Vecna Cares CliniPAK

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$3,500.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

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

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

International Rescue Committee (IRC), Special Olympics, Care 2 Communities, Americares, Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF), Nigerian Ministry of Health, Kenyan Ministry of Health, Qualcomm Wireless Reach, InStrat Global Solution, Merck for Mothers

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include BRCK.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The CliniPAK Node is manufactured in-house in Massachusetts (USA). The CliniPAK Node is manufactured in small batches.^{Interview with representative}

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Vecna Cares partners with interested NGOs, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to deploy the CliniPAK. Individuals interested in CliniPAK can email info@vecnacares.org for more information.

Distributions to Date Status

57 CliniPAK Node units have been distributed as of September 2016.Interview with representative Experts note that this is a relatively small number of distributed units which may be due to the age of the product (developed in 2009). Data has been collected for over 200,000 unique patient visits using CliniPAK. Interview with representative

Design Specifications

The CiniPAK system consists of the CliniPAK Node and CliniPAK software. The CliniPAK Node allows providers to access and share patient information with built-in wifi/local area network (LAN). The data is collected and stored in a password-protected database on the CliniPAK Node.^{Interview with representative} The CliniPAK Node also has input/output ports including USB data, USB charging, and Ethernet. Data collected with CliniPAK can be shared and synchronized across other CliniPAK units using Ethernet or 3G network.The server is water and dust resistant and supports up to 100 Wi-Fi enabled devices. The CliniPAK emits a wifi network with a 50m radius, but access points can be added and powered from the CliniPAK to extend the network to approximately 75-100 meters.^{Interview with representative} Multiple access points can be daisy chained together to create a larger network. The biggest factor that impacts the wifi range is the composition of walls and other structures.^{Interview with representative} CliniPAK requires a constant supply of power. CliniPAK can run on 110/240 AC, solar, or 12V DC power. CliniPAK hardware units are also equipped with USB and 12V ports to charge mobile devices, laptops, or power a light source. Additional materials that are required to use the CliniPAK Node include surge protector (if powering CliniPAK Node with AC power), switch power cord, power over Ethernet, power over Ethernet access point, Ethernet cable, USB stick, USB mouse, USB Keyboard, and USB Ethernet adaptor. CliniPAK software enables data collection either through a local server with CliniPAK Node or centrally in a cloud. The CliniPAK system is designed so that can be integrated with Vecna Cares' customized software or another electronic medical records software such as OpenMRS or CommCare. CliniPAK software allows users to utilize CliniPAK's library of workflow modules or create their own. The software can be accessed through any browser enabled device on any operating system. CliniPAK cloud-based hosted solutions utilize a SAAS model to allow for total data and reporting access online. When connectivity is not available, the Android app can be used for offline data collection and synced with the cloud later.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Vecna Cares uses a train-the-trainer model of training to ensure sufficient local support for CliniPAK. This training model takes less than one week to complete. The cost of training varies depending on the type of training requested.^{Interview with representative} Vecna Cares also has a network of country program managers to provide support. Vecna Cares supports clients in monitoring ICT indicators to ensure local uptake of technology of the system. In addition, hardware, software, and data analysis support services can be tailored to each project.

Replacement Components

The CliniPAK Node is not comprised of customized parts so that replacement parts can be serviced locally. However, the system is designed to be rugged and therefore requires minimal servicing.^{Interview with representative}

Lifecycle

The oldest CliniPAK Node units in the field are four years old and are still actively being used.^{Interview with representative}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

CliniPAK relieves health workers of up to three days of tallying register entries.

Vetted Performance Status

In-house validation has been conducted by Vecna Cares to confirm that the CliniPAK Node is rugged. For example, software was uploaded to CliniPAK Node to ensure the hardware would not overheat. Vecna Cares is in the process of conducting additional controlled testing.^{Interview with representative} Experts note that they would like to see further validation of the device's physical robustness. Vecna Cares reports a low failure rate in the field.^{Interview with representative} Grant proposals to perform academic research to validate the CliniPAK system are pending.^{Interview with representative}

Safety

N/A

Complementary Technical Systems

Unknown

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

CliniPAK supports integration with OpenMRS, ODK Collect, CommCare, DHIS2, and HMIS. Industry standard encryption via https is used when transmitting data from the tablets to the Node.^{Interview with representative}

Evaluation methods

Vecna Cares requires pilot programs to demonstrate that certain critical metrics and milestones are met prior to scaling up the project. These metrics include reliable infrastructure, strong partnerships with local providers and government stakeholders, competence in the use of technology by healthcare workers and administrators, and reporting meeting defined expectations.