Product development of a device for manufacturing medical equipment for use in low-resource settings

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to describe the product design of a device that can be used to create medical supplies on-site in clinics in low-resource settings. The machine uses purely mechanical elements to cut and fold cardstock paper in order to fabricate aerosol masks for the treatment of asthma. The devices will be mass manufactured by larger firms and then distributed through the Ministry of Health to hospitals, clinics, and health posts across Nicaragua. An assessment of the market needs was conducted, and a target customer profile was developed. Alternative mask and device designs were explored and evaluated based on their financial costs, probability of user acceptance, and appropriateness to the design context. Feedback was obtained by doctors in Nicaragua as well as a few professionals working in the field of global health technologies. The use of this product will reduce dependency on imported medical supplies and solve some of the issues concerning lack of resources and incomplete healthcare coverage.