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Welcome to Medapteq
The aim of the Medapteq Database is to provide information on a range of aspects of medical practice in areas of limited or unreliable resources and infrastructure such as remote or developing regions of the world. We hope it is relevant both for people working in these areas and other interested parties such as those considering the donation of equipment (new or recycled). There are several excellent programmes providing guidance for the planning, establishment and ongoing maintenance of healthcare facilities. The Institution of Engineering and Technology has a resource dealing with appropriate healthcare technology. There are also very useful donation guidelines such as those provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), FAKT, and American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE). Medapteq is not intended to compete with these programmes, nor is it an extension of them. It is rather an application, in a readily accessible form, of the principles embodied in them. It is important that people considering the use of information from these pages read our disclaimer notice. The equipment section lists both commercial materials (usually with a link to a web site) and selected Do-It-Yourself items (DIYs) or improvisations. Where possible, the improvisations include a reference to articles in existing publications or a contact person is identified. It must always be remembered that these DIYs are NOT modifications of commercial equipment. Modifications in the sense of altering elements of a manufactured item are, ideally, rarely if ever done and we do not condone this. They can be the occasion for serious errors and mishaps. In addition, modifications made after purchase would, in most if not all cases, render void any service contract. If modification of a manufactured item is considered unavoidable in particular circumstances it should be done by or with the assistance of a qualified engineer or technician. Any such modifications must be fully and clearly documented and adequately labelled on the item so that the changes are unmistakable. Use of the modified equipment should be restricted to one person, or to a limited number of persons, fully cognisant of the changes and their significance. The Wish List is essentially an open invitation to ‘inventors’ including tertiary students from areas such as engineering. It will likely include items which have existed in the commercial sphere but are no longer available. Comments are invited, as are suggestions regarding possible additions.
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