Njord MedTech: Successful Testing in Finland and Norway

Njord MedTech connected with both testbeds through the Nordic Proof portal, with a clear goal: to demonstrate and test Atle 180 in real clinical settings. The device is designed to ease the physical strain on caregivers and improve hospital productivity, with a particular focus on radiology departments.

About Njord MedTech AB

Njord MedTech grew out of an innovation project at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, launched to solve unmet needs within its radiology department. The idea took shape in 2017, and the company was formally established in 2019. Today, it brings together a dedicated team of ten.

Demonstrating the solution Atle 180

After making contact through the Nordic Proof portal, Njord MedTech partnered with two test environments. An initial two-day test at Norway Health Tech LAB was followed by a six-week testing period at Oulu Health Labs, which concluded in June 2023.

In Norway, the two-day test took place at Stavanger University Hospital and Sandnes Education and Research Center Høyland, structured as a hands-on demonstration and feedback session. Njord MedTech presented Atle 180 in the radiology lab before opening a dialogue with clinicians, facilitated by Norway Health Tech LAB. The goal was to gauge interest and gather feedback on both the product and the department's needs around patient transfer. At Sandnes, the team also explored how Atle 180 might support clinical studies involving animal patients.

The response from clinicians and nurses in Oulu University Hospital's imaging and emergency imaging wards was consistently positive. Atle was put to the test across every imaging modality — magnetic imaging, CT, ultrasound, and native imaging — as well as in angiography and procedural radiology.

All the testers would recommend Atle for hospital use. — Oulu Health Labs

Because the test ran for a full month, many staff members were able to use Atle repeatedly and build a real sense of how it performed. They found it a user-friendly device that streamlines patient transfers, moving patients from their beds to CT tables faster and more smoothly than current methods allow. The ongoing dialogue with healthcare professionals proved essential, offering invaluable insight into Atle's effectiveness and usability in a live clinical environment. Staff also noted that transfers with Atle were gentler, calmer, and less stressful for patients.

The biggest benefit is that using Atle requires less physical strength from nurses. No extra help is needed. — Oulu Health Labs

Vision and next steps

Looking ahead, Njord MedTech plans to expand across all Nordic markets with Atle 180, while developing further solutions to support a more sustainable healthcare system. The next milestone is a clinical trial at Stavanger University Hospital, set to begin in autumn 2023.

"It’s been a pleasure working with Nordic Proof collaborating around the introduction of Atle 180 at Oulu Health Labs in Finland and NHT LAB and SEARCH in Norway. We received good support facilitating and planning introductory workshops at three different hospitals in these markets." — Jacob Ahrnstein, CEO, Njord MedTech AB