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A multi-function neonatal incubator for low-income countries: Implementation and ab initio social impact
Pascalin Tiam Kapen1, Mohamadou Youssoufa2, Momo Foutse2
1Université des Montagnes, ISST, P.O. Box 208 Bangangté, Cameroon; University of Dschang, LISIE/L2MSP, P.O. Box 134 Bandjoun, Cameroon.
Insights
This study introduces a multi-function neonatal incubator designed for low-income countries. The device features remote monitoring and vital sign tracking to reduce infant mortality.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neonatal Care
- Public Health in Low-Income Countries
Background:
- High rates of premature infant mortality globally, particularly in low-income countries (LICs).
- Neonatal incubators are critical for reducing infant mortality but face accessibility challenges in LICs.
- Need for improved, accessible neonatal care technology in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a multi-function neonatal incubator with advanced features for use in LICs.
- To address the accessibility gap for essential neonatal medical devices in resource-limited healthcare environments.
- To assess the initial social impact of the developed incubator in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-function neonatal incubator incorporating remote monitoring, fingerprint scanning, phototherapy, and heart rate monitoring.
- Implementation of a proportional integral (PI) control algorithm for incubator temperature regulation.
- Creation of a dedicated Android application for remote data access and device management.
- Conducting an initial social impact assessment in hospitals within Cameroon.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a multi-function neonatal incubator prototype.
- Demonstration of integrated features including remote monitoring and vital sign tracking.
- Development of a functional PI control algorithm and Android application for enhanced usability.
- Initial positive social impact observed in participating Cameroonian hospitals.
Conclusions:
- The developed multi-function neonatal incubator offers a promising solution for improving neonatal care in low-income countries.
- Integration of advanced features and remote monitoring enhances the utility and accessibility of neonatal incubators.
- The technology has the potential to significantly contribute to reducing premature infant mortality in resource-limited settings.
- Further research and broader implementation are warranted to maximize the impact on global infant survival rates.
Abstract:
The World health Organization estimates that about 8 million babies die prematurely worldwide. Most of these cases are found in low-income countries (LICs). The use of neonatal incubators has proven to be very useful in the reduction of infant mortality. However, access to this important medical device is not always easy in LICs. This article presents the implementation of a multi-function neonatal incubator with remote monitoring, fingerprint scanner, phototherapy, and heart rate monitoring. In this view, proportional integral (PI) control algorithm and an Android application were developed. Furthermore, an initial social impact of the implemented neonatal incubator usage was performed in some hospitals in Cameroon.
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