Testing and Development of the INSPIRE Device to Improve the Identification of Sick Neonates in Developing Countries

The INSPIRE, a simple, sustainable technology, helps Community Health Workers (CHWs) quickly and accurately identify rapid respirations (by automating counting) and abnormal temperatures in neonates and supports timely management and treatment. The methods currently used to monitor respiratory rate rely on an individual observing the infant's chest movements and counting. Major errors in counting have been documented using this method. The INSPIRE accurately measures an infant's respiratory rate automatically and indicates whether the rate recorded is abnormal. Well suited to remote and low-resource environments where CHWs often work, the INSPIRE is small, durable, operates using a hand-cranked battery, has no replaceable parts, is affordable and sustainable (5-10 year life span). It does not require the user to own/operate a cell phone and it can be operated by all health personnel regardless of skill level. It can wirelessly transmit data to a cell phone or computer, supporting improved data collection and supervision of field workers in remote locations.