Post 01089e : Needle Remover Evaluation

TECHNET21 E-FORUM Technical network for strengthening immunization services Contributions to: mailto:[email protected] or use your reply button! __________________________________________________________ POST 01089E : NEEDLE REMOVER EVALUATION 6 May 2007 ____________________________________ 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. ____________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________________________ All members of the TechNet21 e-Forum are invited to send comments on any posting or to use the forum to raise a new discussion or request technical information in relation to immunization services. The comments made in this forum are the sole responsibility of the writers and do not in any way mean that they are endorsed by any of the organizations and agencies to which the authors may belong. ______________________________________________________________________________ Visit the TECHNET21 Website at http://www.technet21.org You will find instructions to subscribe, a direct access to archives, links to reference documents and other features. ______________________________________________________________________________ To UNSUBSCRIBE, send a message to : mailto:[email protected] Leave the subject area BLANK In the message body, write unsubscribe TECHNET21E ______________________________________________________________________________ The World Health Organization and UNICEF support TechNet21. The TechNet21 e-Forum is a communication/information tool for generation of ideas on how to improve immunization services. It is moderated by Claude Letarte and is hosted in cooperation with the Centre de coopération internationale en santé et développement, Québec, Canada (http://www.ccisd.org)