Nexleaf Event Seeks to Elevate Medical Equipment Data to a Global Priority
Through our work to scale RTM for the vaccine cold chain, we at Nexleaf have partnered with Ministries of Health, refrigerator manufacturers, tech innovators, implementing partners, and global multilateral organizations. We’ve learned that almost every player in the medical equipment ecosystem is frustrated and stymied by analog medical equipment management practices in LMIC health systems. Up to 40% of medical equipment in LMIC health facilities is non-functional. In the current environment, once procured and installed, medical equipment is not tracked, maintained, repaired, or replaced – negatively impacting the ability of patients to receive quality care where and when it is needed.
In the complex work to improve health outcomes globally, outdated practices – from ad hoc vaccine transport to a lack of digital equipment inventories – make difficult jobs even harder. Even when digital tools and smart equipment are available, multiple barriers prevent Ministries of Health from accessing their full benefits. Such challenges include:
– Login Fatigue: Too many dashboards and logins deter health workers from accessing data.
– Orphaned Data: Medical devices generate data, but there is no information system in place in the country to capture it.
– Analog Skills: Health workers aren’t trained to use data or digital tools for their jobs.
– Analog Practices: Existing health systems work flows don’t incorporate data.
– Top-Up Breakdown: Country budget cycles do not support the payment mechanisms required to sustain SIM cards, mobile device service, or software subscriptions
While there is enthusiasm to improve data use for medical equipment management, not enough attention and resources are focused on improving access to right-sized, best-in-class data tools. Countries need better systems to handle medical equipment data today to achieve the digital transformation of health systems and take advantage of emerging innovations.
On September 25, 2024, Nexleaf is partnering with Cornell Tech to convene Building the Commons for Medical Equipment Data in LMICs, bringing together sector partners, technologists, innovators, and funders to discuss a stronger future for medical equipment data and medical equipment access equity in LMICs. This is the first event in a planned series of meetings, publications, and initiatives designed to bring greater attention and resources to this neglected category of data.
In a connected world poised for AI, it’s time to elevate medical equipment data – in particular the IoT data equipment generates about itself – to a global priority. Just like health data and commodity data, medical equipment data can drive forward the UN Sustainable Development Goals and improve human health worldwide.
We’re excited to share insights, updates, and next steps coming out of this first-of-its-kind convening. Please connect with us on LinkedIn if you would like to be a part of this important initiative.