A multi-function neonatal incubator for low-income countries: Implementation and ab initio social impact

Pascalin Tiam Kapen; Mohamadou Youssoufa; Momo Foutse; Jauspin Dongmeza Koudjou; François de Paul Mkankam Kamga

doi:10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.10.021

A multi-function neonatal incubator for low-income countries: Implementation and ab initio social impact

Med Eng Phys. 2020 Mar:77:114-117. doi: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.10.021. Epub 2020 Jan 11.

Authors

Pascalin Tiam Kapen¹, Mohamadou Youssoufa², Momo Foutse², Jauspin Dongmeza Koudjou², François de Paul Mkankam Kamga²

Affiliations

¹ Université des Montagnes, ISST, P.O. Box 208 Bangangté, Cameroon; University of Dschang, LISIE/L2MSP, P.O. Box 134 Bandjoun, Cameroon. Electronic address: fpascalin20022003@gmail.com.
² Université des Montagnes, ISST, P.O. Box 208 Bangangté, Cameroon.

PMID: 31937436
DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.10.021

Abstract

The World health Organization estimates that about 8 million babies die prematurely worldwide. Most of these cases are found in low-income countries (LICs). The use of neonatal incubators has proven to be very useful in the reduction of infant mortality. However, access to this important medical device is not always easy in LICs. This article presents the implementation of a multi-function neonatal incubator with remote monitoring, fingerprint scanner, phototherapy, and heart rate monitoring. In this view, proportional integral (PI) control algorithm and an Android application were developed. Furthermore, an initial social impact of the implemented neonatal incubator usage was performed in some hospitals in Cameroon.

Keywords: Android application; Multi-function neonatal incubator; Proportional integral (PI) control; Social impact.

MeSH terms

Developing Countries / statistics & numerical data*
Hospitals / statistics & numerical data
Humans
Incubators, Infant / statistics & numerical data*
Infant, Newborn
Social Change
Surveys and Questionnaires