Co-designing medical devices and applications of an information technology (IT) system with people affected by skin damage and their wider health care consequences. The research is underpinned by collaborations with a number of disciplines including clinicians, designers, engineers, materials specialists and industry. The medical devices also help to avoid skin damage and to enable people with vulnerable skin to live with comfort and dignity. The IT applications enable real time routine data capture, audit, and evaluation of outcomes and costs at an individual and group level. They also support systems of care, with single points of contact for patients into a health service and triage to specialists. Both strands of technology are designed to facilitate independent living by delaying disease and condition specific deformities. They are also designed to maximise the quality and outputs of patient contact with health services and to promote efficient use of health care resources.

The theme’s research is underpinned by the following methodology and tools:

A participatory research design, which includes a model of user engagement in medical device design and development

An n –of-1 experimental case study design, principally for proof-of-concept tests of novel medical devices and systems

Cost effectiveness analysis

The TELER/Longhand system method of patient recorded outcomes measurement and eHealthcare