46 - Assessment of multimodal pulse oximeter needs at primary health care facilities, application of the human-centered design approach in Senegal

Abstract Information:

Introduction: As part of the Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) project implemented by PATH, a hybrid study aimed at generating information useful for the development of the multimodal (MM) pulse oximeter (POX) device market was carried out in Senegal. The needs assessment and selection of an approved MM device to be tested in 2 primary healthcare facilities was conducted using the human-centered design (HCD) approach. Methods and Materials: This involved organizing 3 different co-creation workshops, each bringing together 10 primary healthcare providers from the Thiès region; 14 carers of sick children attending the services; and 12 other stakeholders (MoH, university, etc.). The objective was to explore future MM POX, their characteristics, and the factors affecting their future integration into Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines, and to explore the use of mobile technologies in IMCI. Facilitators used tools such as: process mapping/user journeys, scenario-building, role-playing, card scoring, observational evaluation based on user tasks.

Results: According to the participants, the characteristics of the MM POX should include: provideing fast results (< 1 minute), requireing minimal calibration and maintenance, having a long-lasting battery and can be used for all children, regardless of age. For the integration of the MM device, participants indicated ideally it should be placed in the IMCI consultation unit to ensure its use by qualified staff rather than aides who may be stationed at other points in the IMCI process. Factors facilitating introduction of such a device include: commitment and friendliness of the staff, good quality of care, acceptance by the community, commitment of partners and the MoH. Potential barriers to introduction include: understaffing and staff turnover/transition, fears of loss of clinical judgment, lack of care and maintenance of devices, and the threat of withdrawal of partner support. In exploring the use of mobile technologies for IMCI, respiratory rate (RR) and blood oxygen saturation were priority parameters for smartphone tools to consider, as 60% of IMCI consultations are due to respiratory illnesses. Participants appreciated how the ease of use and accessibility of smartphones can be leveraged for IMCI. However, despite the potential benefits of using smartphones, such as improved quality of care, better organization of services, and ease of integration with other systems, data confidentiality, and security emerged as a major concern among all participating stakeholder groups.

Conclusion: This participatory needs assessment approach was carried out in full collaboration with all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, and led to the design of the observational implementation study of the MM POX (RAD-G Model) on 2 pilot sites.