1. COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES
Tom Lauwaert1, Louis Potter2, Andreas Larsson2, An Caluwaerts1
1Medécins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Brussels (OCB)
2 Medécins Sans Frontières Sweden Innovation Unit (SIU)

2. INTRODUCTION
SIU received a request from the biomed and infection prevention control working groups
Increasingly complex surgery in some projects
Needed a context-specific solution
Existing systems are too basic or too advanced
Not user-friendly
MSF Ethics Framework for Innovation applied to help identify and mitigate potential harms
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

3. METHODS I Engaged key stakeholders through qualitative research
External technical research collaborations conducted
Engaged with manufacturer (Sterimed/MDS) who agreed to produce a prototype
Based on MSF’s brief and featuring new technology
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

4. METHODS II Tested in EBC Tested in field
External experts provided new and important feedback
Specialised tests were used to ensure hollow instruments are properly sterilised
Tested in field
December-February, there were on average 5.6 cycles per day
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

5. RESULTS 75% improved water efficiency 30% average time reduction
Verified quality for tubular instruments
For staff:
Reduced heat output
Simplified and standardised
Reasonable maintenance
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

6. NEXT STEPS Improving the prototype: Where else can this be used?
New power profile to better fit MSF contexts
Spare parts/maintenance procedures
Larger system with new type of door
Where else can this be used?
Other organisations
MoH hospitals
MSF to buy additional units?
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

7. THE INNOVATION PROCESS
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

8. ADVANTAGES
A reflective process which has allowed for a re-assessment of existing systems
Much cheaper than producing in industry
Procurement vs development costs
Large investment by partners
Pro bono input from universities
SIU facilitating openly with internal and external partners
Full needs assessment gave great foundation
Shows the value of utilising varied networks
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

9. LESSONS LEARNED Overly optimistic timeline
Expertise is valuable and goes both ways
Industry <> MSF
MSF does not have much expertise commercial partnerships
Licensing and IP policies should be addressed
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

10. CONCLUSION
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

11. MDS Sterimed Lambda Projects HEART Consultancy 3M TU Delft KTH
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
MDS Sterimed Lambda Projects HEART Consultancy 3M TU Delft KTH
PCL
MDS
Sterimed
Deft
KTH
Lamda
HEART
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES

12. THANK YOU
Louis Potter Innovation Lead MSF Sweden Innovation Unit LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/louispotter
Louis Potter, MSF Sweden Innovation Unit COLLABORATIVELY DESIGNING A MORE EFFICIENT STEAM STERILIZER FOR SAFER SURGICAL ACTIVITIES