Visualize

Product Description

Visualize is a low-fidelity cervical cancer screening training model used by healthcare providers to learn how to screen cervical cancer using visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid. It is currently in the prototyping and testing phase.

Target SDGs

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Market Suggested Retail Price

$100.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Public Sector Agencies, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The product will be distributed by the designers and with the help of the Zurak Cancer Foundation and Global Cervical Charity Foundation.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The designers partnered with Zurak Cancer Foundation. The product components are manufactured in the USA and are assembled in Ghana. The designers are in the process of finalizing in-country manufacturing by partnering with engineering students at Ashesi University. ^{Interview with designer, July 2020}

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

The product is currently in the prototyping and testing phase. The manufacturers have not yet chosen their user provision model.^{Interview with the designer, July 2020}

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2020, the product is not yet available to the general public. However, 10 products have been sent out to collaborators for testing purposes. Interview with the designer, July 2020

Consumables

N/A

Detection sensitivity

N/A

Indispensable equipment for function (Y/N)

Maintenance or calibration required by user at time of use? (Y/N)

Number of Tests Performed

Power supply type: Continuous, Recharging only (V, time required, battery life), Other

Rechargeable USB

Time required for procedure (minutes)

10-20

Design Specifications

Visualize is a training platform that teaches people how to identify cervical cancer using visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid. The trainer provides the user with a simulation with an electronic feedback mechanism consisting of an Arduino microcontroller. The trainer includes a speculum, sponge-holding forceps, and a flashlight, which are used to examine a simulated vaginal cavity. There are 11 paper tabs with images of different presentations of cervical cancer printed on them that are inserted into the product and can be seen through the simulated vaginal cavity. An LCD screen instructs the users on the steps to proceed. Acetic acid is not used with the trainer, it is recommended to use a dry sponge to not damage the trainer.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Provided by manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Tabs with cervical images may need replacement after heavy use.^{Interview with designer, July 2020}

Lifecycle

Unknown ^{Interview with designer, July 2020}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Designer specified performance targets include: low-cost and accessible educational tool.

Vetted Performance Status

The product has been iterated with over 100 stakeholders including midwifery educators, students, doctors, and health administrators. No third party testing has been completed, but the designers are planning to conduct testing through the Zurak Cancer Foundation. ^{Interview with designer, July 2020}

Safety

Ensuring that the midwives and other operators are properly trained. ^{Interview with designer, July 2020}

Complementary Technical Systems

Rechargeable USB

Academic Research and References

K. T. Simms et al., Impact of scaled up human papillomavirus vaccination and cervical screening and the potential for global elimination of cervical cancer in 181 countries, 2020–99: a modelling study Lancet Oncol., vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 394–407, Mar. 2019, doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30836-2.

M. R. Young, J. M. Kramer, J. B. Chu, J. V. Hong, K. H. Sienko, and C. M. Johnston, A Cervical Cancer Screening Trainer for Use in Low-Resource Settings. Int. J. Serv. Learn. Eng. Humanit. Eng. Soc. Entrep., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 1–18, Jun. 2016, doi: 10.24908/ijsle.v11i1.6323.

MIT Solve, “Visualize, a cervical cancer screening trainer“

Compliance with regulations

Currently working with Ghana Standards Authority to get the product certified to be used in the country's standard midwifery curriculum.

Evaluation methods

The product has been iterated with over 100 stakeholders including midwifery educators, students, doctors, and health administrators. The designers are planning to conduct testing through the Zurak Cancer Foundation. The product is certified by the Ghanian Standards Authority. Interview with designer, July 2020

Other Information

None