Using monitoring technology in Cameroon

This paper examines some of the issues related to the introduction and use of healthcare technology, in particular monitoring equipment into the healthcare settings in Cameroon, West Africa. Although healthcare technology is used widely in many hospitals in industrialised countries, this is not the case in Cameroon where it is either not available extensively or where it is available, it is not used. Before it is introduced, a health technology assessment needs to be undertaken to ensure that the intended equipment is required to meet a particular need. The key issue that needs to be addressed is the education of the nurses and other personnel who will be using the technology as without this education, the safety of patients may be compromised. The education of nurses should also include a consideration of alternatives to technology to monitor patients. References