Based approach to novel technologies in healthcare, and offers an opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in Wales and beyond.” TriTech has a team of engineers, scientists and clinicians moving innovative medical technologies into trials and direct patient care. It provides a single point of access to clinical services for designers and manufacturers. Clinical and research design skills are combined with technical engineering experience to manage the whole innovation pathway – from early unmet need, concept design, prototyping, regulatory approvals and clinical testing to established service evaluations. Translating more established products and innovative medical technologies into a real-world clinical ecosystem.
The team has been working with local, national and global companies to design, research and evaluate technologies, in addition to offering a consultancy service on regulatory approvals and licensing guidelines. It can support local manufacturers through the regulatory framework to CE marking.
TriTech is committed to leading world class research and innovation. Chris added: “We aim to lead technology development and integration within the NHS and undertake robust, real-world testing.”
Research Case Study TriTech, in collaboration with NHS, academia and industry partners, is carrying out research on a new digital e-learning programme for people suffering with chronic pain. The platform includes an innovative design to implement novel learning techniques; educating, preparing and providing resources to enable people to better manage their own pain. This research will allow application of prudent healthcare principles in the delivery of care within the Hywel Dda region and beyond.
Consultancy Case Study TriTech undertakes regulatory consultancy. For example, it was recently commissioned to prepare a step-by-step guide report on
‘Medical Device Development Prototype to Clinical Testing’ for a local company. The report provides information and template documents that are designed to help develop the evidence case before submission to the MHRA prior to carrying out a first clinical investigation. The recommendations in the tools and guidance documents were used and followed in agreement with TriTech’s risk classification analysis of the device. The report also had flowcharts giving correct pathways from the device’s classification to market with hyperlinks to both the relevant medical device standard and regulations. The guidance and recommendations in the report were based on the latest regulations provided under the EU MDR 2017/745, UK MDR 2002 and MHRA guidance documents.
Evaluation Case Study Tritech is currently evaluating the use of technology enabled care (TEC) in the remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, such as COPD. This mixed-methods evaluation aims to determine the perceived and actual benefits, and disbenefits, of remote patient monitoring in a realworld environment. Remote patient monitoring could help to provide quality care in situations where face to face contact is inappropriate.
www.tritech.nhs.wales
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