Lifebox: A Global Patient Safety Initiative.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Devices
• Global Health

Background:

• Pulse oximetry has revolutionized anesthesia safety and is a standard monitoring tool in many nations.
• The World Health Organization recommends pulse oximeters for all patients under anesthesia.
• Access to basic anesthesia equipment, including pulse oximeters, remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the lack of access to pulse oximeters in low- and middle-income countries.
• To facilitate the availability of suitable pulse oximeters for anesthesia providers in resource-limited settings.
• To improve patient safety during anesthesia in underserved regions.

Main Methods:

• The Lifebox Foundation was established to find solutions for oximeter accessibility.
• Distribution of pulse oximeters to anesthesia providers in developing nations.
• Implementation of educational courses on oximeter use and anesthesia safety.

Main Results:

• Nearly 11,000 pulse oximeters have been distributed globally.
• Oximeters have been delivered to patients in 90 countries.
• Over 50 countries have completed associated educational courses.

Conclusions:

• The Lifebox Foundation has successfully increased the availability of pulse oximetry in resource-limited settings.
• The initiative has expanded access to critical anesthesia monitoring technology.
• This effort contributes to enhancing patient safety in global anesthesia practice.