Lessons from NYC’s Attempts to Make Medical PPE
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An organization of 14 unions, hospitals and makerspaces have been organizing, distributing and creating protective equipment’s and face shields to doctors and frontline nurses. The first delivery was done on March 22 and comprised of 97 shields. The group has the capacity of producing from 600 to 1100 shields in one day. Additionally, the organization also has maker’s and engineers who are focused on putting their varying facilities and skills to use. Here are key lessons that can be picked from their initiative.
Getting Input from Nurses and Doctors
The group became majorly known because of getting input from nurses and doctors. Since the group has not yet been certified or approved by the FDA, they are the last options for various health care workers. The PPE has, however, been well researched to ensure it is comfortable for the doctors to wear them all day long. Besides, the PPE is free from fog to help it in the wrapping of the face.
Coming up with Ideal Designs
The website of the group offers healthcare workers a form to ask for the delivery of PPE. Additionally, the group is widely known for the manufacture of face masks. Most people are selecting face masks rather than buying the ones printed by 3-D. You will realize there is a lot of hype surrounding the printed 3D facemasks. However, these 3D masks are not the most ideal for use.
Filling Present Gaps
Furthermore, the group is currently discussing the best PPE design. In case the traditional manufacturers consider supplying a lot of PPE in the market, their unique designs will resolve the situation around competition. There is the performance of great due diligence by the engineers, manufacturers and professors to ensure what is made is safe. Logistics is the main problem in the case of meeting the main challenges resulting from a shortage of medical equipment.
New York City has been the worst hit in terms of PPE shortages during this pandemic, and creative means need to be found to fill the existing gap. You may throw engineers in a given room and request them to make a given design, but the main challenge is if the hospitals and doctors will accept the products made or not. The NYC coalition offers valuable lessons on how different stakeholders can work together to create products that address pressing needs. Such creativity generally attracts the applause of biomed companies like DarioHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: DRIO) who are in the business of developing solutions to some of society’s healthcare challenges.
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