The Importance of Being Flexible

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Recap of this week regarding BTB technologies:

  • Introduced the pulse oximeters to a nurse working in ICU and trauma
    • Ward contained antiquated pulse oximeters that were not functional
    • Left two fingertip and one handheld pulse oximeter for her to use
    • Will collect feedback in one week
  • Introduced the commercial adult transilluminator to the maternity ward
    • Currently no device to aid venipuncture
    • Nurses were enthusiastic about the need for such a device, feeling that such a device would reduce the number of unnecessary needle pricks
    • Left one adult transilluminator for the nurses in the maternity ward to use
    • Will collect feedback in one week
  • Demonstrated pill counter to pharmacy
    • Nurses were receptive to device, has potential to save them time
    • Limitations: device is difficult to balance perfectly, and small size of pill container limits device to smaller-sized pills and limited batch size (~50 max)
    • We are working on making modifications to address limitations
  • Demonstrated dosing syringes to Tsepong Clinic
    • Oral syringes are currently given to administer liquid ARVs to pediatric patients
    • Staff was very enthusiastic and felt that the clips could simplify self-administration of medications
  • Tracked down BTB warming crib and phototherapy lights
    • To our knowledge, have not yet been implemented at Motebang
    • All 3 phototherapy light sets are functional
    • Planning to demonstrate the warming crib and phototherapy lights to pediatric ward

About mid-week, we met Dr. Alex Kay who works in the new Baylor Center of Excellence adjacent to Motebang Hospital. He mentors many of the health centers around the Leribe district and described to us some of the problems these clinics face and gave us several ideas for future design projects.

Between waiting for information, people, and opportunity, the time seems to be flying. We spend the other parts of our days trying our best to stay warm and formulating alternative courses of action so that we can continue making progress. Most pleasantly surprising is that illness has not yet befallen us. We look forward to getting feedback on the technologies.