Learning outcomes
The course aims to provide students with an alternative look and approach to the problems and applications of biomedical engineering, starting from the point of view of low-resource settings. The student is introduced to the development and application of appropriate technologies in these contexts. By the end of the course the student has acquired the fundamental elements of the design, assessment and adaptation of biomedical technologies in low resource settings.
Course contents
- Introduction on Global Health. Current state of health services offered / available in the world. Which are and how are characterized the low-resource settings.
- Outline on International Health Cooperation: Role and Perspectives.
- Use of biomedical technologies in low-resource settings and role / presence of biomedical engineers.
- The concept of appropriate technology. Bioengineering examples.
- The concepts of Reverse Innovation and Frugal Innovation. Examples.
- Case study: re-designing a dialysis machine.
- Tools for the realization of low-cost biomedical devices.
- Main critical aspects for the management / maintenance of medical devices in low-resource settings.
- Outline of regulatory aspects for medical devices in non-European countries.
- Examples of international cooperation in biomedical engineering.
- Work in small groups: design / implementation of a simple medical device.
Readings/Bibliography
- Missoni E. e Pacileo G., Elementi di salute globale. Globalizzazione, politiche sanitarie e salute umana. Franco Angeli, 2016
- Stefanini A., Salute e mercato. EMI, 1997
- Falcitelli G., Tecnologie sanitarie per lo sviluppo umano. Linee guida per la cooperazione allo sviluppo nel settore delle tecnologie biomediche e della ingegneria clinica. Il Pensiero Scientifico, 2009
- Richards-Kortum R., Biomedical engineering for global health. Cambridge University Press, 2010
- C. Wicklein R.C., Appropriate Technology for Sustainable Living. The University of Georgia, 2001
- Hazeltine B. and Bull C., Field Guide to Appropriate Technology. Elsevier, 2003
- Platt A., Making Health Care Equipment. Practical Action, 1990
- England R., How to Make Basic Hospital Equipment. Intermediate Technology Publications, 1979
- Govindarajan V & Trimble C., Reverse Innovation. Create Far from Home, Win Everywhere. Harvard University Press, 2012
- WHO, Compendium of innovative health technologies for low-resource settings. World Health Organization, 2015
Teaching methods
Lectures in the classroom, seminars, laboratory activity to be carried out in small groups.
Assessment methods
Oral exam and presentation of the project / prototype developed within the small group
Teaching tools
Biomedical Engineering Lab
Office hours
See the website of
Stefano Severi
