Reducing the Risk of Drowning in the Bath for People with Epilepsy through product Development

People living with epilepsy are at greater risk of drowning in the bath, though comprehensive statistics are not well recorded and those that are do not include immersion accidents or survival following critical care. Nurses have little formal guidance to support them in exploring or managing bathing risks with patients, and there are currently no suitable disability aids for this purpose in the context of epilepsy. In a collaboration between nurses and engineers, this paper illustrates the development of four design protocols with potential for reducing the risk of drowning in the bath for people with epilepsy. The designs could also serve potential needs of the general public. However, much research remains to be done, and in addition manufacturing companies could apply innovative approaches in the products they develop to reduce the risks discussed, in collaboration with nurse advocates and service user groups.