We all hate pins and needles...there must be an alternative

As I sat back and listened to Dr. Bogen in lecture today, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with this new monster of a project. At first, I figured that it was my responsibility to be able to design, build, and test a new device to administer pain medication orally. Since I do not even know how to use a power tool, let alone be able to use a screwdriver, I initially panicked. Once Dr. Bogen cleared up my confusion about not having to actually BUILD the device, my fears quickly subsided.

Nothing is worse than being in pain and being incapable of controlling it. Pain medication makes healing much more bearable for the patient. Whenever I get injured in figure skating, I want nothing more than the pain to vanish. With the help of oral medication, I am usually able to dull the discomfort and continue on with my day.

Imagine recovering from a complicated surgery without pain medication. With the help and expertise of biomedical engineers, there are devices that can help manage pain levels. Presently, all of these devices are invasive. Being confined to a bed with needles makes it more difficult to move as well as heighten the level of discomfort for the patient. But what if the patient is in an emergency situation when there is no time to insert a needle. What will happen if someone is wounded on the battle field and must be airlifted to a hospital? Will they need pain medication? Of course, but needles may be unsanitary or more complex to administer.

With the help of a device that can deliver pain medication orally, patients can be assured that the administration of the pain relievers will be both sanitary and quick.

Now, the big question is whether or not there is a market for such devices. I personally hate needles and will choose any other alternative to them (I think most people would agree with me). Therefore, there is a definite marker for such a medical device. The bigger question is whether such a device is feasible to be built. Although I am not a qualified engineer, I think that we can all individually and collectively think of possible ways to construct a machine that will administer pain medication orally.