Free play during cancer treatment
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Region Västerbotten - Barn- och ungdomskliniken |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 996 999 |
| Project duration | August 2020 - December 2023 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Medtech4Health innovators |
| Call | Medtech4Health: Innovators in Healthcare and Care 2020 |
Important results from the project
The purpose and aim for this project have been to clinically adapt and implement a CE labelled infusion vest for children and adolescents, and to evaluate the quality-of-life of children, adolescents, and their guardians during infusion treatment with the infusion vest compared to a drip stand. A pilot study has ensured the security and functionality of the vest and as a result an instruction manual has been completed. The infusion vest is now fully developed, and the national quality of life study is ongoing with very positive judgements from both families and the healthcare personnel.
Expected long term effects
From the pilot study and preliminary results from the quality-of-life study there has been reports of infusions vest users moving around more, being more cheerful, spending time outside and some users have also experienced themselves as less sick. It has been a relief for parents to escape the drip stand. Also, the personnel have been positive. The quality-of-life study is ongoing, however, from the experiences and preliminary results stated above we expect that the infusion vest in the future will improve the quality of life for all involved in connection to childhood cancer treatment.
Approach and implementation
The arrangements for implementation and pilot study were carried out according to plan. Although the pandemic meant delays in the process, the test bed with the pilot study and completion of an instruction manual has been finalized. The infusion vest is now partially implemented in four children´s cancer wards. The quality-of-life study is ongoing with positive preliminary results and all children´s cancer departments in Sweden are informed about the vest and are positive to participate in the study. International spreading is planned after the quality-of-life study is compiled.