Researchers from the University of Plymouth have contributed to an independent review for the UK Government into the equity of medical devices.

The review, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care, sought to identify potential biases in a variety of devices and recommend how to tackle them.

Published on 11 March 2024, the report – Equity in medical devices: independent review – has resulted in a series of government commitments, including ensuring that pulse oximeter devices used in the NHS can be used safely across a range of skin tones.Among the experts to contribute to the report are Professor Daniel Martin, Professor of Perioperative and Intensive Care Medicine in the University of Plymouth and a consultant at the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP).

Based on a systematic review which assessed more than 733,000 oxygen saturation readings taken from over 222,000 people, it revealed evidence of the devices being inclined to overestimate readings in participants with darker skin tones.

Professor Martin provided a comprehensive summary of evidence for the independent review’s panel and contributed to the development of recommendations in the review. In addition, he acted as expert advisor to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) during their evaluation of pulse oximeter inaccuracy.