Options for Medical Oxygen Technology Systems in Low-Resource Settings: A Framework for Comparison

Four different medical oxygen system configurations are presented and compared across a wide range of criteria relevant to low-resource settings. Two systems make use of power when available to generate and store oxygen for later use; the others use a backup battery bank (grid- or solar-charged) during power interruptions. Some system designs have been realized as prototypes with some field experience, and others are still conceptual. The results of this review and analysis have implications for future work involving the evaluation, development, and prototyping of alternative oxygen supply systems for settings with poor grid power and limited financial and technological resources.