User-Centered Design: Developing the RELI Delivery System – a Low-Cost, Non-Electric, Pneumatic Infusion Pump

Abstract

Purpose Infusion pumps are the preferred method for intravenous delivery of drugs and fluids, and an essential tool in health facilities. Their high cost, complexity and reliance on electricity pose serious challenges to wide-spread use, availability and access in low- and middle-income countries. PATH developed the RELI Delivery System (RELI), a low cost, non-electric infusion pump to address these challenges. Input collected from fifty-nine newborn and maternal care providers and from seven national level decision makers in Uganda was used to guide product development, further informing product design requirements, and optimal design features to best serve their needs. Methods A formative evaluation following a mixed methods approach including focus group discussions (FGDs), stakeholder interviews, and observations was used to collect data from end users. Results Stakeholders provided critical input on the RELI prototype design features, safety criteria, and contexts of use of infusion pumps, as well as recommendations for design refinements. Infusion systems are greatly needed but not readily available and their use is limited to well-resourced higher level facilities, even though the need is high in non-tertiary care hospital where patient volume is high, resources are scarce, power is inconsistent, and facilities are understaffed and overcrowded. Users expressed a need for an affordable and simple device with an intuitive user interface, clear instructions for use, and basic safety features. Conclusion The study provided important guidance for further design refinements based on input from respondents and confirmed the need for robust, affordable, infusion pumps that meet the requirements for use in low-resource settings.

Defining the Current Deployment of Neonatal Infusion Pumps in Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Rapid Review

“…Previous donations of medical equipment, to LLMICs, have been inappropriate for the setting, leading so disuse, storage issues and disposal costs. 23 , 25 Recognizing this issue, institutions in high-income countries (HICs), such as RICE University and PATH, have begun working collaboratively to develop 26 , 27 low-cost medical devices appropriate for healthcare facilities in LLMICs.…”

Assessing organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior in ensuring the smoothness of the supply chain for medical hospital needs towards a green hospital: Evidence from Indonesia

“…In hospital supply chains, OCB may include activities such as sharing ideas to improve supply chain efficiency, participating in medical equipment recycling programs, or assisting in sustainable medical waste management (Abdelsalam et al, 2021;Ranjbari et al, 2022). The smoothness of the supply chain is a critical factor in ensuring that hospitals have an adequate and quality supply of medical and non-medical equipment (Abu-Haydar et al, 2021;Handayani et al, 2018). Furthermore, moving towards a green hospital requires hospitals to consider sustainable aspects, such as efficient energy use, environmentally friendly waste management, and selecting environmentally supportive products (Borges de Oliveira et al, 2021;Borges de Oliveira & de Oliveira, 2022;Koytcheva et al, 2021).…”

Analysis of Drop Sensor Accuracy in Central Infusion Peristaltic Monitoring Based on Computer Using Wireless Communication HC-11

“…Manual infusion systems fill critical gaps in low-resource settings but are less than optimal, as they are more labor-intensive, less reliable, may require expensive single-use equipment, and some systems lack flow rates and dose adjustment [2] [3]. These factors are critical barriers in providing effective and high-quality medical care in cases where punctuality and dosage are critical [4], as user acceptance of the technology is strongly influenced by how users perceive technical performance (including factors such as system reliability, speed, and accuracy) [5] [6]. Incorrect administration rates have been consistently shown to be the most significant problem in intravenous drug administration [7][8][9] [10].…”