Development of a Database for Global Health Medical Devices

Abstract

The design, development, and implementation of health-related technologies for resource-limited settings require a detailed consideration of the end user and target community that goes beyond the traditional engineering design needs assessment. In a broader sense, economic, social, and cultural constraints must be considered for successful implementation of technologies. Such constraints are often difficult or impossible to ascertain a priori, necessitating significant fieldwork; there is currently no database where prospective designers for global health can review how others have fared with similar and diverse challenges. Here we present the concept and preliminary results of a medical device case study database developed through research of best practices in low-cost medical devices designed for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the World Health Organization top ten causes of death in low-income countries in addition to Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. Over 170 identified cases were organized based on device type (e.g., diagnostic, treatment, and preventive), development stage (e.g., preclinical, clinical trial, and market) and geographical implementation.