Medical Devices in Global Health:
Idea to Implementation, Successes and Challenges

5.05.2009 Global Health Initiative: Philosophy and Preliminary Findings from the Tekno Tube SPEAKERS: Kris Olson, MD, MD, MPH: CIMIT Program Leader, MGH Aya Caldwell: CIMIT

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Medical Devices in Global Health: Idea to Implementation, Successes and Challenges

Neonatal mortality is a significant problem in Indonesia, and asphyxia causes approximately 23 percent of neonatal deaths.  Asphyxia can be treated using a device known as a “tekno tube” that is currently approved for use in Indonesia, but this device is not widely used in clinical practice because healthcare providers are not trained to use the device.  A simple training program has been launched to teach community-based midwives to use the “tekno tubes,” and the midwives seem eager to learn because they view the devices as a symbol of medical sophistication.  The devices are already produced and appear poised to become a sustainable part of Indonesian healthcare.

Studies are currently underway to gather data pertaining to the effectiveness of the “tekno tube.”  Focus groups of midwives were given the devices, and it will soon be possible to compare these groups to control groups.  A survey given to 350 midwives suggests that midwives trained to use the devices are significantly more confident in their ability to treat asphyxia than are other midwives.  Although outcomes data is still being collected, it is estimated that approximately sixty babies per year have been saved by the introduction of the “tekno tube.”  .

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