The trial has now ended and a lot was learned.
Many users displayed some trepidation when using the NT Switch. It’s as if they are concerned that if they accidentally touch it something bad will happen. Many are seen stabbing at it several times getting closer each time until the switch operates. This tells us that the learning curve is a bit steeper than we anticipated.
Staff comments such as, “I like being able to just lean my shoulder close to the switch when my arms are full” and the unanimous belief amongst the staff that the NT Switch will help reduce the transfer of germs, were exactly what we were hoping for.
We would like to thank the staff and management of Luther Home for their time and effort. The hundred switches used in the trial are now theirs to keep.
August 2018
DCR Innovations Ltd., the lone manufacturer of a two wire no touch light switch, is pleased to announce it is working with Luther Home Personal Care Facility here in Winnipeg to explore the feasibility of the No Touch Switch in a health care environment. The NTS removes the need to physically touch the light switch in order to turn the lights off or on and thereby eliminates a potential transfer point for germs. And, its simple two wire design means that light switch locations will not require modifications to their existing wiring.
Is the switch easy to install? Is it easy to use? Were there any problems? These are some of the questions we hope to answer in the coming weeks. Qualitative aspects will be closely scrutinized for potential revisions to future No Touch Switches. A hundred switches were installed at Luther Home’s discretion representing about a 1/3 of all the switches on site.
Interesting side note; The power of collaboration came through strongly during the initial conversation and switch demonstrations where Luther Home building maintenance personnel brought to light the potential for additional benefits in a wheel chair environment where existing toggle switches are not easily operated. The NTS doesn’t require a specific movement or any force in order to operate. In fact, any object casually brought to within an inch (2.5 cm) of its faceplate will cause the switch to operate.
The trial / feasibility study will run until the end of September.
