Health IT
An ideal computer for a rural health facility
It's hard to find the right computer to use at a rural health facility. Here are some of the criteria:
- Low power consumption
- Automatic voltage switching
- Battery to keep computer running during brief surges or outages
- Allow replacement of stressed parts (power adapters, keyboards, etc)
- Stand-alone configuration - doesn't rely on a network or other computers
- An operating system that is less virus prone, like Ubuntu Linux
- Ability to lock to a table/desk
Laptops are a good option, but if the computer is communal, the keyboard will be stressed and isn't easily replaced. Also, laptops consume less power than traditional desktops, but they could consume less. There are desktop alternatives and "thin client" computers that consume far less power than the average laptop. However, most of these models lack a battery to help sustain operation through power outages. In addition, "thin client" computers are generally called so because they rely on a server that is accessible on the same network. In an environment with challenged infrastructure, this poses an immediate problem.
Perhaps the best solution for now is a low-powered laptop computer, running Ubuntu Linux, bolted down with a security locking mechanism.
Vinay Mohta
Christian, have you or anyone you know had experience with OLPC laptops or related devices in the field? The OLPC folks seem to have built out a substantive health area (http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Health). Was wondering how the devices hold up in the field in terms of applicability to healthcare and the conditions specific to healthcare?
Thanks,
Vinay
12:49 PM, 13 Oct 2008 | Permalink
Adesina Iluyemi
Yes, I am familiar with OLPC for health and I am a member of the online community. Have handled these laptops before and found them potential tools for health workers in developing countries. I am trying to initiate pilots with health workers in Africa. But will need some help in pulling this off.
Adesina
1:03 PM, 13 Oct 2008 | Permalink
Vinay Mohta
Hi Adesina,
Having handled one of these devices before, I was wondering if health workers have had trouble typing into the small keyboards? The keyboards are designed for children's hands, so they seem less than ideal for adults.
In which areas of Africa are you trying to deploy the pilots? And for what use cases?
Thanks,
Vinay
11:55 AM, 14 Oct 2008 | Permalink
Adesina Iluyemi
Hi Vinay,
Yes, the keyboard is small but this should be seen as a compromise between a relative bigger screen to mobile phones and PDAs already widely used by health workers for informatgion access and data collection in numerous developing countries.
Also, this laptop-OLPC and its commercial clones such as Asus Eee PC are going for a cost similar to that of PDAs and medium range mobile phones.
7:52 AM, 15 Oct 2008 | Permalink