TY - JOUR
T1 - Qualitative study exploring the feasibility, usability and acceptability of neonatal continuous monitoring technologies at a public tertiary hospital in Nairobi, Kenya
AU - Kinshella, Mai Lei Woo
AU - Naanyu, Violet
AU - Chomba, Dorothy
AU - Waiyego, Mary
AU - Rigg, Jessica
AU - Coleman, Jesse
AU - Hwang, Bella
AU - Ansermino, J. Mark
AU - MacHaria, William M.
AU - Ginsburg, Amy Sarah
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
©
PY - 2022/1/11
Y1 - 2022/1/11
N2 - Objective To assess the feasibility, usability and acceptability of two non-invasive, multiparameter, continuous physiological monitoring (MCPM) technologies for use in neonates within a resource-constrained healthcare setting in sub-Saharan Africa. Design A qualitative study using in-depth interviews and direct observations to describe healthcare professional and caregiver perspectives and experiences with investigational MCPM technologies from EarlySense and Sibel compared with selected reference technologies. Setting Pumwani Maternity Hospital is a public, high-volume, tertiary hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants In-depth interviews were conducted with five healthcare administrators, 12 healthcare providers and 10 caregivers. Direct observations were made of healthcare providers using the technologies on 12 neonates overall. Results Design factors like non-invasiveness, portability, ease-of-use and ability to measure multiple vital signs concurrently emerged as key themes supporting the usability and acceptability of the investigational technologies. However, respondents also reported feasibility challenges to implementation, including overcrowding in the neonatal unit, lack of reliable access to electricity and computers, and concerns about cost and maintenance needs. To improve acceptability, respondents highlighted the need for adequate staffing to appropriately engage caregivers and dispel misconceptions about the technologies. Conclusion Study participants were positive about the usefulness of the investigational technologies to strengthen clinical care quality and identification of at-risk neonates for better access to timely interventions. These technologies have the potential to improve equity of access to appropriate healthcare services and neonatal outcomes in sub-Saharan African healthcare facilities. However, health system strengthening is also critical to support sustainable uptake of technologies into routine care. Trial registration number NCT03920761.
AB - Objective To assess the feasibility, usability and acceptability of two non-invasive, multiparameter, continuous physiological monitoring (MCPM) technologies for use in neonates within a resource-constrained healthcare setting in sub-Saharan Africa. Design A qualitative study using in-depth interviews and direct observations to describe healthcare professional and caregiver perspectives and experiences with investigational MCPM technologies from EarlySense and Sibel compared with selected reference technologies. Setting Pumwani Maternity Hospital is a public, high-volume, tertiary hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants In-depth interviews were conducted with five healthcare administrators, 12 healthcare providers and 10 caregivers. Direct observations were made of healthcare providers using the technologies on 12 neonates overall. Results Design factors like non-invasiveness, portability, ease-of-use and ability to measure multiple vital signs concurrently emerged as key themes supporting the usability and acceptability of the investigational technologies. However, respondents also reported feasibility challenges to implementation, including overcrowding in the neonatal unit, lack of reliable access to electricity and computers, and concerns about cost and maintenance needs. To improve acceptability, respondents highlighted the need for adequate staffing to appropriately engage caregivers and dispel misconceptions about the technologies. Conclusion Study participants were positive about the usefulness of the investigational technologies to strengthen clinical care quality and identification of at-risk neonates for better access to timely interventions. These technologies have the potential to improve equity of access to appropriate healthcare services and neonatal outcomes in sub-Saharan African healthcare facilities. However, health system strengthening is also critical to support sustainable uptake of technologies into routine care. Trial registration number NCT03920761.
KW - Africa
KW - continuous monitoring technologies
KW - medical technology design
KW - neonate
KW - qualitative research
KW - user perspectives
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85123568351&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053486
DO - 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053486
M3 - Article
C2 - 35017248
AN - SCOPUS:85123568351
SN - 2044-6055
VL - 12
JO - BMJ Open
JF - BMJ Open
IS - 1
M1 - e053486
ER -