Researchers Discover Universal Interest in MOVES® SLC™ Among Ukrainian Trauma Care Providers

Portable life support tech among the most requested devices among those interviewed for new in-depth study

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The Emergence of MOVES SLC Life-Support System Equipment for En-Route Trauma Care in Ukraine During a Qualitative Assessment

Published: 21 September 2024

In a new peer-reviewed scientific paper entitled “The Emergence of MOVES SLC Life-Support System Equipment for En-Route Trauma Care in Ukraine During a Qualitative Assessment” and recently published in Military Medicine, 67 per cent of the Ukrainian military and civilian health care providers interviewed reported using MOVES® SLC™, and the remainder stated they want the device. The technology is well-regarded, with study participants reacting positively to using MOVES® SLC™ and the capabilities and improvements in care that the portable technology can provide for en-route care of critically injured patients.

The study also revealed that portable life support systems like MOVES® SLC™ are among the most requested devices by providers interviewed, particularly those at Role 2 and Role 2+ facilities.

“Furthermore, a universal response, which emerged organically, demonstrating an interest in MOVES® SLC™ is a unique occurrence in qualitative research that rarely happens and deserves immediate dissemination,” states the study’s authors, who identified these results within a broader assessment of trauma systems in Ukraine. “Understanding attitudes and perceptions around the use of devices and products including MOVES® SLC™ and its use in the [large-scale combat operations] LSCO environment can inform lessons learned for improved prehospital care in Ukraine, as well as in other future conflicts.”

Study Region
Fig. 1 Study region - Researchers conducted in-depth qualitative interviews of military and civilian health care workers in Ukraine. Reprinted from Lawry et al.

The research team, led by Lynn Lieberman Lawry, MD, MSPH, MSc, conducted in-depth qualitative interviews of Ukrainians working in the health and trauma system of Ukraine. The team will continue to publish results from the larger trauma system assessment which aims to develop deeper understanding of the current situation to inform current and future medical operations and support for Ukraine, the United States, and NATO.

Read “The Emergence of MOVES SLC Life-Support System Equipment for En-Route Trauma Care in Ukraine During a Qualitative Assessment”, in Military Medicine, the official international journal of AMSUS, The Society of Federal Health Professionals, published by Oxford University Press.

Thornhill Medical continues to provide expert training and product support in both Ukrainian and English to support the lifesaving work of Ukrainian military and civilian health care providers. The company also has dedicated clinical field-operations teams that work with product users around the globe, while its project engineering teams continue to innovate to address the evolving needs of critical care providers in a range of austere and challenging environments.