The partograph has proven to be the most effective labor monitoring and assessment tool, allowing individuals to accurately detect complications and address them in a timely manner. However, healthcare workers in resource-limited settings are often not trained to utilize and interpret these graphs properly.

Detailed description of the solution

The PartoPen is a low-cost, interactive digital pen that interprets paper partographs printed with a recognizable background dot pattern. Using internal handwriting recognition and paper-based location awareness, the pen analyzes measurements made on partographs. It can trigger alerts to healthcare workers when it recognizes a need for additional observation or intervention and contains timers that serve as reminders for healthcare workers to take routine, regular patient measurements. It can also provide audio-based instructions on how to use the partograph.

Designed by

• Designed by: The PartoPen was designed by Heather Underwood of The University of Colorado at Boulder, in Boulder, Colorodo, USA.
• Manufacturer location: Boulder, CO

When and where it was tested/implemented

Clinical trials were conducted at the University of Nairobi School of Nursing Sciences, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Kenya from June 2012 to August 2012.

Funding Source

This device has received funding from the following:

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Exploration Grant
• Grand Challenges Exploration Grant
• ATLAS Institute
• A National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship

References