Design of a Functional Training Prototype for Neonatal Resuscitation

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Neonatal Care
• Public Health

Background:

• Birth asphyxia is a primary contributor to neonatal mortality worldwide.
• Effective neonatal resuscitation requires skilled healthcare professionals.
• Resource-limited settings face significant challenges in providing adequate newborn care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a user-friendly prototype for training healthcare professionals in basic newborn care and neonatal resuscitation.
• To enhance the accessibility of neonatal resuscitation training in resource-limited environments.
• To ultimately ensure at least one trained individual is present at every delivery for neonatal resuscitation.

Main Methods:

• The prototype integrates a Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) to measure applied pressure.
• An Arduino microcontroller interfaces with the FSR, controlling a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicators.
• The system provides real-time feedback on pressure and compression counts for training purposes.

Main Results:

• The prototype offers a practical solution for hands-on training in neonatal resuscitation techniques.
• It is designed for ease of use in low-resource settings, addressing a critical gap in medical training.
• The device provides immediate feedback, facilitating skill acquisition and retention.

Conclusions:

• The developed prototype presents a promising, cost-effective solution for training healthcare providers in neonatal resuscitation.
• This initiative can significantly improve outcomes for newborns affected by birth asphyxia in underserved regions.
• The project addresses the unmet need for accessible neonatal resuscitation programs globally.