Open-source hardware for medical devices

BMJ Innov. 2016 Apr;2(2):78-83. doi: 10.1136/bmjinnov-2015-000080. Epub 2016 Mar 14.

Abstract

Open-source hardware is hardware whose design is made publicly available so anyone can study, modify, distribute, make and sell the design or the hardware based on that design. Some open-source hardware projects can potentially be used as active medical devices. The open-source approach offers a unique combination of advantages, including reducing costs and faster innovation. This article compares 10 of open-source healthcare projects in terms of how easy it is to obtain the required components and build the device.

Keywords: Affordable; Global Health; Inventions.