Table 6 Challenges affecting successful medical device uptake and use
Challenge | Consequences if challenge left unaddressed | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
Device not aligned to healthcare delivery level and general conditions encountered in deployment setting (mix of skill mix, ambient conditions, referral pathways) | Device cannot be used or falls into premature disuse | Consult clinical guidelines/experts |
Ambient conditions in deployment settings prevent the use of the device; | Product cannot be used; Product does not reach full life-expectancy; | Develop technological needs assessment: note present conditions; consult LMIC friendly specification list |
Health care personnel not trained in safe medical device use or maintenance: devices not used safely and do not reach full life-expectancy | Products used unsafely - patients may experience adverse health outcomes. | Provision of training manuals and supplier training for any purchase |
Device specifications to accord to the conditions in which it is to be used: e.g. durability, humidity/temperature resistance | No clear indication of LMIC friendly device specifications | Device specifications should conform to LMIC environment and settings (see Table 7) |
Installation and preventive and corrective maintenance services available (including necessary financing) | Lacking financial and human resources to carry out maintenance/servicing of available devices | Installation and maintenance services should be included as part of medical device procurement and all ancillary costs considered in procurement |
Provision for safe medical device decommissioning and disposal; including financial resources | Lacking financial and human resources to carry out | Identify decommissioning or disposal mechanisms and consider any cost implications |