NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Make healthcare safer by preventing accidentally retained surgical items
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Surgery is the mainstay of treatment in many health conditions such as cancer and chronic diseases and childbirth brings joy. Every year in the UK, there are around 12 million operations and 750,000 maternity events. Around 1 in 12 people require surgery or go through childbirth each year in the UK. One of the risks of childbirth or surgery is the possibility that foreign objects may be accidentally left inside. This should simply not happen in this day and age. Surgical swabs are the most common 'retained foreign object', which is also the most common procedural 'never event', a severe clinical incident that is entirely preventable. Other retained items such as needles and instruments are rare. There is good data that these events are under-reported globally due to the implications and litigation, since they are indefensible. Retained swabs can cause extreme harm to patients, such as reoperations, severe infections, damage to organs, death. They can also cause cancer due to chronic irritation. The direct costs due to this problem to the NHS amount to around £2 billion annually. The childbirth and surgical environment can be complex and unpredictable, and data shows that 1 in 11 procedures have counting errors. There is a need for a low-cost medical device to create a robust system to prevent accidental retention. We have developed a docking device that allows users to monitor swabs before, during, and after a procedure, including a method to measure blood loss. This simple, cost-e?ective solution is designed to make it impossible to leave a swab behind. It will help staff deliver care more effectively Eureka's vision is to make childbirth and surgery safer. This grant will allow product development with patient and public involvement as well as real-world testing.


Research activity codes: 5.4 SURGERY
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Application Title: Supported Fall Prevention Exergaming, Helping Over-65s Improve Standing Strength and Balance and the NHS Reduce Costs
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: eXyo is a UK-based SME that intends to address the issue of a lack of effective therapy solutions for fall prevention. This lack is most felt in the over-65 population, a third of whom are expected to suffer at least one fall annually. COVID-19 and the associated lockdown have caused considerable additional strain for this population. eXyo's core team, comprising Andrew Morgan, Christopher Hughes and Jonathan Charlesworth, with experience in product design and development, clinical development and mechanical engineering specialising in rehabilitative technologies, are developing a standing/balance rehabilitation aid that facilitates remote supervision and gamified therapy. In doing so, eXyo proposes a year-5 post-project revenue of £7.2M.


Research activity codes: 5.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Enabling enhanced social distancing and improved health & safety within UK social care and care homes through innovative digital maintenance systems
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Enabling enhanced social distancing and improved health & safety within UK social care and care homes through innovative digital maintenance systems. Based on consultation from many UK care home groups, this project is intending to research, design and develop adaptations to our innovative digital maintenance software to enable UK-wide care homes to operate fully-digital maintenance processes across their site(s). The objective is to deliver a significant contribution to the response to COVID-19 through the elimination of direct contact in the traditionally manual and face-to-face maintenance processes across care homes, enabling 100% social distance compliant processes and helping to prevent the transmission of the disease between staff, care workers, residents/patients, and family members. It is anticipated the wider social benefits from this project will be applicable to all future public health issues within UK care homes (e.g. seasonal flu), whilst also providing economical and operational benefits to the care homes users. The longer term aims of this project are for all health, social, economic, and operational benefits from this project to be available to all UK (and international) care providers, and the deliverables to be available on a commercial basis.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Golf for Healthy Ageing
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: **Golf in Society CIC is driving a fast-growing social movement.** We are introducing the social, health and wellbeing benefits of golf to our ageing population. Older people with diagnosed health conditions enjoy moderate exercise, discover a renewed sense of purpose, enjoy the beautiful outdoors and meet new people. They discover how their local golf club can become an integral part of a happier, healthier life. Our core values are: Dignity; Respect; Compassion, and; Togetherness and beneficiaries co-design all of our services. For example, the times, duration and days of the week are arranged to suit each individual and no prior golfing experience is necessary. Trained golf coordinators (many with lived experience of an age-related health condition) deliver person-centred sessions, which make our golfers feel special. Supported golf sessions then become part of their weekly routine and something exciting to look forward to. This also gives their carers the chance to plan their lives, knowing they can rely on us for a regular respite break. In addition, along with our inspiring golf sessions, we are launching more _Carer Wellbeing Events_ that focus on supporting unpaid carers. Just some examples of what beneficiaries say include: "The golf is amazing and the group so friendly. It's like another family, all with the same interest in golf." "It helps my wife, it gives her time of her own, a good break. I've won a couple of trophies. It all has the purpose of making you feel better." Just some carer testimonials include: "I can't get him to a day centre, but I can't stop him coming here" "It allows me to be at work. I'm very reluctant to let him go to a lot of places but am not worried when he is here." "The best way of describing it is that it makes him buoyant, he lights up when he comes here, it brings him to life again." Since 2015, we've faced many challenges. However, through our passion and care we have always managed to move forward. This is why we believe that social enterprises have a crucial role to play in tackling healthy ageing. As we emerge from Covid19, the demand for Golf in Society is greater than ever. With inactivity, loneliness, depression and poor mental health at record levels, we are ready to expand and make an even greater difference to the lives of more, older people, and their carers.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: High-throughput approach for improving RNA nanoparticles as drug delivery agents
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: The ability of RNA to assemble into nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes has been exploited by academic and industrial research groups for drug delivery. In this project, the expertise of the candidate will be **combined** with **Sixfold Bioscience PODS and the robotic platforms in ROAR to develop a customised self-assembled RNA nanoparticle for cancer treatment.** Different RNA strands will be designed with personalised nucleotides attached. The research will focus on the **modification with clickable group**s compatible with the RNA synthesis. These will not interfere in the natural folding of the RNA structure, so its bioactivity will be preserved. In all cases, a HT approach will be followed. The moieties will be attached following sequential procedure after the PODS assembly; like how one would assemble LEGO(r) pieces. The project will focus on **three aspects**: **Study the cell internalization of the therapeutic agents**. Often PODS get trapped in liposomes after cell internalization. Multiple endosomal escape compounds will be tested for their release in the inner cells. **Click-chemistry functionalization**: Different click chemistry reactions and conditions will be tested. The development will be done using HT. This methodology allows testing multiple variables in parallel using a minimum amount of reagents. **PODS multi-functionalization**: Once the reaction conditions are optimized, multiple therapeutic functionalities will be introduced into the PODS structure. Using ROAR facilities and Sixfold know-how, the candidate will be able to perform high-quality research that will lead to a breakthrough in the field of genetic therapies. The results obtained will not only open the door to a new therapeutic approach, but it will also give insight into how these systems operate in vivo.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Housing for ageing for 2040+
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: INCH Architecture & Design -- a social enterprise architecture practice -- working with Hanover (Scotland) Housing, the University of Stirling's Dementia Services Development Centre and Iridis Digital Ltd seek to research and develop a dual functionality tool that enables social housing landlords to manage their assets more effectively and empowers their customers to live independently with the support of ambient assistive technologies (AATs) and digitally accessible services. The innovation will be developed in a Scottish pilot study and will respond to three very real social and environmental challenges facing occupants and providers of the UK's existing social housing stock. These challenges are: 1\. Retrofit for net zero carbon 2\. Enabling ageing in place 3\. Tackling fuel poverty Groups who will benefit from this innovation are: • Older people living within the community • Tenants and residents of social housing • Occupants living in fuel poverty • Housing providers


Research activity codes: 3.2 INTERVENTIONS TO ALTER PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS;7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Accelerating the development of biotherapeutics for subcutaneous delivery
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Injection under the skin (termed 'subcutaneous' injection) is a well-established and well-tolerated route of administration of certain drugs that cannot be swallowed as tablets or capsules. These include highly effective drugs based on large and fragile molecules, such as peptides and proteins (termed 'biotherapeutics'), including insulin. These drugs are extensively degraded by the acid and enzymes present in the gut, in addition to being very poorly absorbed across the gut wall. Subcutaneous injection offers important advantages over intravenous (directly into the vein) administration of biotherapeutics, including the convenience of self-administration, improved patient experience and safety profile. Although subcutaneous injection of biotherapeutics is well-established, there remain important gaps in knowledge, which are hindering progress in the field. This is particularly the case with biotherapeutic drugs that are designed to be released slowly after subcutaneous injection; such 'slow release' injections are designed to reduce the frequency of drug administration, improving patient convenience. These gaps in knowledge could be addressed effectively by the creation of a laboratory model enabling the study of subcutaneous injection and prediction of its efficacy in humans. Such a model would significantly facilitate the development of highly effective slow-release biotherapeutics for subcutaneous injection for a range of diseases. Astra Zeneca possess a portfolio of novel slow-release biotherapeutics for subcutaneous injection. These are in early phase development and require extensive testing and optimisation in order to progress into further development and eventually into marketed drugs. However, this process is made difficult due to the absence of a suitable laboratory model to study subcutaneous injection. This project will initially develop a laboratory model of injection site, which is designed to predict the efficacy of new drugs (biotherapeutics) for subcutaneous injection. We will validate the newly developed model by comparing with data in humans, ensuring its reliability in predicting outcomes in humans. The model will then be used to study a large number of products in development, helping us to identify key product attributes which result in desirable performance in humans. Identification of these key product attributes will in turn help us improve products in development. The project will therefore facilitate rapid and cost-effective development of new drugs, namely biotherapeutics for subcutaneous injection.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Portable, retractable X-ray shielding for high traffic ward environments
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: KwickScreen believes that every nurse and every patient has the right to be confident in their safety in a hospital. We want patients to feel confident that they are entering a hygienic, safe space where their welfare is the top priority. We want nurses to have equipment that can make their lives easier so they can focus on patients. KwickScreen is a world-leading supplier of protective screen-based solutions to create a safer space for each patient. KwickScreen currently offers a switchable-opacity smartscreen, mobile units (Pro/Duo), wall-mounted units with high degrees of flexibility (Air) and versatility (Kin), and a static fire-retardant polycarbonate shield. Over 12 years, KwickScreen has sold \>15,000 units; KwickScreen's current customers include every NHS trust in the UK, 200 US hospitals and an ever-growing number of hospitals in 40 other countries (representing \>500 hospitals total). During 2020, KwickScreen proved its ability to respond quickly to the demands of COVID and of its customers. KwickScreen vastly increased its production capacity and tripled its revenue from £2.1m to £7.5m, introducing three new products and building world-leading expertise in low-temperature printing on thin films. KwickScreen has reinvested profits into the company to ensure competitiveness and has just doubled its manufacturing space by moving to a new, larger factory Lewisham. KwickScreen already has infection control screens in radiology departments in numerous NHS trusts, including UCLH, Alder Hey, and Dartford&Gravesham. Supplementing the infection control screens are mobile lead X-ray shields. Current solutions are robust but rigid, which means they cannot easily be stored when not in use. These departments indicate strong interest in retractable, mobile X-ray shields that can quickly and easily be deployed in high traffic ward environments and operating theaters. KwickScreen will develop an innovative, retractable/rollable X-ray shielding screen for use in busy ward environments, where X-rays must be taken quickly. Patients cannot be moved efficiently to X-ray rooms, so portable X-ray machines are used. Patients must be shielded from the X-rays, so moveable partition screens are used. Existing screens are unwieldy but highly robust. KwickScreen aims to replicate the robustness of these screens while making them retractable and more portable. Retractable/rollable X-ray shielding screens offer substantial long-term benefits to both nurses and patients. The proposed solution will improve the ability of doctors and nurses to treat patients (by more quickly taking X-ray images) in busy ward environments. Patients will benefit from speedier triage, without having to be moved as frequently.


Research activity codes: 3.2 INTERVENTIONS TO ALTER PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Transforming the way older people engage with work through Totally Tailored Technology (3T).
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Local Treasures exists to enable older workers to maintain work in later life. It is an automated marching platform which connects customers looking for help with home chores, with a local, skilled workforce of over 50s. As part of our quest to enable people to maintain work in later life, we want to build "Totally Tailored Technology" (3T). 3T will be a stand-alone piece of software which will be integrated into the existing Local Treasures platform to encourage older workers to keep working for longer. 3T will allow older workers to access work opportunities in a way that is individually designed by them, that they feel completely comfortable with. 3T is based on the insight that, everyone uses technology in very different ways. As people get older they quickly give up on technology that does not work for them. Within the target audience of the supply side of Local Treasures - our workers who are all over 50 - the digital capabilities vary widely. Our challenge is that, if everyone in our target group has a very personal approach to different digital channels, how can we use technology to find thousands of older people work, in ways that suit them all? 3T is a revolutionary way in which older people can tailor the way they manage their skills, their jobs, their timesheets, their payments and their rewards. 3T will be designed by each individual to use the technology which they feel most comfortable with to perform certain tasks. They can choose to use email, SMS, an App, telephone, Zoom, social media, web pages or a chat function for all of the different stages in Local Treasures. By allowing each worker to design how they access job opportunities, will mean that technology really is an enabler, rather than a barrier, to keep people working for longer. 3T will be created using a digital interface which allows workers to fully customise how they engage with Local Treasures to find work. The preferences chosen using the 3T interface will be integrated and saved into the existing Local Treasures matching panel. 3T will encourage thousands more older workers to find work easily through Local Treasures.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Design, build and process analytics control (PAT) of GMP equipment and process for continuous manufacture of long acting, controlled release drugs.
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: This project aims to transform a batch process for the manufacture of controlled release injectable drugs into a continuous process with appropriate control mechanisms to ensure robust, consistent product using methods that comply with FDA and other regulators' requirements. This has never been achieved before. It is particularly important for patient care and their treatments that sustained release drug therapies deliver their active components at a controlled and predictable release rate. Achieving this precise control of drug microspheres requires good control over particle size and size distribution during the manufacturing process. Micropore will partner with G2GBIO INC of South Korea in the project. The two companies have a history of collaboration since 2019\. During this time G2G BIO has repurposed an existing Alzheimer's drug as a long acting injectable to improve patient compliance. Micropore has supported G2GBIO with its advanced crossflow technology. G2GBIO has achieved Phase 1 clinical trial approval in Canada for their product. The next step in development is to convert the manufacturing process into a high volume continuous process that will pass regulatory scrutiny. Historically, it has been difficult to achieve economies of scale in the emulsification production supply chain. Standard manufacturing technology uses brute force rotor/stator homogenisation techniques, which provide localised high shear forces, damaging product quality, and resulting in a broad emulsion droplet size distribution. This requires costly separation processes to produce a narrower size range final product and creates significant wastage (Typically 30%+ but Micropore has a few examples of up to 90% wastage) of out-of-specification material. More recently Micropore's technology has demonstrated a near-zero waste capability arising from its gentle process technology. In this 3 year Micropore Technologies and G2GBio propose to scale up Micropore's crossflow technology from a single-membrane unit to multiple-membrane units to provide a significantly more cost-effective robust manufacturing route, meeting G2GBio's known requirements for multi-kilogramme manufacturing. In addition to this Micropore and G2GBio will collaborate to identify inline process analytics to enable the principles of the FDA, and other regulators, of Quality by Design (QbD) and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) to deliver an integrated process with robust process control. Micropore has won a number of global awards for its core technology and has gained market traction across the world.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: MetaNurse - Mixed Reality Simulation for Nursing Training
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: In June 2021 there were 93,000 nursing vacancies in the NHS, 23% more than the previous year. In the last 5 years nurse numbers from the EU have fallen 90% and 36% of UK nurses stated they are considering leaving the profession. This is a global problem, with insufficient newly qualified staff and issues with staff retention meaning there will be a global shortage of 11m nurses by 2030\. It takes three years to train a nurse in the UK and costs up to £70,000\. Around 17,000 new nurses qualify each year meaning it will take many years before this shortfall is addressed. The government has pledged an additional 50,000 nurses by 2025 yet this drive for more home-grown means demand outstrips capacity, a problem exacerbated by restrictions under covid, limiting access to high-quality training facilities. Simulations of procedures are an important element of training which enable students to learn by doing, practising with real equipment in a safe environment. Patient mannequins are conventionally used but these are low-fidelity, expensive and do not allow for remote training. Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly being used in nurse training, using digital, audio-visual content to create immersive learning environments. These can be used remotely yet do not use all the senses or provide the hands-on, tactile feedback needed to develop the 'muscle memory', so important in emergency procedures where the correct use of equipment and techniques must be second nature. MetaNurse will address this by using mixed reality to simulate clinical procedures. Mixed Reality (MR) combines VR with real-world objects, using direct hand tracking to enable simultaneous interaction with tactile feedback. This project will improve on the state-of-the art by improving real/virtual world registration, hand and object tracking to create a simulation that is as close to real life as possible. This core technology will be wrapped in a training programme developed with a leading UK nursing school and evaluated with both instructors and students.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE