The number of deaths reported annually due to carbon monoxide poisoning is between 30-60; with 53 reported in 2019 by the Office of National Statistics. About 4,000 people attend A&E with suspected Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning and of these 200 people are admitted to hospital every year. CO related incidents constitute 10% of calls to fire services. Lower levels of less than 70 parts per million (PPM) or undiagnosed carbon monoxide poisoning produce lasting neurological damage, memory loss and difficulties in concentration.
Benefits
Using the NGN CBA model, it was calculated that the SROI has a score of 76% return on investment. This is a positive SROI calculation due to how the project can affect consumers, the NHS, other emergency services and the relationship between vulnerable customers and ill health.
Prevention of death, disability and health welfare for users is a clear impact indicator in reaching a high SROI score.
There are significant unquantified benefits as a result of this project such as increased vulnerable customer mental and physical wellbeing from having the reassurance of the monitor and better managed fatigue etc. It is likely to improve productivity and reduce work/medical appointment absences. In addition, this project is likely to generate economic benefits for the region and UK more widely through Gross Value Added improvements, job creation and export opportunities from the creation of a viable and cutting edge product and collaboration with universities.
Learnings
Outcomes
The project successfully delivered a series of validated TRL8 prototype devices capable of continuously monitoring Carbon Monoxide exposure and alerting users when elevated concentrations are detected. The devices were also successfully developed to monitor additional health indicators including heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
Technical validation confirmed that the devices could reliably detect Carbon Monoxide at concentrations as low as 1ppm, whilst user trials demonstrated positive acceptance of the solution and provided valuable feedback for future refinement. User testing informed further improvements to device design, functionality and user experience ahead of commercial manufacture.
The project has established a clear route to commercialisation, with Affotek continuing work to undertake final modifications, miniaturisation and manufacturing activities to produce deployable TRL9 devices. Project partners confirmed that, subject to successful completion of these activities, the intention would be to support distribution of the devices to appropriate customers through future vulnerability-focused programmes.
In addition to the technology itself, the project generated valuable learning regarding consumer behaviour, Carbon Monoxide awareness, device design requirements and the potential role of wearable technologies in protecting consumers in vulnerable situations. These learning outcomes provide a strong evidence base to support future deployment and wider adoption of the solution.
Lessons Learnt
This project highlighted the importance of maintaining a clear focus on the primary customer need throughout the innovation process. Whilst the ambition to combine Carbon Monoxide monitoring with a wider range of health monitoring functionality added value, it also increased device complexity, size and development effort. Future projects may benefit from prioritising core functionality at an earlier stage to simplify development and improve user acceptance.
The project also demonstrated the value of engaging representative end users throughout development. User feedback directly informed the transition from a ring-style device to a bracelet-based design and identified practical considerations relating to comfort, usability and day-to-day wearability that would not have been apparent through technical development alone.
An important learning outcome was the limited awareness of Carbon Monoxide poisoning among some user groups and the wider health impacts associated with prolonged exposure. Feedback from user testing highlighted opportunities to raise awareness of Carbon Monoxide risks and reinforce the benefits of proactive monitoring technologies. The project also identified potential links between Carbon Monoxide exposure and wider health conditions, providing valuable knowledge for future research and healthcare engagement activities.
Finally, the project identified opportunities to improve the management of third-party suppliers and subcontractors. Delays associated with material availability and external dependencies impacted delivery timescales, highlighting the importance of robust supply chain planning and supplier management arrangements within future innovation projects.
