Parent of a child undergoing therapy
Developed for increased freedom, safety, and easy use
How to combine a safe and secure treatment with the sense of freedom to jump and play? The answer is Nil Medical Vestpack – a completely new product designed and developed in Sweden.
Developed together with the users
We have created Nil Medical Vestpack by listening to the users. One of the young users we spoke to said, ‘I want it to be like nothing.’ Hence, zero, or ‘nil’ in English. The name Nil is born from the freedom of movement that our medical vest provides. Those who use it no longer have to be stuck with IV poles. Instead, they can move freely, safely, and securely.
In close collaboration with hospital wards
In 2011, a collaboration between the Umeå Institute of Design and the pediatric oncology department QA22 at Norrlands University Hospital began. An early prototype was created and tested from a user perspective without therapy running in the vest. Here, the partnership started with the goal of realizing the product. Representatives from QA22 have since then been involved in developing the vest. Healthcare professionals have reviewed and provided feedback at every step of the product development, and when CE marking was completed, the vest has been used clinically. Expertise from Region Jönköping and Sahlgrenska Hospital has been engaged to conduct a quality of life study, currently ongoing. In 2023, additional hospitals are participating in the study.
Ergonomic with smart features for a safe therapy, all to minimize any noticeable impact on the wearer and to be easy to handle for healthcare providers and caregivers.
Elastic mesh on the front reduces pressure on the entry point, keeps the garment snug against the body, and distributes weight for the best possible comfort.
Easily attach any pumps and liquids. Two pumps and two liquids can be used simultaneously.
Pockets on the inside protect hoses from being exposed.
Double zippers are used for an optimal fit, even if the patient is swollen from cortisone.
Physician, Norrlands University Hospital
Tested and certified to meet rigorous medical requirements.
Safety has been of highest priority in the development from the beginning. Product development experts, together with healthcare specialists, have agreed on stringent product demands to ensure users feel secure with the product.
A project team of experts in design, product development and CE marking of medical devices has contributed to the development of the Nil Medical Vestpack, in collaboration with experienced staff from the pediatric oncology department. Together, requirements and risk analyses have been established to make the vest as safe and user-friendly as possible.
Ergonomics and functionality tests have been conducted on children outside the healthcare setting, followed by tests within the ward. Material and technology choices have been developed in collaboration with textile production specialists. Nil Medical Vestpack is now classified as MDR Class 1 and CE-marked for healthcare, and Nil Medical AB is a registered supplier with the Swedish Medical Products Agency.