Hey everybody! Week three has just finished, and the theme of the week felt like learning. From research to exploring Malawi’s history, I was thrilled by what I learned every week.
At the beginning of the week, Tatyana and I were assigned the task of designing a low-cost, intuitive device for measuring forearm range of motion (ROM). The project’s aim was to overcome training obstacles by creating a more accurate and user-friendly goniometer. By the end of last week, Tatyana and I had completed our research and wrote a comprehensive literature review detailing the gap in physiotherapy engineering development in Malawi. Fueled by the potential of the project, we quickly brainstormed and constructed a low-fidelity prototype of one of our designs.
As we approach the next week, the direction of the device is still to be determined. However, the project is full of promise, and we are eager to see where it leads us.
After completing the literature review, we received permission to work on a neonatal upper airway suctioning training model. This model had been worked on in the past and was considered complete. However, after speaking with Nest360 staff who oversee newborn care, it became clear that some common mistakes made by nurses were not accounted for in the device, necessitating additional functional aspects.
While working on our technical projects, Paula and I continued collecting data on the Rice360 devices related to quicker bacterial meningitis diagnosis. We interviewed a doctor and a chief technician from the pediatric ward and gained valuable insights into the current status and future directions of these devices.
On the weekend, we also had some fun exploring a local café that doubles as an art gallery and visiting Independence Arch, a monument symbolizing Malawi’s independence from Great Britain in 1964. We even found a United States Apollo Lunar Module replica at MUBAS! Each week brings new challenges and learning opportunities, and I am excited to continue sharing my experiences with you all.
