Advice
Expert comments
Expert comments
Comments on this technology were invited from clinical experts working in the field and relevant patient organisations. The comments received are individual opinions and do not represent NICE's view.
Five experts were familiar with or had used this technology before.
Level of innovation
All 5 expert commentators agreed that the technology is novel. One commentator noted MolecuLight i:X is innovative in its concept and design compared with standard wound care. Four commentators were not aware of other devices that could visualise bacteria in real time. Two commentators thought that MolecuLight i:X may lead to antibiotics prescribing for asymptomatic wounds.
Potential patient impact
Improvements in how well patients take their prescribed treatment and wound healing were the main potential benefits identified by 3 expert commentators. Patients could observe wound healing by looking at the images themselves, which is a useful tool to explain the need for antibiotics. Four commentators thought that MolecuLight i:X could lead to change in current wound care, especially for people with infected wounds that do not show any clinical signs, by detecting infection earlier and providing timely treatment. The expert commentators agreed that the technology would be of most benefit for people with chronic or non-healing wounds, and those with diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, surgical wounds and skin grafts.
Potential system impact
Reducing the cost for wound care was identified as a key benefit to the healthcare system. Possible improvements in efficiency of wound management and wound healing (that is, bacterial change in the wound) were also identified by the commentators. Four expert commentators thought using MolecuLight i:X would reduce the cost in wound care because of a potential reduction in the number of dressings used and antibiotics prescribed. Two commentators thought there would be little change to current facilities or infrastructure. Experts thought that training would be needed to ensure correct use of the technology and accurate interpretation of the results.
General comments
All commentators thought MolecuLight i:X would be used as an add-on intervention to current standard care for wound management. None of the experts were aware of any safety issues but 1 commentator noted people who are colour blind will not be able to use MolecuLight i:X because they cannot interpret the images correctly. The main barrier to adoption identified by 2 commentators was the lack of evidence on patient and system benefits of the technology.