The OralKleen Oral Care Convenience (OCC) Kit was envisioned as a next-generation product that advances hospital protocols, gives nurses the tools they need to prevent the bacterial infection that causes Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in dependent patients, and meets regulatory standards while reducing waste. The OCC Kit is a sustainable, recyclable system that meets all regulatory standards and provides a comprehensive, six-point solution for fighting oral bacteria. With inspiration and guidance from hospital nurses, this product was taken from concept to development all the way through production.
Central to the Convenience Kit is a first-of-its-kind oscillating toothbrush with suction and lighting. The twin LEDs built into the toothbrush housing are configured to deliver maximum illumination in the mouth without casting shadows from the toothbrush itself. Fluid, air, and waste travel through a channel within the brush to an exit port that clips securely to a standard hospital hose. The suction provided by the hose is available continually during operation and controlled easily by covering a port ergonomically designed for the user’s thumb or forefinger. The design prevents patient injury or discomfort by constructing the suction nozzle of soft silicon instead of hard plastic, and its position just below and behind the bristles is angled for optimal suction. While combining the cleaning, suction, and lighting features, the design adds negligibly to the overall cross-section of the toothbrush. This allows it to deliver convenient, one-handed operation in tight spaces further obstructed by intubation.
The design thinking behind the Oral Care Convenience Kit extends to the container to address concerns about time and material waste. This new design replaces conventional “open-and-discard” packaging to be repurposed as a storage container at the patient’s bedside. The kit is constructed to be space-saving, efficient, reusable, and biodegradable. All contents are organized according to priority for greater efficiency, with the toothbrush and replaceable oscillating heads arranged on top for direct access. Additional items, including the disposable swab sticks, low-profile tongue scraper, toothpaste, moisturizer, and lip balm, are located underneath.
Constructed of bagasse, a sustainable material derived from sugarcane. The water-resistant by-product is optimal for durability in the hospital environment and functions as a toolbox for the duration of a patient’s hospital stay. Additional design features include ventilation holes to help keep contents dry and prevent the growth of bacteria and a built-in hook that allows the kit to be hung at a patient’s bedside for ready access.
Category:MedicalYear:2023Designer:Matt Vergin, Rob Brady, Michael Winterhalter, Jay Viera, Jeff Nichols, Barry Jennings, Gary Lauterbach, Virginia Prendergast, Kurt Kenzler, ROBRADY design, Sarasota, Florida, USAManufacturer:OralKleen, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
