TECHNOLOGY GENERATOR

Dr. Josephine Bundoc, MD, FPARM
Physicians for Peace Philippines

THE PROBLEM

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a significant public health concern in the Philippines, particularly among school-aged children. Access to early diagnosis, bracing, and rehabilitation remains limited—especially in rural communities that lack specialized healthcare facilities. Traditional spinal orthotic services are mostly facility-based, requiring patients to travel long distances and incur significant costs. Moreover, brace compliance monitoring methods are often subjective, relying on patient self-reporting, which reduces the reliability of treatment.

THE SOLUTION

POWer addresses these challenges by deploying a mobile biomedical device unit that fabricates and delivers spinal orthotic (SO) devices directly to underserved areas. The project also introduces P.O.W.E.R BiTS, an innovative wearable sensor system embedded in spinal orthoses to objectively monitor temperature and pressure data, thereby enhancing compliance tracking. This data synchronizes with a dedicated mobile app accessible to patients and healthcare providers, enabling timely intervention and treatment adjustments.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT STATUS

Now in its third phase, the project is conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare the clinical outcomes of orthoses fabricated via mobile vs. facility-based workshops. It also involves piloting a school- and community-based scoliosis screening model. The BiTS sensor is under prototype development and testing for integration with the mobile app. The project also includes sustainability planning, commercialization strategies, and policy advocacy for wider adoption of mobile PO services.

CURRENT NEEDS

The P.O.W.E.R team is seeking collaborations with LGUs, educational institutions, and health facilities to expand its screening and device delivery model. Support from funders, device manufacturers, and technology partners is also needed to scale operations and refine the BiTS device. Discussions with investors, donors, and stakeholders interested in advancing assistive health technologies are highly encouraged.

CONTACT DETAILS

Dr. Josephine Bundoc
Physicians for Peace Philippines
Email: physiciansforpeacephl@gmail.com
Tel: (02) 8241 5009