PULSE - Winter 2016, Issue One

PULSE is the bi-quarterly student-run lifestyle magazine of Central Washington University.https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/pulse/1000/thumbnail.jp

Feasibility of a novel ultra-low-cost bubble CPAP (bCPAP) System for neonatal respiratory support at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania.

ObjectiveContinuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is recommended in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome of premature newborns, however there are significant barriers to its implementation in low-resource settings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of use and integration of Vayu bCPAP Systems into the newborn unit at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania.Study designA prospective qualitative study was conducted from April 6 to October 6 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients treated with Vayu bCPAP Systems were collected and analyzed. Healthcare workers were interviewed until thematic saturation. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a framework analysis.Results370 patients were treated with Vayu bCPAP Systems during the study period. Mean birth weight was 1522 g (500-3800), mean duration of bCPAP treatment was 7.2 days (ConclusionsIt was feasible to implement and integrate Vayu bCPAP Systems into the care of neonates at Muhimbili National Hospital