Flexible patient care with container solution

The prosthetic and orthotic treatment of patients is associated with numerous challenges in many countries. Often there is a lack of space, electricity supply or the costs are too high.

The healthtech company Ottobock has developed a container solution to address these challenges. At the leading trade show for orthopaedic technology, OTWorld, which ended last Friday, Ottobock presented its new approach for the first time: a mobile and compact container workshop and patient care for regions without an orthopaedic care infrastructure.

The idea for this solution came about five years ago in response to specific needs in African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Angola and Tanzania. Peter Scheffers from Ottobock planning & equipping, materials (PEM) recalls: “There was a lack of workshops in which young orthopaedic technicians could work after their training.’’ Until now, Ottobock was able to supply the equipment and materials. “Now, with the containers, we also offer compact, mobile buildings for better patient care”, adds the Senior Global Business Development Manager.

From initial prototypes, Peter Scheffers and his team developed a standardised product that can be connected to local power grids or generators as well as a water supply. The interest in the container solution at OTWorld was great, e.g. from South Africa, Bulgaria, Morocco, Colombia and Ukraine.

“We are talking to state and private partners from Ukraine as well as the Federal Ministry of Health about how our mobile container solution in Ukraine can help with prosthetic and orthotic care”, explains Mark C. Schneider, Vice President Corporate Communications & Public Affairs. “The treatment of people in the war zone is a very important issue for us and we want to support here. If the containers are needed in Ukraine, then the patient care and workshop models presented at OTWorld are of course reserved for that.”

Mobile fitting solutions – Think big. Make it small.

Standardised 20-foot containers, each with a surface area of 15 sqm, are equipped with everything needed for the production of prostheses and orthoses and for patient care. A Patient Care Container and a Workshop Container are available. The separate solution – a workshop and a patient care container – has the advantage of keeping the area quiet and clean for the patients.

The flexible container solutions come in four different versions. This makes it possible to decide individually what is needed for the respective location. The Standard, Standard Plus, Premium and Premium Gold versions are available.

Patient Care – Standard

The 15 sqm Patient Care Standard container is equipped with windows for a bright atmosphere. In front of them are metal mesh bars to ensure safety. Blinds provide light regulation. On the outside there is a ventilation and drainage outlet for the air conditioning. The air conditioning regulates the temperature inside. There is also a ramp at the entrance to facilitate access for wheelchair users. The container is ready to be connected to an external electricity supply.

Inside the container, there is a fire extinguisher and a sanitary system with an integrated boiler for hot and cold water. Two chairs, for technicians and patients, are also included. Since plaster casts are also taken in this container for the subsequent fitting, there is a tool cabinet and a sink with a water and plaster separator. Two plaster containers are provided in addition. Plaster casting and storage of the plaster models are therefore supported.

Patient Care – Standard Plus

The Standard Plus version has all the features of the standard version. In addition, there are tools and materials needed for plaster casting and patient care.

Patient Care – Premium

To ensure an even safer treatment, the Premium version also offers an indoor air disinfection unit. As a result, patients and technicians are better protected during care.

Patient Care – Premium Plus

This variant includes the 3D L.A.S.A.R. Posture. This supports technicians in providing optimal prosthetic and orthotic alignments as well as in checking body posture.

Workshop – Standard

The workshop container in the Standard version is identical in terms of size, fire extinguisher as well as window and air conditioning systems. This container has another door on the outside that leads to a small technical room with integrated compressor. The interior contains the basic equipment required for the production of prostheses and orthoses. There is a workbench, an infrared oven with alarm system, the Pro-Fit 1000 router with extraction system and storage space for various tools inside the container.

Workshop – Standard Plus

The Standard Plus container also includes the materials for the production of a wide range of prostheses and orthoses, as well as the tools required for this purpose.

Workshop – Premium

The Premium version of the workshop container also offers its own power generator. This means that the containers are also operational when no external electricity supply can be provided.

Workshop – Premium Gold

The add-on of the Premium Gold version is Pros. A. Assembly. This optimises the manufacturing process and reduces the production time of transtibial and transfemoral prostheses by securely holding the prosthetic socket, knee joint and foot.

The containers can be adapted to customer requirements.