Lessons learned from implementing a rapid test of a technology device for monitoring patients’ vital parameters in a tertiary hospital in Uganda, a resource limited setting.

Abstract

Many African hospitals participate in technology research trials that take many months or years. Fewer sites have experience with rapid studies, conducted over a period of weeks. We conducted a rapid validation study of consumer temperature and pulse technology in a National Referral Hospital in Uganda. In doing so, we captured valuable lessons about how to conduct a rapid study that will be useful to future researchers conducting similar fast-paced studies. In under two months, we secured ethical approval, developed research tools, hired and trained staff, oriented hospital leaders, implemented the study and compiled the final data set. While we faced a number of typical implementation challenges, a team management approach allowed us to quickly overcome the challenges within the short study period. The study was conducted through a partnership between a Ugandan university faculty member as principal investigator (PI), a Ugandan health company and a US technical consulting firm.