1.1 Population

There are over 20,000 pediatric patients admitted to hospitals every year for sickle cell disease pain crisis. This design is specifically targeted for use by these pediatric patients, although the device could be used by other patients whose physicians prescribe them a spirometer, such as post-surgical patients. Our device is designed to have the most appeal to patients within the age range of 3-13 years old.

1.2 Problem

Spirometry is essential to expanding the alveoli in the lungs to facilitate the healing process. However, patient compliance is poor and in need of improvement according to health care providers. These compliance issues, particularly among pediatric patients, can be attributed to a number of factors including forgetfulness, lack of enticement, and physical pain associated with completing the exercises. The motivation for increased compliance among sickle cell disease patients is due to the impact that consistent incentive spirometry use can have in preventing acute pulmonary complications such as acute chest syndrome (ACS).

1.3 Expected Outcomes

The goal of the incentive spirometer developed in this project is to increase pediatric compliance and subsequently improve patient outcomes. Ideally, a future clinical trial could be performed on the device and the anticipated outcome would show that the incentive spirometer developed through this project would have increased compliance from pediatric patients compared to the traditional spirometer used in pediatric wards at Duke hospital.

2.1 Products on the Market

There are a few existing devices currently on the market, including a traditional spirometer with no electrical components, the Aluna portable digital spirometer, and the CareFusion AirLife pediatric volumetric incentive spirometer. The main drawback of the traditional and CareFusion AirLife spirometers is the lack of appeal to young patients. The Aluna spirometer is engaging, but the high cost of $199 renders it difficult to make available for all incoming patients.

2.2 Past Prototypes

The latest prototype passed on from a previous team tackled this problem by including LED lights that lit up when the device was used, along with designing a colorful, child-friendly casing. The device was portable and easy to hold. However, the shape of the device did not seem engaging enough to incentivize patients to practice spirometry without the guidance of a nurse. This is crucial because increasing lung capacity depends on a patient self-regulating and consistently using a spirometer. In addition, there was no way for a doctor or caretaker to determine the progress a patient had made over the course of use. There was also little feedback to indicate the spirometer was being used accurately.