XClose

Joint Research Office

Home
Menu

Kickstarter fund awards UCLH clinician

26 September 2014

A UCLH clinician's bright idea for a chair to make moving patients easier is set to become a reality thanks to a new kick starter fund for UCLH staff.

Neuro-otologist Mr Albert Coelho has thought up a 'diagnosis/treatment velocity chair' to help staff who carry out the Dix-Hallpike test. The test is a diagnostic manoeuvre used to identify the most common form of dizziness, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and is normally carried out manually.

The Dix-Hallpike test involves rapidly moving the patient from a sitting position to "head hanging", where the patient's head is at least 10 degrees below horizontal. Carrying out these manoeuvres risks back injury to staff. 

Financial support from the 'Bright Idea Kick Starter Fund' will enable Mr Coelho to work with UCLH's Medical Physics and Bioengineering department to construct a prototype chair that takes the strain of bearing patients' weight. 

A chair from a nimrod aircraft has been purchased which will allow the Medical Physics and Bioengineering department to concentrate on the dynamic aspects of the design, safe in the knowledge the seat conforms to the highest standards in its ability to take stresses and strain. The 'diagnosis/treatment velocity chair' also enables treatment of BPPV using the Semont  manoeuvre.

The 'Bright Idea Kick Starter Fund' provides support for projects needing small amounts of funding, typically up to £500. The fund is there to help staff with innovative ideas get things started by, for example, making a model, building a rough prototype, buying equipment or getting expert help and advice.  Ideas will have some commercial potential in the future are particularly welcomed. Larger proposals will also be considered and should be discussed with the Innovation Office.

For more information or to apply for funding contact Libby Oakden