Henry Ford Innovations assists team members
Monday, March 30, 2020

HFI team responds to a critical need for innovative solutions as we tackle Covid-19.

Several areas within Henry Ford Health System are working to create new avenues for the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) necessary for our frontline healthcare staff to care for patients and themselves. Success is being achieved, led by the work of Henry Ford Innovations (HFI). The HFI team is responding to the critical need for innovative solutions as the System addresses COVID-19. 

"It's an honor and privilege to apply our skills and network to support our frontline colleagues," says Lisa Prasad, managing director, HFI. "The team is identifying both high-tech and low-tech ways to support our clinical team, including helping to coordinate PPE products using non-traditional materials and local producers."

Some of the products are on their way to HFHS staff immediately. These include:

• Disposable face shields: These are being produced by local automotive manufacturers who have retooled their assembly lines during the current crisis. HFHS has received more than 4,000 shields this week, and HFI is pursuing a goal of 10,000 a day.
• Procedure masks: HFI has worked with the Infection Prevention team to identify surgical wrap as an appropriate material for procedure masks. They also have identified a local automotive manufacturer to potentially produce 15,000-20,000 masks per day.
• 3D Printing: HFI is driving projects, including printing of respirator valves and splash guards.
• Technology Sourcing: The HFI team is sourcing and testing technologies that can be deployed immediately, including thermal cameras for temperature-taking, and telemedicine solutions.  

HFI continues to investigate methods of providing for the safety of employees and care for patients. This current work could not have been done without the contribution and expertise provided by HFHS Director of Infection Prevention and Control Martin Levesque. Much gratitude and thanks to the entire HFI team led by Scott Dulchavsky, M.D., Project Manager Brie Riley, and Prasad. 

Henry Ford Allegiance Health (HFAH) also has stepped up with remarkable innovation, which they are sharing within HFHS. The team at HFAH has designed a reusable face shield (blue brim, pictured), which is being produced in the Jackson market.

Because of the high prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the Henry Ford North and South markets, the team at HFAH has graciously donated shields to assist in care of patients and protection for frontline care providers.

"It is this kind of significant innovation and collaboration that will allow Henry Ford to improve the quality of care for our COVID patients while also helping to protect our selfless team members while they help to care for those in crisis," says Betty Chu, M.D., Henry Ford's Associate Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Quality Officer.