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POST 01089E : NEEDLE REMOVER EVALUATION
6 May 2007
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Carib Nelson (mailto:[email protected]) from PATH is sending this
report of a new needle-remover evaluation conducted in Senegal.
Please note that the document is heavy at 4.65 MB.
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In July 2006, PATH conducted a qualitative assessment in Senegal of a
new needle remover approach that is under development. This approach
has the potential to dramatically reduce the cost of needle removal
by providing a simple needle popper/cutter fitting that attaches to
the opening of locally available containers such as jerry cans.
The device consists of 3 parts: an adapter that fits into the mouth
of the container, a needle popper to pop off detachable needles, and
a simple scissors fitting to cut fixed-needle syringes. The scissors
are reusable while the adapter and popper are discarded with the
filled container to prevent access to the used needles. The
anticipated cost of the device is US$1 for the adapter/popper and
US$5 for the reusable scissors.
Although this device is still in prototype phase, the assessment was
held to evaluate acceptability of the approach and guide design
refinement. The assessment was based on interviews and simulated use
of the device with sterile syringes. A total of 70 participants took
part in this evaluation. A detailed report is available from :
http://www.technet21.org/fichiers_Word/NeedleRemoverSenegalEvalRpt2007.doc
Summary findings:
* The approach was highly acceptable to the health workers. Similar
to findings from other needle remover evaluations, health workers
valued the safety provided by immediate removal of the needle from
the syringe.
* Use of a locally available container allowed users to size their
needle remover to their immediate need. For example a small container
could be used for outreach or a large container for a clinic.
* Proper assembly of the adaptor and popper onto the container was
occasionally difficult for users -- some design refinement is required
* Participants felt the target price was affordable.
* A wide variety of plastic containers were purchased at a local
market for the evaluation, and participants came to general agreement
about the importance of certain features such as opacity and a wide
base. The cost of the container was not seen as an impediment to
purchase or use.
* Final disposal of the filled needle container remains an unresolved issue.
PATH is currently seeking funding to refine the design of the device,
then hopes to identify a commercial partner for manufacture and to
transfer the technology.
Carib Nelson
Team Leader, Technology Solutions
PATH
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