Concept Development for an Exterior System of a Mobile Primary Health Center (mPHC): A Multimethod Design Approach

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for accessible healthcare infrastructure in remote and underserved areas. This study focuses on developing concepts for a collapsible exterior system for mobile Primary Health Centers (mPHCs), aiming to address healthcare delivery challenges in low-resource settings. The research employs a multimethod approach, combining Data repository/knowledge-based searching and model making for concept generation, followed by Pugh matrix, quality function deployment (QFD), and theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) methodology for concept evaluation and refinement. The study generated 44 initial concepts, which were systematically evaluated and refined. While initial analysis suggested promise in pneumatic inflatable structures, further consideration led to the identification of a pyramid pod concept as a potentially superior solution. This concept offers a balance between structural stability, portability, and climate adaptability. The study proposes integrating elements from other designs, including modular panels and origami-inspired folding techniques, to address challenges in deployment and space utilization. Key factors identified for mPHC design include weight, deployment time, structural stability, cost-effectiveness, durability, and climate adaptability. The proposed pyramid pod design potentially offers advantages in these areas, particularly in structural stability and efficient space use. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including the need for user input, detailed cost analysis, and prototype testing.