OT students develop new device to help people with disabling condition

Two outstanding students on the University’s Occupational Therapy (OT) course are celebrating double success at the end of their studies at Salford.

Not only have Vicky Yeomans and Clare Hoyle collected their First Class Honours degrees today. But they are also marking their involvement in helping to design a one off eating aid for a woman with a debilitating genetic condition.

The unusual project has become really important to them both and has caused much excitement amongst their year group and tutors. Working with an engineering team guided by PhD student Matthew Wassall, the mature students used their learnings as OTs to create and test a prototype device to attach to a wheelchair and help transform the life of a young woman called Rachel living with FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva).

Vicky takes up the story: “I heard about the chance to take part in the research project, and thought it sounded so interesting I had to get involved.”

Vicky and Clare have designed a mini tray that can be used by Rachel when eating. It cleverly attaches to her wheelchair and has an insulated tray to help keep food warm and moves up and down without any effort needed by Rachel. She has said the device will also help her to apply make up and has already enjoyed testing it with the help of Vicky and Clare. 

Clare said the experience of working with Rachel on the project has been unbelievable. “We had this incredible opportunity, and it has been really inspirational to be involved. Vicky and I led on finding out what Rachel really wanted and valued in her life and we worked with the design and engineering team to make it happen. It’s amazing to see it coming to fruition now, as it is in the process of being finished off. We can’t wait to finally give it to her!”

Matthew explains more about Rachel’s condition: “FOP Friends is the UK’s only charity which is dedicated to supporting people living with FOP and their families. FOP is one of the rarest and most disabling genetic conditions known to medicine.  It affects around 1 in a million births.  It is characterised by shortened big toes and unusual swellings across the body.  FOP causes soft tissue – muscles, ligaments, and tendons – to turn into new bone.

“FOP is a disabling condition that can significantly impact a person’s life.  Most people with FOP have reduced mobility by the time they are 10, by the time they are in their mid-thirties they are likely to be in a wheelchair and dependent on at least one carer.

“It is common to lose movement in one or both of the arms by a young age, making simple everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and personal hygiene incredibly challenging or in some cases not possible.  This loss of independence affects every aspect of their lives: education, friendships, hobbies, and their mental wellbeing. 

“FOP Friends contacted the University of Salford to see if there was anyway the university could help people living with FOP. Through discussions it was proposed that a design project could be created to produce some adaptive tools for everyday living. It was proposed that the project would bring together clinical and engineering students to work together, share skills and ensure the designs are patient focused.

“Vicky and Clare met with Rachel and helped pinpoint that the tools needed were an adjustable table that can be attached to a wheelchair and an eating implement to aid with eating finger food. Prototype designs were produced and Vicky and Clare then worked with Rachel to find what needed to be adapted, until final designs were produced.”  

Vicky said the hand held gadget is now nearly ready. “We hope it may be a design that could be used in other settings when finished, so who knows - there may be options for it to be adapted for other people with different needs at some point.”

Both Vicky and Clare speak highly of their experience of studying Occupational Therapy at the University of Salford, and both have headed straight into jobs.  Clare said: “Thanks to all the tutors at the University for all their support and help over the past three years, it’s been a really good experience that I can’t wait to take forward into my new career.”

Vicky said: “I am so glad that I decided to follow my dream to complete this degree. I have made some lovely friends and have so many amazing memories. It has been an experience I will never forget, and I am proof that you are never too old to change your career and your life, you just need to want it enough. I can't wait to start my new job helping people to live happier, fulfilled lives.”

Picture L to R - Clare Hoyle and Vicky Yeomans at Graduation