IngentaConnect Digitally recycled incubators: better economic alternatives to mo...

Authors: Amadi, H.O.¹; Mokuolu, O.A.²; Adimora, G.N.³; Pam, S.D.⁴; Etawo, U.S.⁵; Ohadugha, C.O.⁶; Adesiyun, O.O.²

Source: Annals of Tropical Paediatrics: International Child Health, Volume 27, Number 3, September 2007 , pp. 207-214(8)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

The need to maintain a neutral thermal environment is critical to newborn care.

Aim: To investigate reasons for the insufficiency of functional incubators and develop a cost-effective technique for using electronic digital components to recycle obsolete incubators in Nigeria.

Methods: Following interview of 84 clinicians and administrators in Nigerian hospitals, it was identified that inadequate funding was the main reason for lack of functional incubators. Two groups of incubator units were then created and their performance compared. Sixteen units of modern (group A) and 19 units of obsolete (group B) incubators were obtained from six hospitals. An assembly design applying independent generic components for recycling systems was specified and produced. These were sourced through the internet at competitive cost and fitted into the reconstructed panels of the obsolete systems. The functional performance of each recycled system was rigorously monitored for 6 months and graded using ten performance indices. The same indices were used to quantify group A systems.

Results: The performance of the recycled incubators (group B) was found to be similar to those of modern incubators. Group B's cost index was found to be 25% of that of group A's.

Conclusion: Appropriate incubator recycling is a cost-effective method of re-equipping hospitals in low-income countries.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1179/146532807X220325

Affiliations: 1: Bioengineering Department, Imperial College, London, UK 2: Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria 3: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria 4: Department of Paediatrics, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Nigeria 5: Department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Nigeria 6: Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria

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Digitally recycled incubators: better economic alternatives to modern systems in low-income countries