Presentation
Needs Mapping And Prioritization (NeMAP): A Framework Applied to Neonatal Health in Uganda
DescriptionReducing global neonatal mortality, like many persistent public health challenges,
requires multifaceted interventions that directly address the most critical, context-
specific barriers to care at the ‘last mile’. This work introduces the Needs Mapping And
Prioritization (NeMAP) framework, which applies design thinking to systematically
examine unmet needs across the healthcare continuum to guide targeted investments.
The framework has two elements. The first is a visual map of the care continuum. The second is a
structured method for quantitatively prioritizing needs based on explicit criteria. It
includes a two-dimensional grid that captures both stages and settings of care.
Patient pathways within the local context are overlaid. Barriers along these pathways
are identified through ethnographic insights, expert input, and literature review, then
mapped onto the grid. These needs are subsequently ranked using a
prioritization method grounded in design and innovation principles. The resulting
heatmap highlights where resources can be most effectively deployed and supports the
development of context-appropriate interventions. Applied to neonatal health in rural
Uganda, the framework identified maternal recognition of neonatal illness as
a key opportunity. Overall, NeMAP is designed to help health systems, public health
organizations, and innovators develop practical, targeted solutions for neonatal
mortality and similar complex challenges.
requires multifaceted interventions that directly address the most critical, context-
specific barriers to care at the ‘last mile’. This work introduces the Needs Mapping And
Prioritization (NeMAP) framework, which applies design thinking to systematically
examine unmet needs across the healthcare continuum to guide targeted investments.
The framework has two elements. The first is a visual map of the care continuum. The second is a
structured method for quantitatively prioritizing needs based on explicit criteria. It
includes a two-dimensional grid that captures both stages and settings of care.
Patient pathways within the local context are overlaid. Barriers along these pathways
are identified through ethnographic insights, expert input, and literature review, then
mapped onto the grid. These needs are subsequently ranked using a
prioritization method grounded in design and innovation principles. The resulting
heatmap highlights where resources can be most effectively deployed and supports the
development of context-appropriate interventions. Applied to neonatal health in rural
Uganda, the framework identified maternal recognition of neonatal illness as
a key opportunity. Overall, NeMAP is designed to help health systems, public health
organizations, and innovators develop practical, targeted solutions for neonatal
mortality and similar complex challenges.
Contributors
Event Type
Lecture
TimeTuesday, October 20th1:50pm - 2:10pm PDT
Location
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