Experience 1: Development of Low-Cost Postpartum-Hemorrhage Training Model
Dates: 01/10/2022 – present (300 hours)
Advisors: Dr. Ann Saterbak
I worked with other undergraduate students to develop a low-cost postpartum-hemorrhage training model. Postpartum hemorrhage is characterized by heavy bleeding after birth that does not stop or slow. Globally, causes 127,000 deaths per year. Most importantly, it is 375% more likely to be fatal in low income areas, partially due to half of all deliveries being attended by unskilled professionals. To develop the prototype, my responsibilities included performing 3D-printing, laser-cutting, and molding to develop the various uteri stages and their enclosures. Under a Duke IRB approved protocol, Duke attending physicians and residents tested our prototypes in order to identify healthy models compared to mild and severely atonic models.
For the Global Learning focus of the GCS program, another prototype (at an even lower cost) was developed to be tested by healthcare workers in Kenya for preliminary results. Seven medical personnel at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya evaluated our model. Per analysis of survey results, 5 assessed all 3 uteri (2 were unable to assess healthy uterus). 80% properly distinguished healthy from atonic uterus. Additionally, 5/7 found our model would prepare someone “very well” to diagnose PPH, while 2/7 reported the model would prepare someone “somewhat.”
For this project, our team was selected as ‘semi-finalists’ in the international Rice360 Global Health Technologies Design Competition. Additionally, I am a co-author on a manuscript in preparation for publication, using the results and data obtained from the Duke Health attending OBGYN physicians and residents per the Duke IRB approved protocol.
