The document discusses a project called WE CARE (Women's Emergency Communication and Reliable Electricity) that implemented solar energy solutions to improve emergency obstetric care in hospitals in West Africa. Phase I provided LED headlamps, walkie-talkies, and a solar charging station which improved communication, reduced delays, and increased lighting. Phase II installed a permanent solar photovoltaic system providing power to the maternity ward, delivery room, and operating room. This led to increased capacity and no patients turned away. Challenges included ensuring quality products and gaining government support, but outcomes were positive with staff feedback praising the "fantastic" and "great improvement" in care.
1. Where There Is No LightUsing Solar Energy to Improve Emergency Obstetric Care in West Africa Laura Stachel, MD MPH Bixby Center for Population, Health and Sustainability University of California, Berkeley
34. Emergency Obstetric Care - Challenges Electricity Light Communication Water Facility Supplies Staff Medication Equipment Surgical supplies Staff shortages Deficient Training Lack of Protocols
35. Emergency Obstetric Care – Intervention Electricity Light Communication Water Facility Supplies Staff Medication Equipment Surgical supplies Staff shortages Deficient Training Lack of Protocols
36. WE CAREWomen’s Emergency Communication and Reliable Electricity Solar Electricity to… ….provide reliable lighting ….enable mobile communication ….power blood bank refrigerator and surgical equipment
41. Phase I Solar Suitcase charging station for: LED Headlamps for maternity & surgical staff Walkie-Talkies (short range) for physicians, midwives, and operating room staff
42. Impact of LED light Medical Documentation Before After
46. Phase I Outcomes Improved Communication Immediate Contact Reduced Delays Patient Status Updates Less Referrals Out
47. Phase I Outcomes Improved Communication Immediate Contact Reduced Delays Patient Status Updates Less Referrals Out BUT…. Inadequate Range Battery runs out during shift
48. Phase I Outcomes Improved Lighting Increased Visibility Increased Ease of Procedures Increased Safety
49. Phase I Outcomes Improved Lighting Increased Visibility Increased Ease of Procedures Increased Safety But…MORE Desired
50. Phase II LED headlamps for all night duty staff Installation of permanent PV system in maternity ward, delivery room, and OR Long-range walkie-talkies for all emergency staff
61. WE CARE Accomplishments…. Solar electric system in hospital in maternity, delivery, & operating theatre Solar powered blood bank refrigerator LED headlamps for all night duty staff Walkie Talkies for Emergency Obstetric Staff
63. Impact No patients turned away from L&D Increased capacity to deliveries Immediate assembly of surgical team Clinician feedback: “Fantastic!” “Great Improvement!”
64. Challenges Fixed budget Vetting solar electric companies in Nigeria Obtaining government buy in Ensuring Quality Products and Service When to delegate
65. Lessons Learned Let the user drive the product Field testing is important Design to be “idiot proof” Create redundancy in system Interdisciplinary collaboration Be Patient ….and persistent
66. Next Steps Assessing health facility needs throughout Kaduna and other states Optimizing“solar suitcase” prototypes Scaling this intervention to other facilities
74. Phase I Outcomes Improved Communication Immediate Contact Reduced Delays Patient Status Updates Less Referrals Out Improved Lighting Increased Visibility Increased Ease of Procedures Increased Safety
75. Phase II Evaluation Lighting Adequacy Survey Pre and Post LED headlamps Communication Survey Who’s needed by whom? How was this person contacted? Time to locate and bring to facility Obstetric patient triage and outcome Observation/Interviews
Notas del editor
The hospital relies on the support of family members to provide dietary services, linen and intimate care of patients.