Development of an automated respiratory rate counter as a screening tool in diagnosis of pneumonia

Abstract

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under five, particularly in low-resource settings where diagnostic tools are limited. This project involved the design and development of an automated respiratory rate monitoring device aimed at improving early detection of pneumonia in pediatric patients. Using an iterative, need-driven design process, a solution was developed that prioritizes affordability, ease of use, and suitability for use in rural and urban healthcare facilities.The design process included low- and high-fidelity prototyping, signal processing implementation, and bench-top validation to ensure accuracy and usability. Testing informed key design refinements to enhance performance, stability, and user interaction. Market assessment confirmed the device’s relevance across multiple levels of the healthcare system, and financial projections suggested a viable path to sustainable deployment. The resulting device offers a practical and context-appropriate alternative to manual respiratory rate assessment, with potential to improve the quality and timeliness of pneumonia diagnosis in young children.