Appropriate Healthcare Technologies for Developing Countries - AHT2012

About this conference

Research carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that almost 95 percent of medics practicing in less developed countries are reliant on medical technology that has been imported.

More than half of this technology, however, is not utilised as staff have insufficient means to maintain the equipment or insufficient knowledge to operate it. Subsequently, there is inadequate provision for administering healthcare in the developing world. Other problems include unreliable power and water supplies, inappropriate donations of equipment, consumables and pharmaceuticals, unsafe disposal of medical equipment and waste, political instability and war. The need is for appropriate, affordable, sustainable and quality equipment, supplies and support in both development and emergency situations.

The 7th IET International Conference provides delegates with a great opportunity to learn about the key issues surrounding healthcare provision in the developing world and to network with fellow workers.

There will be a post-conference on-line debate on the electronic discussion forum INFRATECH. For those delegates and authors who have not already subscribed to INFRATECH, instructions on how to subscribe can be found on the INFRATECH website.

Note: all authors will be required to subscribe to INFRATECH before their papers can be accepted for presentation at the conference. Papers presented at the conference will be available on-line for a limited period after the conference in order to facilitate the on-line debate.

The IET (and the IEE before it) have been holding these  two-yearly events on appropriate healthcare technologies (AHT) since the year 2000. Archives on previous events and resources on AHT can be found on the Appropriate Healthcare Technologies for Developing Countries (AHT) community website.

Benefits of attending

• Share examples of good engineering solutions to meet the healthcare problems of developing countries
• Understand what makes medical devices and services fit for purpose in the developing world
• Network with equipment developers, potential users, technology commissioners and suppliers
• Hear expert advice from academic and industry experts outlining the operational realities of healthcare in a developing country environment
• Explore the reality for healthcare service users and adapt your products to meet their needs
• Enjoy a drinks reception hosted by the IET Healthcare Technologies Technical and Professionals Network on the 18 September 2012, from 17:45 – 19:30

Who should attend

• Biomedical and clinical engineers
• Clinical and healthcare staff
• Laboratory staff
• Academics and researchers
• Manufacturers
• International organisations
• WHO
• NGO project workers
• NHS overseas links managers
• Policy makers
• Standards bodies
• Funding agencies, etc.

Programme outline

Technical scope

The AHT 2012 scientific and organising committee welcomes contributions from, but not limited to, topics in the following areas:

• Innovative technologies for patient and laboratory equipment
• WHO tools and resources
• Engineer and technician training
• Equipment procurement and maintenance
• Links between industrialised and developing world hospitals and healthcare centres
• Indigenous technologies
• Transfer and management of appropriate healthcare technologies
• Safety and standards issues
• Appropriate equipment donations
• Telemedicine, e-health, m-health
• Energy sources for healthcare equipment