Communication Toolbox wins Digital Award

One of our projects, ICUApp, led by Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust’s Assistive Technology team, has won an award. ICUApp is a ‘Communication Toolbox’ app which is being developed to help people communicate when in intensive care. The project team won the award in the Digital Health category of the Medipex NHS Innovation Awards. The app was developed with Imperial College, the Royal College of Art in London and NIHR Devices for Dignity HTC.

Patients in ITU are often intubated (have a breathing tube) at some point during their stay, leaving them temporarily unable to speak. As medicine and technology advances, patients are sedated at a lesser lever than previously, making patients more aware of their experience of ITU and yet unable to effectively communicate.

The 2015 Medipex Innovation Awards focused on applications that are cost effective, creative, promote safe healthcare, prevent premature deaths, enhance the lives of people with long term conditions or can make a contribution to economic growth.

Simon Judge, Senior Clinical Scientist at Barnsley Hospital said: “We are extremely proud to have won the Medipex Innovation award; this is a huge achievement for the team.”

“Improved communication will ultimately lead to better care and the improved wellbeing of patients. It will enhance the quality of care that our patients receive by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of care.”

The Medipex NHS Innovation Awards were held on 8 October at Oulton Hall in Leeds. Barnsley Hospital’s Assistive Technology team were presented with a cheque and trophy. TV presenter and NHS Paediatrician, Dr Ranj Singh presented the awards and the Digital Health category was hosted by Synergix Health.