University, Companies to Partner on Wound Care Sensors

Patricia Connolly (University of Strathclyde)

Researchers at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland and Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar are collaborating on development of sensors that monitor wound dressings, starting with a product created by a spin-off company from Strathclyde. The three-year project is funded by the Qatar National Research Fund, but financial aspects of the agreement were not disclosed.

The collaboration involves an exchange of researchers, including students, who will conduct research at Strathclyde’s campus and in Qatar. The research will develop wound care sensors, in particular pH sensors for wound dressings, as part of a study of wounds, moisture, and pH in Qatari hospitals. The U.K. Department of Health identified wound diagnostics as a priority in its larger telemedicine program.

Strathclyde bioengineering professor Patricia Connolly (pictured left) founded Ohmedics, a spin-off company developing a moisture sensor for wounds called WoundSense that will be part of the joint project. Connolly is also director of the university’s  Institute of Medical Devices.

WoundSense is a single-use sensor that monitors moisture levels in wound dressings with a hand-held meter. The sensor makes it possible to track the moisture of a wound dressing without disturbing the dressing. The device, which underwent clinical trials and received a CE Mark for for marketing in Europe, can also be used to collect data for clinical studies.

“Wound diagnostics and the management of wounds in patients is a critical area in the health care sector,” notes Connolly, “and this research collaboration allows us the opportunity to radically advance current technology.” She adds, “Significant investment has been made in encouraging patients to self-diagnose without the need for direct hospital treatment.”

Hanadi Al Hamad, a consultant in geriatric medicine and the clinical lead for for Hamad Medical Corporation says, “The partnership will enable us to radically improve outcomes for our patients, it will mean less time in hospital.”

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