INTERNATIONAL INTEREST GROWING IN HIGH TECH QLD BURNS THERAPY

Minister for State Development John Mickel today announced an $85,000 grant to further develop a high-tech device improving the lives of young burns patients.

The Diversionary Therapy Device is now undergoing its third round of clinical trials at the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Stuart Pegg Paediatric Burns Centre under the guidance of world-renowned burns expert Dr Roy Kimble.

“This is an incredible breakthrough in treating young patients with burns,” Mr Mickel said during a tour of the Centre today.

“The trials are consistently showing the use of this device is effective in reducing respiratory rates, pulse rates and overall pain scores in paediatric burns patients by up to 70 per cent.”

The device - a light-weight, highly portable “tablet” about 25cm in diameter features a large 3D screen and moulded hand controls. It is used to distract and immerse a young patient in an age appropriate story or adventure that engages their visual, physical and auditory senses.

“The device is proving most useful during the checking and re-dressing of wounds when children experience almost as much pain as the initial injury,” Mr Mickel said.

“It’s ability to successfully reduce not only pain but anxiety levels in young patients in a way that avoids the use of medication or further invasive treatments is a welcome solution to both patients and parents alike.”

The company commercialising the device, Diversionary Therapy Technologies (DTT), was born out of a ground-breaking research collaboration between Queensland’s Royal Children’s Hospital and the Australasian CRC for Interactive Design (ACID).

Managing Director of Diversionary Therapy Technologies Mr Rob Sale said the company was hoping to extend the trials to the orthopaedic ward.

“We believe that this approach to diversionary therapy can have significant results in any medical setting, such as oncology, radiology, emergency medicine and even dentistry, where young patients are undergoing painful medical procedures,” he said.

Mr Mickel said the device was a true Queensland collaboration with DTT working with a host of Queensland companies and research institutions on developing the creative content and images featured in the programs as well as the innovative technology behind them.

“DTT has been working with the likes of the Queensland Writers Centre to source Australian writers, CMD Toowong on prototype development, Sage Stafford on engineering design and VR Space West End on software and content development as well as a number of individual local contractors,” he said.

“I congratulate all involved in the project – this technology breakthrough has the potential to aid not only the physical but also the emotional and psychological recovery of young patients suffering from a variety of injuries and illnesses worldwide.”

Mr Sale said the company was very hopeful the progression of clinical trials this year would earn it the international credentials it needs to begin supplying hospitals around the world.

“We are also in the process of finalising clinical partnerships with a number of institutions including the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and Broomfield Hospital in the UK.”

Mr Sale said the company planned to begin production of the device early next year, with an initial goal of 2000 units per month.

“The device will be available at a price comparable with a notebook computer so we see it being very affordable to the medical community,” he said.

“We’re very excited about what we can achieve in the year ahead and the positive impact the device is going to make long term on the lives of young patients across the world.”

“Diversionary Therapy Technologies is an excellent example of innovation and collaboration. It’s a truly Smart State company that’s leading the way,” Mr Mickel said.

Note: High resolution images of the device/the screen and patient use are available by contacting the company direct.


Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.

Company contact: Diversionary Therapy Technologies, Mr Rob Sale, Managing Director, 3870 3820, 0419 720 413.