‘Transformational’ funding backs pelvic health app

A Newcastle healthcare specialist has secured £75,000 to develop a digital platform aimed at making pelvic health support more accessible.

Pelvic health physiotherapist Suzanne Vernazza has received an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award to develop and clinically validate the Know Your Floors App.

Suzanne, founder of Know Your Floors CIC and chief executive of Premere Ltd, developed the concept following years of working with NHS patients experiencing bladder and bowel problems, pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse.

She also runs the #SqueezeAlong online community, which has more than 670,000 followers.

Suzanne says the “transformational” funding will support further development and testing ahead of planned beta testing in December.

Designed to help users understand symptoms, develop healthy habits and identify when further support may be required, the app will combine daily pelvic floor exercises and different workout styles with reminders, gamification and trusted health information.

An AI-supported information tool will also undergo clinical validation and testing to assess the accuracy and safety of its responses and ensure appropriate signposting.

Suzanne said: “This funding is transformational for the project. 

“It allows us to move from an idea with strong clinical foundations and community support to a properly tested, launch-ready product.

“We will be able to work alongside beta testers to refine the experience and carefully validate the AI-supported information feature, so we’re building something that is not only innovative, but clinically robust and worthy of people’s trust.”

Development has also been supported by the Internet of Caring Things programme, which has helped gather user feedback and reduce development risks.

Jennine Jonczyk, programme lead for the Internet of Caring Things, added: “Suzanne has done something really powerful. 

“She has helped to bring pelvic floor health out into the open, making a subject that can be difficult for women to talk about feel much more approachable and accessible. 

“By combining her clinical expertise with the insight of a huge online community and the innovative use of gamification, she is finding a new way to engage and support women with their pelvic health. 

“We are incredibly proud to have supported Suzanne and delighted to see her work receive this recognition and funding.”

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