Research device set to improve home healthcare

Patients and hospitals are both set to benefit from a new antibiotic device developed by Professor Paul Dastoor that promises to free up hospital beds and dramatically lower health care costs.

The physicist has received a Medical Device Fund (MDF) grant worth $215,000 to commercialise the distribution of the medical device, MobiDRIP.

The device allows patients that require an intravenous drip to recover in their own homes and is currently used in six hospitals across New South Wales and Queensland.

The concept for MobiDRIP began 10 years ago from a drawing on the back of a napkin and a conversation between Professor Dastoor and Ken Logan from the medical device maker MobiLIFE.

Newcastle Innovation, the University's commercial arm, has also been a major part of the collaboration that has helped bring the product to life.

"The success of the product so far is the result of a 10-year collaborative effort between the University researchers, MobiLIFE, Newcastle Innovation and other industry partners and all should be congratulated on developing a product that will help so many people," said Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Deborah Hodgson.

The MobiDRIP delivers a predetermined infusion flow rate by applying controlled pressure to a standard bag of IV fluid wrapped in a cuff and is inflated by a disposable compressed gas canister.

"The simplicity of the MobiDRIP design means it doesn't require electrical power, it is lightweight and easy to operate," explained Professor Dastoor.

"We see this product being used not only in hospitals and homes, but in ambulances, the military and even veterinary clinics," he added.

Clinical trials have shown the device is more accurate at supplying antibiotics than computer-based pumps and could provide global benefits.

More information about the device can be found on the MobiLIFE website.