Defining the Current Deployment of Neonatal Infusion Pumps in Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Rapid Review

Abstract

There has been limited review of the reported deployment of infusion pumps in low- and lower-middle-income countries. This paper aims to identify the current distribution of infusion pumps in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) used to treat neonates. A rapid review was conducted using material sourced from ProQuest, Pubmed, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore. Twenty-six search results met the inclusion criteria. Within these, 41 neonatal healthcare facilities were discussed with 17 of the facilities having infusion pumps available, 13 limited access, and 11 none. Infusion pump use remains limited in Sub-Saharan Africa so efforts should be made to deploy specialist neonatal care improvement packages, potentially including infusion pumps designed for LLMICs. The effects of COVID-19, to neonatal care LLMICs, should be accessed to ensure progress has not regressed. These proposals aim to aid in the continued improvement of neonatal care globally and reduce newborn mortalities.

Challenges of Antibiotic Formulations and Administration in the Treatment of Bloodstream Infections in Children Under Five Admitted to Kisantu Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo

“…27 Access to syringe and infusion pumps is limited in low-resource settings despite their inclusion in the WHO list of priority medical devices for pediatric healthcare. 73 , 74 To improve access, pumps must be affordable. As for other medical products, lower production costs and thus lower prices could probably be achieved by increasing production.…”

“… 75 , 76 The pumps should also be adapted to low-resource settings (e.g., frequent power cuts and low technical support). 74 A target product profile for syringe pumps for neonatal care has been developed. 77…”