Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic imaging technology characterized by its high cost and infrastructure demands. This makes it unsuitable for implementation in low- and medium-income countries. Its costs are directly related to the strength of the system’s magnetic field. Therefore, an MRI scanning technology dedicated for use in low- and medium-income countries has been developed by Delft University of Technology and Leiden University Medical Center that makes use of a low magnetic field. This low-field technology, that requires a smaller size magnet and yields lower resolution images, is already capable of diagnosing infant hydrocephalus, a frequently occurring condition in sub-Saharan Africa. For a successful implementation, it is crucial that this technology is integrated in an MRI system that adequately addresses challenges within the context of sub-Saharan Africa and is equipped with all necessary functionality to diagnose infants with hydrocephalus. From observations and interviews in the healthcare environment of Uganda, it was found that – in addition to high cost – poor infrastructure and challenges that occur during imaging procedures limit the implementation- and use-potential of current MRI systems and thus can affect the implementation of this new system. Poor pathways and unavailability of forklifts or cranes often cause breakage during installation and transport. Moreover, lack of space in hospitals hinders implementation of large systems that require dedicated, shielded rooms. During imaging, movement of the (infant) patient may affect the image, and often mothers are kept in the imaging room with the patient to calm her. Other challenges for the operation of these systems in this context include heat, humidity, dust, power outages and the presence of pests. A concept of a complete MRI system that integrates the developed technology and addresses these challenges is designed. This MRI system enables an ergonomic and safe operation, facilitates safe and comfortable insertion and removal of the patient from the machine, and allows mothers and operators to remain close and in visual contact with the patient. The entire concept takes up no more than 3 m2, can be installed in any room with a power socket and features a plug and play installation. It can be carried over rough pathways without the need for a forklift or crane. Furthermore, the concept features a bed with sliding mechanism that optimizes the space inside the system, allowing hydrocephalus patients with significant expansion of the head to be imaged. With this concept, the first steps are taken towards implementation of the technology in hospitals in low- and medium-income countries. Through further development and testing in close collaboration with stakeholders, the concept can be optimized to enable diagnosis and treatment of infants with hydrocephalus and eventually many others, and hereby contribute to increasing the (e)quality of healthcare around the world.

Compared to other parts of the world, the incidence of hydrocephalus in children is very high in sub-Saharan Africa. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be the preferred diagnostic method for infant hydrocephaleus. However, in practice, MRI is seldom used in sub-Saharan Africa due to its high prize, low mobility, and high power consumption. A low-cost MRI technology is under development by reducing the strength of the magnetic field and the use of alternative technologies to create the magnetic field. This paper describes the embodiment design process to match this new MRI technology under development with the specific characteristics of the healthcare system in Uganda.A context exploration was performed to identify factors that may affect the design and implementation of the low-field MRI in Ugandan hospitals and Ugandan healthcare environment. The key-insights from the technology- A nd context-exploration were translated into requirements which were the starting point for the design process. The concept development did have a focus on Cost-effective design, Design for durability reliability, and Design for repairability. The final design was validated by stakeholders from the Ugandan Healthcare context.

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Compared to other parts of the world, the incidence of hydrocephalus in children is very high in sub-Saharan Africa. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be the preferred diagnostic method for infant hydrocephaleus. However, in practice, MRI is seldom used in sub-Saharan Africa due to its high prize, low mobility, and high power consumption. A low-cost MRI technology is under development by reducing the strength of the magnetic field and the use of alternative technologies to create the magnetic field. This paper describes the embodiment design process to match this new MRI technology under development with the specific characteristics of the healthcare system in Uganda.A context exploration was performed to identify factors that may affect the design and implementation of the low-field MRI in Ugandan hospitals and Ugandan healthcare environment. The key-insights from the technology- A nd context-exploration were translated into requirements which were the starting point for the design process. The concept development did have a focus on Cost-effective design, Design for durability reliability, and Design for repairability. The final design was validated by stakeholders from the Ugandan Healthcare context.

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