An innovative device to help people who use insulin to better manage their insulin injection schedule is being piloted by the Perfect Patient Pathway Test Bed Programme.

The two year programme, funded by NHS England and led by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, comprises more than thirty healthcare and technology partners and has been designed to test the use of multiple devices for people living with multiple long term conditions. The programme aims to keep people well and independent at home, through the use of emerging technology devices and coordinated digital healthcare across the region.

The Insulcheck Digital Device clips on the end of most insulin pens and automatically records the last time the patient injected insulin. This helps avoid double and missed injections adding safety and certainty to injection schedules.

Simon Bowes, 42, of Doncaster, who has diabetes and has been one of the patients using the new device, said: “Sometimes you can forget when you have last injected, so you can miss a dose or take a double dose, which can potentially be dangerous.

“I have other medical problems, and if you have lots of medication to keep track of and you are not feeling very well, it is possible to forget. I have had the device one month now, and I have found it very useful as a way to be sure when I last injected. It also helps my wife to keep track, when I am not feeling well.

“I definitely think technological innovations like this are a good idea for patients like me.”

Jayne Stocks, Clinical Lead Assistive Technology, Combined Community and Acute Care Group at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said: “This is an amazing aid for patients. It not only takes away anxiety but it also keeps them safe and gives them a feeling of control and independence in managing their long term condition.”

Dr. Steven Ariss, Programme Evaluation Lead at the University of Sheffield, the evaluation partner for the programme, said: “We are pleased that this device has been well received by Health Professionals as well as patients. We have already learned that even people who need support from family members are able to use the device. One patient told us they are using the device every morning and “it works and it’s great!". We have also had some great ideas for how to make the device even better for the next part of the project. The pilot has also provided us with invaluable information about how to evaluate quick moving and innovative projects like this.