Project LowCostomy
Description: There is an immense need for low-cost colostomy bags among ostomy patients living in low- income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Without access to colostomy products, patients often resort to handmade solutions, such as taping a plastic bag to one’s stoma. However, these makeshift solutions are not safe, odor-proof, or leak-proof, and can lead to a decreased quality of life for these individuals. After identifying the shortcomings of the status-quo, our team designed and built a colostomy bag called the LowCostomy Bag. The seven core objectives are to have an undetectable odor, be leak-proof (<5 mL/day), low-cost (<5 cents/bag), durable (~2 weeks), comfortable, easy to clean (<1 hr) and environmentally friendly. Our solution is also constrained by the need for patients’ safety (0 toxic materials) and use of locally sourced materials. The LowCostomy Bag is made of recycled materials including plastic water bottles and small plastic bags. A triple-layered plastic bag is cinched between the neck and cap of a water bottle; the bottle provides rigidity around the stoma. The bottle-and-bag configuration is attached to the body with a locally sourced beeswax buffer and recycled cloth body wrap. Having undergone research and testing for all design blocks and criteria, our current design synthesizes the most successful components from different prototypes. A clinical study to validate the safety of our novel beeswax-pine resin adhesive is currently under IRB review with Duke Health. Additionally, to have a better picture of what resources are available locally in sub-Saharan Africa, we are planning a trip to Tanzania in March 2023.
Importance to GC Focus: Engineering better medicines extends beyond serving 1st world countries; engineering better medicines should also aim to make healthcare more equitable to low-resource countries. This project’s main objective is to improve the quality of life for colostomy patients in low-to-middle income countries, which has required extensive research into what the greatest barriers for colostomy patients in low-resources settings are. This experience has expanded my understanding of what it means to design empathetically. It is through this style of empathetic and critical thinking on the needs of other people that make an effective researcher, physician, and entrepreneur.
Engineering Supervisor: Dr. Ann Saterbak
Duke Health Supervisor: Dr. Amy Barto
International Supervisor: Dr. Dorothy Dow
Dates: August 2020 – May 2024
Hours to date: 500
Joanna Peng E-Portfolio. 