Project Goal
The EpiPen is a pen shaped device consisting of a spring-loaded mechanism to promptly administer epinephrine during anaphylactic reactions, while being reliable and foolproof. Recent studies have demonstrated that the current use of epinephrine remains suboptimal, with less than 20% of patients using it prior to reaching the hospital during anaphylaxis (Miles, 2021). There are several concerns regarding the current design of the EpiPen; many users cite bulkiness, forgetfulness, high costs, and a widespread misunderstanding of its usage as reasons they do not carry their EpiPen with them (Lehman, 2018) (Miles,2021). The EpiPen redesign, EpiSlider, addresses these problems successfully, while maintaining its reliability and simplifying its use. The EpiSlider has a reduced size of over 50% and includes a tracking mechanism to remind users they are leaving their EpiSlider behind and help locate it. It also includes a QR Code with instructions and information including an instructional video. The EpiSlider allows for a faster delivery of epinephrine, clearer instructions for the user or bystander, and removes the likelihood of misadministration. The EpiSlider addresses the main concerns of the EpiPen and allows for a safe and reliable administration of epinephrine; the new design and improvements promote its usage and education.The EpiPen is a pen shaped device consisting of a spring-loaded mechanism to promptly administer epinephrine during anaphylactic reactions, while being reliable and foolproof. Recent studies have demonstrated that the current use of epinephrine remains suboptimal, with less than 20% of patients using it prior to reaching the hospital during anaphylaxis (Miles, 2021). There are several concerns regarding the current design of the EpiPen; many users cite bulkiness, forgetfulness, high costs, and a widespread misunderstanding of its usage as reasons they do not carry their EpiPen with them (Lehman, 2018) (Miles,2021). The EpiPen redesign, EpiSlider, addresses these problems successfully, while maintaining its reliability and simplifying its use. The EpiSlider has a reduced size of over 50% and includes a tracking mechanism to remind users they are leaving their EpiSlider behind and help locate it. It also includes a QR Code with instructions and information including an instructional video. The EpiSlider allows for a faster delivery of epinephrine, clearer instructions for the user or bystander, and removes the likelihood of misadministration. The EpiSlider addresses the main concerns of the EpiPen and allows for a safe and reliable administration of epinephrine; the new design and improvements promote its usage and education.
1: Miles, Laura May, et al. 鈥淐ommunity use of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis: a review and meta-analysis.鈥� The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice (2021).
2: Lehman, Shereen. 鈥淧eople with Allergies Often Leave Life-Saving Epinephrine at Home.鈥� Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 2 July 2018, .
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Team
颁濒颈别苍迟蝉:听Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan, MD, MSc (Division of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, 苹果淫院 Health Center, Montreal, QC) and Prof. Mark Driscoll, Eng. PhD
Academic advisor:听Prof. Mark Driscoll, Eng., PhD
Student team (from left to right):听Bruce Thomas Miles, Stephen Staples, Max Taylor, Vanessa Travisano
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Award
Harry Pearce Prize: awarded to a student group in good academic standing who have helped people with handicaps through a project in given to the student group in good academic standing who have, through their project in their design course in Mechanical Engineering, helped handicapped people.
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Student Voice
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