title: Implementation and 8-year follow-up of an uninterrupted oxygen supply system in a hospital in The Gambia.
abstract: A 42-bed hospital operated by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit in The Gambia.
  
  
  
  To devise, test and evaluate a cost-efficient uninterrupted oxygen system in the MRC Hospital.
  
  
  
  Oxygen cylinders were replaced with oxygen concentrators as the primary source of oxygen. An uninterruptable power supply (UPS) ensured continuity of power. Hospital staff were trained on the use of the new system. Eight years post-installation, an analysis of concentrator maintenance needs and costs was conducted and user feedback obtained to assess the success of the system.
  
  
  
  The new system saved at least 51% of oxygen supply costs compared to cylinders, with savings likely to have been far greater due to cylinder leakages. Users indicated that the system is easier to use and more reliable, although technical support and staff training are still needed.
  
  
  
  Oxygen concentrators offer long-term cost savings and an improved user experience compared to cylinders; however, some technical support and maintenance are needed to upkeep the system. A UPS dedicated to oxygen concentrators is an appropriate solution for settings where power interruptions are frequent but short in duration. This approach can be a model for health systems in settings with similar infrastructure.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Global Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.affiliation: Engineering Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Light
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia.
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Ebonyi
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: N'Jai
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Ideh
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia.
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Ebruke
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nyassi
authors.affiliation: Ashdown Consultants, Hartfield, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peel
authors.affiliation: Centre for Global Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia, Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: S R C
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Howie
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005714:Gambia; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen