How can innovative packaging save staff time and reduce patient frustration

By ahhb
Tuesday, 15 December, 2015

Using highly trained nursing staff or food service personnel to help patients access their food by opening packaging can be a waste of time, money and resources. It is not just a source of frustration for patients (especially the elderly or those with fine motor skill difficulties), but is also a barrier to nutrition.

For that reason, SPC worked in consultation with HealthShare NSW to develop a more accessible product and tested the new packaging with the Institute of Bone and Joint Research at the Royal North Shore Hospital to develop a range of new nutritionally balanced, portion controlled fruit cups under the SPC ProVital brand. These cups make it easier for people with fine motor skill challenges to access the range of cups.
‘SPC ProVital packaging is recyclable and offers cost savings and efficiencies within the healthcare system as well as improving overall patient experience including:

Saves time and resources by reducing the time needed to help people with their food

Reduces patient frustration by empowering them to choose and access the nutrition they deserve whenever they want

Reduces direct and indirect costs such as time to serve, cost of container, storage, waste, cleaning, labelling, etc.

The Australian made SPC ProVital range is made of 100% Australian fruit* and comes in an easy open cup, aiming to provide more accessible quality nutrition for consumers with fine motor skill difficulties through a number of key features:

A textured and lengthened pull tab for easier grip.

Optimised seal to reduce opening force.

Decagon shape for easier grip.

Clear instructions for opening.

Smaller grip span for easier hold.

Extra-large font for improved legibility.

SPC ProVital is currently running a Product Familiarisation Program within the Sydney healthcare environment to gain end user insights and staff and executive recommendations on how hospitals should engage with the new SPC ProVital portion control cups. Interim results from 129 patients aged 50+, with and without motor skill difficulties are very promising. Key findings include;