How WhatsApp Connects Biomedical Communities
This past month, a technician based in Zambia noticed a filter on their hospital’s oxygen plant had begun leaking oil. The technician, who had recently received maintenance training from Build Health International, reached out to their Community of Practice, a group chat hosted over WhatsApp.
BHI’s WhatsApp Communities of Practice were developed after each Medical Oxygen training for continued maintenance and repair support. BHI’s team of biomedical engineers and global health experts, who are based throughout the world, are able to lead and foster continuous learning by sharing resources and troubleshooting technical and management issues, as well as oxygen plant maintenance. As a result, biomedical technicians and mentors have used this platform to develop a sense of community that extends beyond their technical work. Now, the communities span across fifteen countries.
From management to maintenance, BHI’s Communities of Practice serve to address and field complex oxygen complications, ensuring sustainable solutions for the supply of this life-saving medicine.
In the case of the technician located in Zambia, BHI’s Medical Oxygen team was able to provide remote support through the WhatsApp Community of Practice. The team of engineers reviewed the technician’s daily maintenance checklist for context, which revealed the plant was due to be serviced. Using other photos that the technician provided, BHI was able to identify the brand of the plant and technical issues. Then, they supported the technician with remote troubleshooting to resolve the issue and reminded the technician to order spare parts for the plant so they would be prepared for completing the routine services.
Hospital administrators and personnel who have participated in a BHI management training have also received support with medical oxygen access. Last month, BHI received a request to make recommendations on the surroundings and fencing of a PSA plant that was located near a children’s playground. After a remote discussion with a management trainee to understand what could be done in context, the BHI team came up with innovative ideas alongside the technician in terms of how to increase safety in this setting. From there, the technician was able to provide the plant housing design with relevant photos and the team offered to set up a call for further collaboration. The Community of Practice provided a crucial touch-point that, in turn, created a solution that effectively prioritizes safety and sustainability.
From fixing a leak, to managing a plant installation, to offering a space for friendly conversation, the Communities of Practice are a vital element in BHI’s commitment to medical oxygen training. With a strong community of medical oxygen professionals sharing and growing their knowledge together, we can enable medical oxygen access internationally.
Uma Bhuju is Build Health International’s Communications and Business Development Intern and a student at Northeastern University
