VITAmin and Micronutrient Testing: Acceptability and SCOPE of Point-of-care Device

Overview

Childhood obesity is a global health crisis with 1.2 million children in England severely obese, predisposing them to multiple health risks which decrease lifespan and compromise health. Children suffering from obesity experience a state of paradoxical malnutrition; despite excessive calorie intake they have high rates of micronutrient deficiencies rates due to consumption of energy dense, nutrient poor diets. Around 70-80% of obese children are Vitamin D deficient, 10% have low B12 concentrations and 50% have folic acid deficiency. Currently screening for micronutrient deficiencies does not form a routine part of clinical care at all medical centres because they require a large volume of blood and are expensive to perform. A prototype point-of-care in-vitro diagnostic test has been developed which allows at-home/primary care testing of micronutrient levels, using an integrated finger-prick and minimal amount of blood. This device should be simple to use, with just one push of a button. The results are analysed using a phone app for clear decision-making, with data uploaded to healthcare providers automatically. This study aims to ask service users (young people and their families) for their views on the usability and acceptability of the device prior to developing the product further.

Malnutrition, where there is an insufficient supply or inability to absorb nutrients is classified by the World Health Organisation as the biggest worldwide threat to public health. Untreated malnutrition is an independent risk factor for mortality and is associated with increased healthcare costs. Malnutrition is not only found in association with low weight but is also found in individuals with morbid obesity. Obese individuals experience a state of paradoxical malnutrition; despite excessive dietary intake they have high micronutrient deficiencies rates due to intake of energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets. Childhood obesity is a global health crisis with 1.2 million children in England severely obese, putting them at multiple health risks which lower lifespan and affect health. Currently micronutrient measurement is performed in hospitals. A large volume (\>6mls) is taken with results for some tests taking a minimum of 2 weeks. This delays treatment starting and requires provision of additional clinical time for the results to be fed back to patients and their families. There are significant financial, emotional and carbon costs for patients attending for hospital based blood tests. A point-of-care blood test for micronutrients has been developed, which uses an integrated finger-prick and minimal amount of blood (40μls). The device is simple to use, with just one push of a button, allowing primary care clinicians and potentially parents/guardians to administer the test. This study aims to ask young people and their parents/carers for their views on this device before further development is undertaken on the product to ensure it meets with their needs.