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Beynon F, Langet H, Bohle LF, Awasthi S, Ndiaye O, Machoki M’Imunya J, Masanja H, Horton S, Ba M, Cicconi S, Emmanuel-Fabula M, Faye PM, Glass TR, Keitel K, Kumar D, Kumar G, Levine GA, Matata L, Mhalu G, Miheso A, Mjungu D, Njiri F, Reus E, Ruffo M, Schär F, Sharma K, Storey HL, Masanja I, Wyss K, D’Acremont V. The Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) study protocol: a multi-country mixed-method evaluation of pulse oximetry and clinical decision support algorithms. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2326253. [PMID: 38683158 PMCID: PMC11060010 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2326253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective and sustainable strategies are needed to address the burden of preventable deaths among children under-five in resource-constrained settings. The Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) project aims to support healthcare providers to identify and manage severe illness, whilst promoting resource stewardship, by introducing pulse oximetry and clinical decision support algorithms (CDSAs) to primary care facilities in India, Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania. Health impact is assessed through: a pragmatic parallel group, superiority cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT), with primary care facilities randomly allocated (1:1) in India to pulse oximetry or control, and (1:1:1) in Tanzania to pulse oximetry plus CDSA, pulse oximetry, or control; and through a quasi-experimental pre-post study in Kenya and Senegal. Devices are implemented with guidance and training, mentorship, and community engagement. Sociodemographic and clinical data are collected from caregivers and records of enrolled sick children aged 0-59 months at study facilities, with phone follow-up on Day 7 (and Day 28 in the RCT). The primary outcomes assessed for the RCT are severe complications (mortality and secondary hospitalisations) by Day 7 and primary hospitalisations (within 24 hours and with referral); and, for the pre-post study, referrals and antibiotic. Secondary outcomes on other aspects of health status, hypoxaemia, referral, follow-up and antimicrobial prescription are also evaluated. In all countries, embedded mixed-method studies further evaluate the effects of the intervention on care and care processes, implementation, cost and cost-effectiveness. Pilot and baseline studies started mid-2021, RCT and post-intervention mid-2022, with anticipated completion mid-2023 and first results late-2023. Study approval has been granted by all relevant institutional review boards, national and WHO ethical review committees. Findings will be shared with communities, healthcare providers, Ministries of Health and other local, national and international stakeholders to facilitate evidence-based decision-making on scale-up.Study registration: NCT04910750 and NCT05065320.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenella Beynon
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Langet
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leah F. Bohle
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shally Awasthi
- Department of Paediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Ousmane Ndiaye
- Faculté de médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Susan Horton
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | | | - Silvia Cicconi
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Papa Moctar Faye
- Faculté de médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Tracy R. Glass
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Keitel
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics,Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Divas Kumar
- Department of Paediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gillian A. Levine
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Lena Matata
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Grace Mhalu
- Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Francis Njiri
- College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elisabeth Reus
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabian Schär
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Irene Masanja
- Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kaspar Wyss
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D’Acremont
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Digital Global Health Department, Centre for Primary Care and PublicHealth (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - TIMCI Collaborator Group
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
- Faculté de médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
- College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Directorate, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
- PATH
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics,Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Digital Global Health Department, Centre for Primary Care and PublicHealth (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Faiela C, Moon TD, Sidat M, Sevene E. De-implementation strategy to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for ambulatory HIV-infected patients with upper respiratory tract infections in Mozambique: a study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Implement Sci 2024; 19:51. [PMID: 39014497 PMCID: PMC11251216 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-024-01382-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotics are globally overprescribed for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), especially in persons living with HIV. However, most URTIs are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are not indicated. De-implementation is perceived as an important area of research that can lead to reductions in unnecessary, wasteful, or harmful practices, such as excessive or inappropriate antibiotic use for URTI, through the employment of evidence-based interventions to reduce these practices. Research into strategies that lead to successful de-implementation of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions within the primary health care setting is limited in Mozambique. In this study, we propose a protocol designed to evaluate the use of a clinical decision support algorithm (CDSA) for promoting the de-implementation of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for URTI among ambulatory HIV-infected adult patients in primary healthcare settings. METHODS This study is a multicenter, two-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial, involving six primary health care facilities in Maputo and Matola municipalities in Mozambique, guided by an innovative implementation science framework, the Dynamic Adaption Process. In total, 380 HIV-infected patients with URTI symptoms will be enrolled, with 190 patients assigned to both the intervention and control arms. For intervention sites, the CDSAs will be posted on either the exam room wall or on the clinician´s exam room desk for ease of reference during clinical visits. Our sample size is powered to detect a reduction in antibiotic use by 15%. We will evaluate the effectiveness and implementation outcomes and examine the effect of multi-level (sites and patients) factors in promoting the de-implementation of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The effectiveness and implementation of our antibiotic de-implementation strategy are the primary outcomes, whereas the clinical endpoints are the secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION This research will provide evidence on the effectiveness of the use of the CDSA in promoting the de-implementation of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in treating acute URTI, among ambulatory HIV-infected patients. Findings will bring evidence for the need to scale up strategies for the de-implementation of unnecessary antibiotic prescription practices in additional healthcare sites within the country. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN88272350. Registered 16 May 2024, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN88272350.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candido Faiela
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique.
- Department of Physiological Science, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Troy D Moon
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Esperança Sevene
- Department of Physiological Science, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
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Horwood C, Haskins L, Mapumulo S, Connolly C, Luthuli S, Jensen C, Pansegrouw D, McKerrow N. Electronic Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (eIMCI): a randomized controlled trial to evaluate an electronic clinical decision-making support system for management of sick children in primary health care facilities in South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:177. [PMID: 38331824 PMCID: PMC10851465 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10547-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic clinical decision-making support systems (eCDSS) aim to assist clinicians making complex patient management decisions and improve adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Integrated management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) provides guidelines for management of sick children attending primary health care clinics and is widely implemented globally. An electronic version of IMCI (eIMCI) was developed in South Africa. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial comparing management of sick children with eIMCI to the management when using paper-based IMCI (pIMCI) in one district in KwaZulu-Natal. From 31 clinics in the district, 15 were randomly assigned to intervention (eIMCI) or control (pIMCI) groups. Computers were deployed in eIMCI clinics, and one IMCI trained nurse was randomly selected to participate from each clinic. eIMCI participants received a one-day computer training, and all participants received a similar three-day IMCI update and two mentoring visits. A quantitative survey was conducted among mothers and sick children attending participating clinics to assess the quality of care provided by IMCI practitioners. Sick child assessments by participants in eIMCI and pIMCI groups were compared to assessment by an IMCI expert. RESULTS Self-reported computer skills were poor among all nurse participants. IMCI knowledge was similar in both groups. Among 291 enrolled children: 152 were in the eIMCI group; 139 in the pIMCI group. The mean number of enrolled children was 9.7 per clinic (range 7-12). IMCI implementation was sub-optimal in both eIMCI and pIMCI groups. eIMCI consultations took longer than pIMCI consultations (median duration 28 minutes vs 25 minutes; p = 0.02). eIMCI participants were less likely than pIMCI participants to correctly classify children for presenting symptoms, but were more likely to correctly classify for screening conditions, particularly malnutrition. eIMCI participants were less likely to provide all required medications (124/152; 81.6% vs 126/139; 91.6%, p= 0.026), and more likely to prescribe unnecessary medication (48/152; 31.6% vs 20/139; 14.4%, p = 0.004) compared to pIMCI participants. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of eIMCI failed to improve management of sick children, with poor IMCI implementation in both groups. Further research is needed to understand barriers to comprehensive implementation of both pIMCI and eIMCI. (349) CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov ID: BFC157/19, August 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Horwood
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - L Haskins
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - S Mapumulo
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - C Connolly
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - S Luthuli
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - C Jensen
- Health Systems Strengthening Unit, Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa
| | - D Pansegrouw
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Ilembe District, Stanger, South Africa
| | - N McKerrow
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Paediatrics and Child Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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4
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Koliopoulos P, Kayange N, Jensen C, Gröndahl B, Eichmann J, Daniel T, Huth F, Eckert T, Klamm N, Follmann M, Medina-Montaño GC, Hokororo A, Pretsch L, Klüber J, Schmidt C, Züchner A, Addo MM, Okamo B, Mshana SE, Gehring S. Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Acutely Febrile Children with Suspected Malaria at Health Care Facilities in the Lake Mwanza Region of Tanzania. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:202-208. [PMID: 38150741 PMCID: PMC10859794 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute febrile diseases transmitted by mosquitos are a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians working in sub-Saharan Africa. Misclassification due to the lack of rapid, reliable diagnostic tests leads to the overuse of antibiotics and antimalarials. Children presenting with acute fever and suspected of having malaria were examined at health care facilities in the Mwanza Region of Tanzania. The sensitivity and specificity of blood smear microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests that targeted histidine-rich protein 2 and Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase were compared with a multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ELISA. Six hundred ninety-eight children presented with acute fever and met the criteria for inclusion; 23% received antibiotics and 23% received antimalarials prior to admission. Subsequently, 20% were confirmed by PCR to have Plasmodium falciparum infection. Blood smear microscopy exhibited 33% sensitivity and 93% specificity. The malaria rapid test provided 87% sensitivity and 98% specificity in detecting acute malaria infections. Only 7% of malaria-negative children received antimalarials at Sengerema Designated District Hospital when treatment was guided by the results of rapid testing. In contrast, 75% of malaria-negative patients were treated with antimalarial drugs at health facilities that used blood smears as the standard diagnostic test. Misclassification and premedication of nonmalarial, febrile illnesses contribute to the emergence of antimalarial and antimicrobial resistance. The incorporation of malaria rapid diagnostic tests into the clinical routine translated into improved treatment and a significant reduction in antimalarial drug prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Koliopoulos
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Neema Kayange
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Christian Jensen
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Britta Gröndahl
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jana Eichmann
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, St. Joseph Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Daniel
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Florian Huth
- Department of Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Klinikum Worms, Worms, Germany
| | - Till Eckert
- Department of Internal Medicine, GeoMed Kreisklinik, Gerolzhofen, Germany
| | - Nele Klamm
- Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Augusta-Kranken-Anstalt, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marlene Follmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gesundheits- und Pflegezentrum, Rüsselsheim, Germany
| | | | - Adolfine Hokororo
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Leah Pretsch
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia Klüber
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, St. Vinzenz-Hospital, Dinslaken, Germany
| | - Antke Züchner
- CCBRT Maternity and Newborn Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marylyn M. Addo
- Institute for Infection Research and Vaccine Development, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernard Okamo
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Stephan Gehring
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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Tan R, Kavishe G, Luwanda LB, Kulinkina AV, Renggli S, Mangu C, Ashery G, Jorram M, Mtebene IE, Agrea P, Mhagama H, Vonlanthen A, Faivre V, Thabard J, Levine G, Le Pogam MA, Keitel K, Taffé P, Ntinginya N, Masanja H, D'Acremont V. A digital health algorithm to guide antibiotic prescription in pediatric outpatient care: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:76-84. [PMID: 38110580 PMCID: PMC10803249 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02633-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Excessive antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance are major global public health threats. We developed ePOCT+, a digital clinical decision support algorithm in combination with C-reactive protein test, hemoglobin test, pulse oximeter and mentorship, to guide health-care providers in managing acutely sick children under 15 years old. To evaluate the impact of ePOCT+ compared to usual care, we conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in Tanzanian primary care facilities. Over 11 months, 23,593 consultations were included from 20 ePOCT+ health facilities and 20,713 from 20 usual care facilities. The use of ePOCT+ in intervention facilities resulted in a reduction in the coprimary outcome of antibiotic prescription compared to usual care (23.2% versus 70.1%, adjusted difference -46.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -57.6 to -35.2). The coprimary outcome of day 7 clinical failure was noninferior in ePOCT+ facilities compared to usual care facilities (adjusted relative risk 0.97, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.10). There was no difference in the secondary safety outcomes of death and nonreferred secondary hospitalizations by day 7. Using ePOCT+ could help address the urgent problem of antimicrobial resistance by safely reducing antibiotic prescribing. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT05144763.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Tan
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Godfrey Kavishe
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lameck B Luwanda
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Alexandra V Kulinkina
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Renggli
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Chacha Mangu
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Geofrey Ashery
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Margaret Jorram
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Peter Agrea
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Humphrey Mhagama
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Alan Vonlanthen
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Faivre
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Thabard
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gillian Levine
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Annick Le Pogam
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Keitel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Taffé
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nyanda Ntinginya
- National Institute of Medical Research - Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Honorati Masanja
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Massele A, Rogers AM, Gabriel D, Mayanda A, Magoma S, Cook A, Chigome A, Lorenzetti G, Meyer JC, Moore CE, Godman B, Minzi O. A Narrative Review of Recent Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Ambulatory Care in Tanzania: Findings and Implications. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2195. [PMID: 38138298 PMCID: PMC10745081 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: There are concerns with the current prescribing practices of antibiotics in ambulatory care in Tanzania, including both the public and private sectors. These concerns need to be addressed as part of the national action plan (NAP) of Tanzania to reduce rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates. Issues and concerns include high rates of prescribing of antibiotics for essentially self-limiting conditions. Consequently, there is a need to address this. As a result, the aims of this narrative review were to comprehensively summarize antibiotic utilization patterns particularly in ambulatory care and their rationale in Tanzania and to suggest ways forward to improve future prescribing practices. Materials and Methods: We undertook a narrative review of recently published studies and subsequently documented potential activities to improve future prescribing practices. Potential activities included instigating quality indicators and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Results: Published studies have shown that antibiotics are being excessively prescribed in ambulatory care in Tanzania, in up to 95% to 96.3% of presenting cases depending on the sector. This is despite concerns with their appropriateness. High rates of antibiotic prescribing are not helped by variable adherence to current treatment guidelines. There have also been concerns with extensive prescribing of 'Watch' antibiotics in the private sector. Overall, the majority of antibiotics prescribed across the sectors, albeit inappropriately, were typically from the 'Access' group of antibiotics in the AWaRe (Access/Watch/Reserve) classification rather than 'Watch' antibiotics to limit AMR. The inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in ambulatory care is linked to current knowledge regarding antibiotics, AMR, and ASPs among both prescribers and patients. Recommended activities for the future include improved education for all groups, the instigation of updated quality indicators, and the regular monitoring of prescribing practices against agreed-upon guidelines and indicators. Education for healthcare professionals on ASPs should start at undergraduate level and continue post qualification. Community advocacy on the rational use of antibiotics should also include social media activities to dispel misinformation. Conclusion: The quality of current prescribing practices of antibiotics in ambulatory care is sub-optimal in Tanzania. This needs to be urgently addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Massele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania
| | - Anastasia Martin Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Deogratias Gabriel
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Ashura Mayanda
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Sarah Magoma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Dodoma, Dodoma P.O. Box 582, Tanzania;
| | - Aislinn Cook
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Audrey Chigome
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
| | - Giulia Lorenzetti
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
| | - Catrin E. Moore
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Omary Minzi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65013, Tanzania;
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Beynon F, Guérin F, Lampariello R, Schmitz T, Tan R, Ratanaprayul N, Tamrat T, Pellé KG, Catho G, Keitel K, Masanja I, Rambaud-Althaus C. Digitalizing Clinical Guidelines: Experiences in the Development of Clinical Decision Support Algorithms for Management of Childhood Illness in Resource-Constrained Settings. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023; 11:e2200439. [PMID: 37640492 PMCID: PMC10461705 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) can strengthen the quality of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) in resource-constrained settings. Several IMCI-related CDSSs have been developed and implemented in recent years. Yet, despite having a shared starting point, the IMCI-related CDSSs are markedly varied due to the need for interpretation when translating narrative guidelines into decision logic combined with considerations of context and design choices. Between October 2019 and April 2021, we conducted a comparative analysis of 4 IMCI-related CDSSs. The extent of adaptations to IMCI varied, but common themes emerged. Scope was extended to cover a broader range of conditions. Content was added or modified to enhance precision, align with new evidence, and support rational resource use. Structure was modified to increase efficiency, improve usability, and prioritize care for severely ill children. The multistakeholder development processes involved syntheses of recommendations from existing guidelines and literature; creation and validation of clinical algorithms; and iterative development, implementation, and evaluation. The common themes surrounding adaptations of IMCI guidance highlight the complexities of digitalizing evidence-based recommendations and reinforce the rationale for leveraging standards for CDSS development, such as the World Health Organization's SMART Guidelines. Implementation through multistakeholder dialogue is critical to ensure CDSSs can effectively and equitably improve quality of care for children in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenella Beynon
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Torsten Schmitz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Tan
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Digital and Global Health Unit, Unisanté, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Natschja Ratanaprayul
- Department of Digital Health and Innovations, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tigest Tamrat
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Gaud Catho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Global Health Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Keitel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Kiemde F, Valia D, Kabore B, Rouamba T, Kone AN, Sawadogo S, Compaore A, Salami O, Horgan P, Moore CE, Dittrich S, Nkeramahame J, Olliaro P, Tinto H. A Randomized Trial to Assess the Impact of a Package of Diagnostic Tools and Diagnostic Algorithm on Antibiotic Prescriptions for the Management of Febrile Illnesses Among Children and Adolescents in Primary Health Facilities in Burkina Faso. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S134-S144. [PMID: 37490742 PMCID: PMC10368409 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges in differentiating bacterial from viral causes of febrile illnesses, leading to inappropriate use of antibiotics. This trial aimed to evaluate the impact of an intervention package comprising diagnostic tests, a diagnostic algorithm, and a training-and-communication package on antibiotic prescriptions and clinical outcomes. METHODS Patients aged 6 months to 18 years with fever or history of fever within the past 7 days with no focus, or a suspected respiratory tract infection, arriving at 2 health facilities were randomized to either the intervention package or standard practice. The primary outcomes were the proportions of patients who recovered at day 7 (D7) and patients prescribed antibiotics at day 0. RESULTS Of 1718 patients randomized, 1681 (97.8%; intervention: 844; control: 837) completed follow-up: 99.5% recovered at D7 in the intervention arm versus 100% in standard practice (P = .135). Antibiotics were prescribed to 40.6% of patients in the intervention group versus 57.5% in the control arm (risk ratio: 29.3%; 95% CI: 21.8-36.0%; risk difference [RD]: -16.8%; 95% CI: -21.7% to -12.0%; P < .001), which translates to 1 additional antibiotic prescription saved every 6 (95% CI: 5-8) consultations. This reduction was significant regardless of test results for malaria, but was greater in patients without malaria (RD: -46.0%; -54.7% to -37.4%; P < .001), those with a respiratory diagnosis (RD: -38.2%; -43.8% to -32.6%; P < .001), and in children 6-59 months old (RD: -20.4%; -26.0% to -14.9%; P < .001). Except for the period July-September, the reduction was consistent across the other quarters (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The implementation of the package can reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription without compromising clinical outcomes. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04081051.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Kiemde
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Daniel Valia
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Berenger Kabore
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Toussaint Rouamba
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Alima Nadine Kone
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Seydou Sawadogo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Adelaide Compaore
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Philip Horgan
- FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Evidence and Impact Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catrin E Moore
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neonatal and Pediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology, European Campus Rottal Inn, Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | | | - Piero Olliaro
- FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
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9
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Nkeramahame J, Olliaro P, Horgan P, Dittrich S. Perspective on the Integration of Diagnostic Algorithms for Fever Management. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S211-S213. [PMID: 37490737 PMCID: PMC10368406 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The AMR Diagnostics Use Accelerator Program was established to address antimicrobial resistance. Here, we bring into broad perspective the findings and missed opportunities of the first phase of the program and look toward the second phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piero Olliaro
- Medical Affairs, FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Horgan
- Medical Affairs, FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Evidence & Impact - Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Medical Affairs, FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology, European Campus Rottal Inn, Pfarrkirchen, Germany
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10
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Isaeva E, Bloch J, Poulsen A, Kurtzhals J, Reventlow S, Siersma V, Akylbekov A, Sooronbaev T, Munck Aabenhus R, Kjærgaard J. C reactive protein-guided prescription of antibiotics for children under 12 years with respiratory symptoms in Kyrgyzstan: protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial with 14 days follow-up. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066806. [PMID: 37041063 PMCID: PMC10106039 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While lower respiratory tract infections are the main cause of death for children under 5 globally, only a small proportion of children with respiratory tract infections need antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics globally is leading to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance. In Kyrgyzstan, healthcare workers regularly prescribe antibiotics when clinical uncertainty is present to err on the side of caution. Targeting antibiotic use with biomarkers of inflammation such as C reactive protein (CRP) testing at the point-of-care test (POCT) has been shown to reduce antibiotic use in general, but only few studies have been done in children and no studies exist from Central Asia. This study aims to assess whether the use of a CRP POCT can safely decrease prescription of antibiotics for children with acute respiratory symptoms in primary level healthcare centres in Kyrgyzstan. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Multicentre, open-label, individually randomised, controlled clinical trial with 14 days follow-up (follow-up by phone on days 3, 7 and 14) in rural lowland Chui and highland Naryn regions of Kyrgyzstan. The population are children aged 6 months to 12 years attending the primary level healthcare centres during normal business hours with acute respiratory symptoms. CRP POCT equipment will be supplied to healthcare centres, along with a short training session in CRP use, including the interpretation of results to support the clinical evaluation of the child with acute respiratory infection. The primary outcomes are the proportion of patients prescribed an antibiotic within 14 days of index consultation (superiority analysis) and days to recovery (non-inferiority analysis). Secondary outcomes are antibiotics prescribed at index consultation, reconsultations, hospital admission and vital status within 14 days. Analysis of the first primary outcome, antibiotic use, will be intention to treat using a logistic regression model. Analysis of the second primary outcome, days to recovery, will be per protocol using a linear regression model and a non-inferiority margin of 1 day. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved on 18 June 2021 by the Ethics Committee (ref: no. 1) of the National Centre of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The results of the study regardless of the conclusion will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific medical journals along with policy briefs and technical reports. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05195866.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Isaeva
- Department of Allergology, National Centre of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Joakim Bloch
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Poulsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kurtzhals
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Reventlow
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Azamat Akylbekov
- Department of Pulmonology, National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine named after academician Mirsaid Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Talant Sooronbaev
- Department of Pulmonology, National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine named after academician Mirsaid Mirrakhimov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Rune Munck Aabenhus
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Kjærgaard
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Tan R, Cobuccio L, Beynon F, Levine GA, Vaezipour N, Luwanda LB, Mangu C, Vonlanthen A, De Santis O, Salim N, Manji K, Naburi H, Chirande L, Matata L, Bulongeleje M, Moshiro R, Miheso A, Arimi P, Ndiaye O, Faye M, Thiongane A, Awasthi S, Sharma K, Kumar G, Van De Maat J, Kulinkina A, Rwandarwacu V, Dusengumuremyi T, Nkuranga JB, Rusingiza E, Tuyisenge L, Hartley MA, Faivre V, Thabard J, Keitel K, D’Acremont V. ePOCT+ and the medAL-suite: Development of an electronic clinical decision support algorithm and digital platform for pediatric outpatients in low- and middle-income countries. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000170. [PMID: 36812607 PMCID: PMC9931356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Electronic clinical decision support algorithms (CDSAs) have been developed to address high childhood mortality and inappropriate antibiotic prescription by helping clinicians adhere to guidelines. Previously identified challenges of CDSAs include their limited scope, usability, and outdated clinical content. To address these challenges we developed ePOCT+, a CDSA for the care of pediatric outpatients in low- and middle-income settings, and the medical algorithm suite (medAL-suite), a software for the creation and execution of CDSAs. Following the principles of digital development, we aim to describe the process and lessons learnt from the development of ePOCT+ and the medAL-suite. In particular, this work outlines the systematic integrative development process in the design and implementation of these tools required to meet the needs of clinicians to improve uptake and quality of care. We considered the feasibility, acceptability and reliability of clinical signs and symptoms, as well as the diagnostic and prognostic performance of predictors. To assure clinical validity, and appropriateness for the country of implementation the algorithm underwent numerous reviews by clinical experts and health authorities from the implementing countries. The digitalization process involved the creation of medAL-creator, a digital platform which allows clinicians without IT programming skills to easily create the algorithms, and medAL-reader the mobile health (mHealth) application used by clinicians during the consultation. Extensive feasibility tests were done with feedback from end-users of multiple countries to improve the clinical algorithm and medAL-reader software. We hope that the development framework used for developing ePOCT+ will help support the development of other CDSAs, and that the open-source medAL-suite will enable others to easily and independently implement them. Further clinical validation studies are underway in Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Senegal, and India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Tan
- Digital and Global Health Unit, Unisanté, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Ludovico Cobuccio
- Digital and Global Health Unit, Unisanté, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fenella Beynon
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gillian A. Levine
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina Vaezipour
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Chacha Mangu
- National Institute of Medical Research–Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Alan Vonlanthen
- Information Technology & Digital Transformation sector, Unisanté, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olga De Santis
- Digital and Global Health Unit, Unisanté, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nahya Salim
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Karim Manji
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Helga Naburi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lulu Chirande
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lena Matata
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Robert Moshiro
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Peter Arimi
- College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ousmane Ndiaye
- Department of Pediatrics, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Moctar Faye
- Department of Pediatrics, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aliou Thiongane
- Department of Pediatrics, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Shally Awasthi
- Department of Pediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Gaurav Kumar
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Van De Maat
- Radboudumc, Department of Internal Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Kulinkina
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Victor Rwandarwacu
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Théophile Dusengumuremyi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Emmanuel Rusingiza
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Mary-Anne Hartley
- Intelligent Global Health, Machine Learning and Optimization Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Faivre
- Information Technology & Digital Transformation sector, Unisanté, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Thabard
- Information Technology & Digital Transformation sector, Unisanté, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Keitel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D’Acremont
- Digital and Global Health Unit, Unisanté, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Horwood C, Luthuli S, Mapumulo S, Haskins L, Jensen C, Pansegrouw D, McKerrow N. Challenges of using e-health technologies to support clinical care in rural Africa: a longitudinal mixed methods study exploring primary health care nurses' experiences of using an electronic clinical decision support system (CDSS) in South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:30. [PMID: 36639801 PMCID: PMC9840278 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-09001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic decision-making support systems (CDSSs) can support clinicians to make evidence-based, rational clinical decisions about patient management and have been effectively implemented in high-income settings. Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) uses clinical algorithms to provide guidelines for management of sick children in primary health care clinics and is widely implemented in low income countries. A CDSS based on IMCI (eIMCI) was developed in South Africa. METHODS We undertook a mixed methods study to prospectively explore experiences of implementation from the perspective of newly-trained eIMCI practitioners. eIMCI uptake was monitored throughout implementation. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with selected participants before and after training, after mentoring, and after 6 months implementation. Participants were then invited to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs) to provide further insights into barriers to eIMCI implementation. RESULTS We conducted 36 IDIs with 9 participants between October 2020 and May 2021, and three FGDs with 11 participants in October 2021. Most participants spoke positively about eIMCI reporting that it was well received in the clinics, was simple to use, and improved the quality of clinical assessments. However, uptake of eIMCI across participating clinics was poor. Challenges reported included lack of computer skills which made simple tasks, like logging in or entering patient details, time consuming. Technical support was provided, but was time consuming to access so that eIMCI was sometimes unavailable. Other challenges included heavy workloads, and the perception that eIMCI took longer and disrupted participant's work. Poor alignment between recording requirements of eIMCI and other clinic programmes increased participant's administrative workload. All these factors were a disincentive to eIMCI uptake, frequently leading participants to revert to paper IMCI which was quicker and where they felt more confident. CONCLUSION Despite the potential of CDSSs to increase adherence to guidelines and improve clinical management and prescribing practices in resource constrained settings where clinical support is scarce, they have not been widely implemented. Careful attention should be paid to the work environment, work flow and skills of health workers prior to implementation, and ongoing health system support is required if health workers are to adopt these approaches (350).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Horwood
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Silondile Luthuli
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sphindile Mapumulo
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lyn Haskins
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cecilie Jensen
- grid.463338.90000 0001 2157 3236Health Systems Strengthening Unit, Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa
| | - Deidre Pansegrouw
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Ilembe District, KwaDukuza, South Africa
| | - Neil McKerrow
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Paediatrics and Child Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa ,grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Schmitz T, Beynon F, Musard C, Kwiatkowski M, Landi M, Ishaya D, Zira J, Muazu M, Renner C, Emmanuel E, Bulus SG, Rossi R. Effectiveness of an electronic clinical decision support system in improving the management of childhood illness in primary care in rural Nigeria: an observational study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055315. [PMID: 35863838 PMCID: PMC9310162 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of ALgorithm for the MANAgement of CHildhood illness ('ALMANACH'), a digital clinical decision support system (CDSS) based on the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, on health and quality of care outcomes for sick children attending primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. DESIGN Observational study, comparing outcomes of children attending facilities implementing ALMANACH with control facilities not yet implementing ALMANACH. SETTING PHC facilities in Adamawa State, North-Eastern Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS Children 2-59 months presenting with an acute illness. Children attending for routine care or nutrition visits (eg, immunisation, growth monitoring), physical trauma or mental health problems were excluded. INTERVENTIONS The ALMANACH intervention package (CDSS implementation with training, mentorship and data feedback) was rolled out across Adamawa's PHC facilities by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. Tablets were donated, but no additional support or incentives were provided. Intervention and control facilities received supportive supervision based on the national supervision protocol. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was caregiver-reported recovery at day 7, collected over the phone. Secondary outcomes were antibiotic and antimalarial prescription, referral, and communication of diagnosis and follow-up advice, assessed at day 0 exit interview. RESULTS We recruited 1929 children, of which 1021 (53%) attended ALMANACH facilities, between March and September 2020. Caregiver-reported recovery was significantly higher among children attending ALMANACH facilities (adjusted OR=2·63, 95% CI 1·60 to 4·32). We observed higher parenteral and lower oral antimicrobial prescription rates (adjusted OR=2·42 (1·00 to 5·85) and adjusted OR=0·40 (0·22 to 0·73), respectively) in ALMANACH facilities as well as markedly higher rates for referral, communication of diagnosis, and follow-up advice. CONCLUSION Implementation of digital CDSS with training, mentorship and feedback in primary care can improve quality of care and recovery of sick children in resource-constrained settings, likely mediated by better guideline adherence. These findings support the use of CDSS for health systems strengthening to progress towards universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Schmitz
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fenella Beynon
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Capucine Musard
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Landi
- Regional Delegation Nigeria, International Committee of the Red Cross, Jimeta Yola, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Ishaya
- Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Jimeta Yola, Nigeria
| | - Jeremiah Zira
- Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Jimeta Yola, Nigeria
| | - Muazu Muazu
- Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Jimeta Yola, Nigeria
| | - Camille Renner
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edwin Emmanuel
- Regional Delegation Nigeria, International Committee of the Red Cross, Jimeta Yola, Nigeria
| | | | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Health Unit, International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneve, Switzerland
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Abo YN, Freyne B, Kululanga D, Bryant PA. The Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Children in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:S10-S17. [PMID: 35134035 PMCID: PMC8815847 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is central to the World Health Organisation Global Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). If antibiotics are used without restraint, morbidity and mortality from AMR will continue to increase. In resource-rich settings, AMS can safely reduce antibiotic consumption. However, for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the impact of different AMS interventions is unknown. AIM To determine the impact of different AMS interventions on antibiotic use and clinical and microbiologic outcomes in children in LMIC. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed were searched for studies of AMS interventions in pediatric population in LMIC settings. Controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies and interrupted time series studies were included. Outcomes assessed were antibiotic use, multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) rates, clinical outcomes and cost. RESULTS Of 1462 studies, 34 met inclusion criteria including a total population of >5,000,000 in 17 countries. Twenty were in inpatients, 2 in ED, 10 in OPD and 2 in both. Seven studies were randomized controlled trials. All types of interventions reported a positive impact on antibiotic prescribing. AMS bundles with education, and clinical decision tools appeared more effective than guidelines alone. AMS interventions resulted in significantly decreased clinical infections (4/4 studies) and clinical failure (2/2) and reduced MDRO colonization rate (4/4). There was no concomitant increase in mortality (4/4 studies) or length of stay (2/2). CONCLUSION Multiple effective strategies exist to reduce antibiotic consumption in LMIC. However, marked heterogeneity limit conclusions regarding the most effective approach, particularly regarding clinical outcomes. Overall, AMS strategies are important tools in the reduction of MDRO-related morbidity in children in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara-Natalie Abo
- From the Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Bridget Freyne
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Programme
- Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Diana Kululanga
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Programme
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Penelope A. Bryant
- From the Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Blantyre, Malawi
- Clinical Paediatrics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Jensen C, McKerrow NH. The feasibility and ongoing use of electronic decision support to strengthen the implementation of IMCI in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:80. [PMID: 35130847 PMCID: PMC8818499 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03147-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continued efforts are required to reduce preventable child deaths. User-friendly Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) implementation tools and supervision systems are needed to strengthen the quality of child health services in South Africa. A 2018 pilot implementation of electronic IMCI case management algorithms in KwaZulu-Natal demonstrated good uptake and acceptance at primary care clinics. We aimed to investigate whether ongoing electronic IMCI implementation is feasible within the existing Department of Health infrastructure and resources. METHODS In a mixed methods descriptive study, the electronic IMCI (eIMCI) implementation was extended to 22 health facilities in uMgungundlovu district from November 2019 to February 2021. Training, mentoring, supervision and IT support were provided by a dedicated project team. Programme use was tracked, quarterly assessments of the service delivery platform were undertaken and in-depth interviews were conducted with facility managers. RESULTS From December 2019 - January 2021, 9 684 eIMCI records were completed across 20 facilities, with a median uptake of 29 records per clinic per month and a mean (range) proportion of child consultations using eIMCI of 15% (1-46%). The local COVID-19-related movement restrictions and epidemic peaks coincided with declines in the monthly eIMCI uptake. Substantial inter- and intra-facility variations in use were observed, with the use being positively associated with the allocation of an eIMCI trained nurse (p < 0.001) and the clinician workload (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION The ongoing eIMCI uptake was sporadic and the implementation undermined by barriers such as low post-training deployment of nurses; poor capacity in the DoH for IT support; and COVID-19-related disruptions in service delivery. Scaling eIMCI in South Africa would rely on resolving these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Jensen
- Health Systems Strengthening Unit, Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Neil H McKerrow
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Paediatrics and Child Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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16
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Foxlee ND, Townell N, Heney C, McIver L, Lau CL. Strategies Used for Implementing and Promoting Adherence to Antibiotic Guidelines in Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030166. [PMID: 34564550 PMCID: PMC8482147 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Containing antimicrobial resistance and reducing high levels of antibiotic consumption in low- and lower middle-income countries are a major challenge. Clinical guidelines targeting antibiotic prescribing can reduce consumption, however, the degrees to which clinical guidelines are adopted and adhered to are challenging for developers, policy makers and users. The aim of this study was to review the strategies used for implementing and promoting antibiotic guideline adherence in low- and lower middle-income countries. A review of published literature was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and the information systems of the World Health Organization and the Australian National University according to PRISMA guidelines and our PROSPERO protocol. The strategies were grouped into five broad categories based on the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care taxonomy. The 33 selected studies, representing 16 countries varied widely in design, setting, disease focus, methods, intervention components, outcomes and effects. The majority of interventions were multifaceted and resulted in a positive direction of effect. The nature of the interventions and study variability made it impossible to tease out which strategies had the greatest impact on improving CG compliance. Audit and feedback coupled with either workshops and/or focus group discussions were the most frequently used intervention components. All the reported strategies are established practices used in antimicrobial stewardship programs in high-income countries. We recommend interrupted time series studies be used as an alternative design to pre- and post-intervention studies, information about the clinical guidelines be made more transparent, and prescriber confidence be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola D. Foxlee
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-435-549-071
| | - Nicola Townell
- Infectious Disease Department, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia;
| | - Claire Heney
- Pathology Queensland, Central Microbiology, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Lachlan McIver
- Rocketship Pacific Ltd., Port Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia;
| | - Colleen L. Lau
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia;
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
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17
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Afari-Asiedu S, Hulscher M, Abdulai MA, Boamah-Kaali E, Wertheim HFL, Asante KP. Stakeholders' perspectives on training over the counter medicine sellers and Community-based Health Planning and Services facilities to dispense antibiotics in Ghana. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:62. [PMID: 34294159 PMCID: PMC8299568 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dispensing of antibiotics by over the counter medicine sellers (OTCMS) is a major driver of inappropriate use and resistance in low and middle income countries. Recent studies in Ghana revealed the need to consider training OTCMS and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS)/health posts to dispense some antibiotics. Feasibility of training OTCMS and CHPS to dispense some antibiotics was explored in this study. Methods This was an explorative study involving 10 in-depth interviews (IDIs) among staff of Ghana health services (GHS), pharmacy council and the association of OTCMS at the district and regional levels. Next, findings were presented to the Ghana Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) platform for further discussions at the national level. Five IDIs were also performed among selected members of the AMR platform as a follow-up on emerging issues. Data were thematically analysed and presented as narratives with quotes to support the findings. Results Two opposing views were found in our study. Leadership of OTCMS and GHS staff at the district health directorate supported the suggestion that OTCMS and CHPS should be trained to dispense specific antibiotics because they are already dispensing them. The leadership of OTCMS explained that some of their members are experienced and could be trained to improve their practices. In contrast, participants from pharmacy council, GHS in the region and national AMR platform generally alluded that OTCMS and CHPS should not be trained to dispense antibiotics because their level of education is inadequate. GHS personnel from the region further explained that training OTCMS could further compromise inappropriate antibiotic use in the context of already weak regulation enforcement. GHS and pharmacy council in the region rather suggested that OTCMS and CHPS should focus on public health education on disease prevention and appropriate antibiotic use. Conclusions There is general lack of consensus among stakeholders on whether OTCMS and CHPS should be trained to dispense specific antibiotics. Further stakeholder engagement is required to carefully consider this suggestion as views on feasibility differ. Ministries of health and healthcare agencies in Ghana and LMIC should improve access to approved health services to improve antibiotic use in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Afari-Asiedu
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service , Kintampo, Bono East Region, Ghana. .,Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases , Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marlies Hulscher
- Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases , Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martha Ali Abdulai
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service , Kintampo, Bono East Region, Ghana
| | - Ellen Boamah-Kaali
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service , Kintampo, Bono East Region, Ghana
| | - Heiman F L Wertheim
- Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases , Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service , Kintampo, Bono East Region, Ghana
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18
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Kerr F, Sefah IA, Essah DO, Cockburn A, Afriyie D, Mahungu J, Mirfenderesky M, Ankrah D, Aggor A, Barrett S, Brayson J, Muro E, Benedict P, Santos R, Kanturegye R, Onegwa R, Sekikubo M, Rees F, Banda D, Kalungia AC, Alutuli L, Chikatula E, Ashiru-Oredope D. Practical Pharmacist-Led Interventions to Improve Antimicrobial Stewardship in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. PHARMACY 2021; 9:pharmacy9030124. [PMID: 34287350 PMCID: PMC8293468 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9030124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and others have identified, as a priority, the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions as part of the effort to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). An international health partnership model, the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS) programme, was established between selected countries in Africa (Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda) and the UK to support AMS. This was funded by UK aid under the Fleming Fund and managed by the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET). The primary aims were to develop local AMS teams and generate antimicrobial consumption surveillance data, quality improvement initiatives, infection prevention and control (IPC) and education/training to reduce AMR. Education and training were key components in achieving this, with pharmacists taking a lead role in developing and leading AMS interventions. Pharmacist-led interventions in Ghana improved access to national antimicrobial prescribing guidelines via the CwPAMS mobile app and improved compliance with policy from 18% to 70% initially for patients with pneumonia in one outpatient clinic. Capacity development on AMS and IPC were achieved in both Tanzania and Zambia, and a train-the-trainer model on the local production of alcohol hand rub in Uganda and Zambia. The model of pharmacy health partnerships has been identified as a model with great potential to be used in other low and middle income countries (LMICs) to support tackling AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Kerr
- Pharmacy, NHS Lanarkshire C/O Monklands Hospital, Airdrie ML6 0JS, UK;
| | - Israel Abebrese Sefah
- Pharmacy Department, Keta Municipal Hospital, Keta P.O. Box WT 82, Ghana; (I.A.S.); (D.O.E.)
| | - Darius Obeng Essah
- Pharmacy Department, Keta Municipal Hospital, Keta P.O. Box WT 82, Ghana; (I.A.S.); (D.O.E.)
| | | | - Daniel Afriyie
- Pharmacy Department, Ghana Police Hospital, Accra P.O. Box CT104, Ghana;
| | - Joyce Mahungu
- Pharmacy, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust (NMUH), London N18 1QX, UK;
| | - Mariyam Mirfenderesky
- Microbiology, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust (NMUH), London N18 1QX, UK;
| | - Daniel Ankrah
- Pharmacy Department, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana; (D.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Asiwome Aggor
- Pharmacy Department, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana; (D.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Scott Barrett
- Pharmacy, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields NE29 8NH, UK; (S.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Joseph Brayson
- Pharmacy, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields NE29 8NH, UK; (S.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Eva Muro
- Pharmacy Department, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi P.O. Box 3010, Tanzania; (E.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Peter Benedict
- Pharmacy Department, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi P.O. Box 3010, Tanzania; (E.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Reem Santos
- Pharmacy, Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH), NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Rose Kanturegye
- Pharmacy Department, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital Kawempe Hospital, Kampala P.O. Box 22081, Uganda; (R.K.); (R.O.)
| | - Ronald Onegwa
- Pharmacy Department, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital Kawempe Hospital, Kampala P.O. Box 22081, Uganda; (R.K.); (R.O.)
| | - Musa Sekikubo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University and Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala P.O. Box 22081, Uganda;
| | - Fiona Rees
- Pharmacy, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust (BSUH), Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK;
| | - David Banda
- Pharmacy Department, University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka P/Bag RW 1X, Zambia; (D.B.); (A.C.K.); (L.A.); (E.C.)
| | - Aubrey Chichonyi Kalungia
- Pharmacy Department, University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka P/Bag RW 1X, Zambia; (D.B.); (A.C.K.); (L.A.); (E.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Luke Alutuli
- Pharmacy Department, University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka P/Bag RW 1X, Zambia; (D.B.); (A.C.K.); (L.A.); (E.C.)
| | - Enock Chikatula
- Pharmacy Department, University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka P/Bag RW 1X, Zambia; (D.B.); (A.C.K.); (L.A.); (E.C.)
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19
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Emgård M, Mwangi R, Mayo C, Mshana E, Nkini G, Andersson R, Msuya SE, Lepp M, Muro F, Skovbjerg S. Tanzanian primary healthcare workers' experiences of antibiotic prescription and understanding of antibiotic resistance in common childhood infections: a qualitative phenomenographic study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:94. [PMID: 34176486 PMCID: PMC8237496 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00952-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibiotic resistance is a threat to global child health. Primary healthcare workers play a key role in antibiotic stewardship in the community, but few studies in low-income countries have described their experiences of initiating antibiotic treatment in children. Thus, the present study aimed to describe primary healthcare workers’ experiences of antibiotic prescription for children under 5 years of age and their conceptions of antibiotic resistance in Northern Tanzania. Methods A qualitative study involving individual in-depth interviews with 20 prescribing primary healthcare workers in Moshi urban and rural districts, Northern Tanzania, was performed in 2019. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated from Kiswahili into English and analysed according to the phenomenographic approach. Findings Four conceptual themes emerged during the analysis; conceptions in relation to the prescriber, the mother and child, other healthcare actors and in relation to outcome. The healthcare workers relied mainly on clinical examination and medical history provided by the mother to determine the need for antibiotics. Confidence in giving advice concerning non-antibiotic treatment varied among the participants and expectations of antibiotic treatment were perceived to be common among the mothers. Antibiotic resistance was mainly perceived as a problem for the individual patient who was misusing the antibiotics. Conclusions To increase rational antibiotic prescription, an awareness needs to be raised among Tanzanian primary healthcare workers of the threat of antibiotic resistance, not only to a few individuals, but to public health. Guidelines on childhood illnesses should be updated with advice concerning symptomatic treatment when antibiotics are not necessary, to support rational prescribing practices and promote trust in the clinician and mother relationship. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-021-00952-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Emgård
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Department of Paediatrics, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Rose Mwangi
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Sokoine Road, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Celina Mayo
- Department of Community Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Ester Mshana
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Sokoine Road, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Gertrud Nkini
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Sokoine Road, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Rune Andersson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sia E Msuya
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Sokoine Road, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Margret Lepp
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Østfold University College, Fredrikstad, Norway.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Florida Muro
- Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Sokoine Road, Moshi, Tanzania.,Department of Community Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Susann Skovbjerg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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20
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Boillat-Blanco N, Mbarack Z, Samaka J, Mlaganile T, Kazimoto T, Mamin A, Genton B, Kaiser L, D'Acremont V. Causes of fever in Tanzanian adults attending outpatient clinics: a prospective cohort study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:913.e1-913.e7. [PMID: 32896654 PMCID: PMC8186429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exploring fever aetiologies improves patient management. Most febrile adults are outpatients, but all previous studies were conducted in inpatients. This study describes the spectrum of diseases in adults attending outpatient clinics in urban Tanzania. METHODS We recruited consecutive adults with temperature ≥38°C in a prospective cohort study. We collected medical history and performed a clinical examination. We performed 27 364 microbiological diagnostic tests (rapid tests, serologies, cultures and molecular analyses) for a large range of pathogens on blood and nasopharyngeal samples. We based our diagnosis on predefined clinical and microbiological criteria. RESULTS Of 519 individuals, 469 (89%) had a clinically or microbiologically documented infection and 128 (25%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected. We identified 643 diagnoses: 264 (41%) acute respiratory infections (36 (5.6%) pneumonia, 39 (6.1%) tuberculosis), 71 (11%) infections with another focus (31 (4.8%) gastrointestinal, 26 (4.0%) urogenital, 8 (1.2%) central nervous system) and 252 (39%) infections without focus (134 (21%) dengue, 30 (4.7%) malaria, 28 (4.4%) typhoid). Of the 519 individuals, 318 (61%), 179 (34%), 30 (6%) and 15 (3%), respectively, had a viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal acute infection. HIV-infected individuals had more bacterial infections than HIV-negative (80/122 (66%) versus 100/391 (26%); p < 0.001). Patients with advanced HIV disease had a higher proportion of bacterial infections (55/76 (72%) if CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 and 25/52 (48%) if CD4 >200 cells/mm3, p 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Viral diseases caused most febrile episodes in adults attending outpatient clinics except in HIV-infected patients. HIV status and a low CD4 level strongly determined the need for antibiotics. Systematic HIV screening is essential to appropriately manage febrile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Boillat-Blanco
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Infectious Diseases Service, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Z Mbarack
- Mwananyamala Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - J Samaka
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - T Mlaganile
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - T Kazimoto
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - A Mamin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, University of Geneva Hospitals, And Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - B Genton
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - L Kaiser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, University of Geneva Hospitals, And Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - V D'Acremont
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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Sarrassat S, Lewis JJ, Some AS, Somda S, Cousens S, Blanchet K. An Integrated eDiagnosis Approach (IeDA) versus standard IMCI for assessing and managing childhood illness in Burkina Faso: a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:354. [PMID: 33863326 PMCID: PMC8052659 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Integrated eDiagnosis Approach (IeDA), centred on an electronic Clinical Decision Support System (eCDSS) developed in line with national Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines, was implemented in primary health facilities of two regions of Burkina Faso. An evaluation was performed using a stepped-wedge cluster randomised design with the aim of determining whether the IeDA intervention increased Health Care Workers' (HCW) adherence to the IMCI guidelines. METHODS Ten randomly selected facilities per district were visited at each step by two trained nurses: One observed under-five consultations and the second conducted a repeat consultation. The primary outcomes were: overall adherence to clinical assessment tasks; overall correct classification ignoring the severity of the classifications; and overall correct prescription according to HCWs' classifications. Statistical comparisons between trial arms were performed on cluster/step-level summaries. RESULTS On average, 54 and 79% of clinical assessment tasks were observed to be completed by HCWs in the control and intervention districts respectively (cluster-level mean difference = 29.9%; P-value = 0.002). The proportion of children for whom the validation nurses and the HCWs recorded the same classifications (ignoring the severity) was 73 and 79% in the control and intervention districts respectively (cluster-level mean difference = 10.1%; P-value = 0.004). The proportion of children who received correct prescriptions in accordance with HCWs' classifications were similar across arms, 78% in the control arm and 77% in the intervention arm (cluster-level mean difference = - 1.1%; P-value = 0.788). CONCLUSION The IeDA intervention improved substantially HCWs' adherence to IMCI's clinical assessment tasks, leading to some overall increase in correct classifications but to no overall improvement in correct prescriptions. The largest improvements tended to be observed for less common conditions. For more common conditions, HCWs in the control districts performed relatively well, thus limiting the scope to detect an overall impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02341469 ; First submitted August 272,014, posted January 19, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Sarrassat
- Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - James J Lewis
- Y Lab, the Public Services Innovation Lab for Wales, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Simon Cousens
- Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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22
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Nair MM, Mahajan R, Burza S, Zeegers MP. Behavioural interventions to address rational use of antibiotics in outpatient settings of low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:504-517. [PMID: 33452857 PMCID: PMC8248115 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To explore the current evidence on interventions to influence antibiotic prescribing behaviour of health professionals in outpatient settings in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries, an underrepresented area in the literature. Methods The systematic review protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020170504). We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for studies relating to antibiotic prescribing of health professionals in outpatient settings in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries. Behavioural interventions were classified as persuasive, enabling, restrictive, structural or bundle (mix of different interventions). In total, 3,514 abstracts were screened and 42 studies were selected for full‐text review, with 13 studies included in the final narrative synthesis. Results Of the 13 included studies, five were conducted in Vietnam, two in Sudan, two in Tanzania, two in India and two in Kenya. All studies were conducted in the outpatient or ambulatory setting: eight took place in primary health centres, two in private clinics and three in pharmacies. Our review found that enabling or educational interventions alone may not be sufficient to overcome the ingrained incentives to link revenue generation to sales of antibiotics, and hence, their inappropriate prescription or misuse. Bundle interventions appear to be very effective at changing prescription behaviour among healthcare providers, including drug sellers and pharmacists. Conclusions Multi‐faceted bundle interventions that combine regulation enforcement with face‐to‐face education and peer influence may be more effective than educational interventions alone at curbing inappropriate antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit M Nair
- Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Maurice P Zeegers
- Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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23
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Amoakoh HB, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Agyepong IA, Amoakoh-Coleman M, Kayode GA, Reitsma JB, Grobbee DE, Ansah EK. Can an mhealth clinical decision-making support system improve adherence to neonatal healthcare protocols in a low-resource setting? BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:534. [PMID: 33243172 PMCID: PMC7694934 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02378-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed health workers' adherence to neonatal health protocols before and during the implementation of a mobile health (mHealth) clinical decision-making support system (mCDMSS) that sought to bridge access to neonatal health protocol gap in a low-resource setting. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional document review within two purposively selected clusters (one poorly-resourced and one well-resourced), from each arm of a cluster-randomized trial at two different time points: before and during the trial. The total trial consisted of 16 clusters randomized into 8 intervention and 8 control clusters to assess the impact of an mCDMSS on neonatal mortality in Ghana. We evaluated health workers' adherence (expressed as percentages) to birth asphyxia, neonatal jaundice and cord sepsis protocols by reviewing medical records of neonatal in-patients using a checklist. Differences in adherence to neonatal health protocols within and between the study arms were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and permutation tests for each morbidity type. In addition, we tracked concurrent neonatal health improvement activities in the clusters during the 18-month intervention period. RESULTS In the intervention arm, mean adherence was 35.2% (SD = 5.8%) and 43.6% (SD = 27.5%) for asphyxia; 25.0% (SD = 14.8%) and 39.3% (SD = 27.7%) for jaundice; 52.0% (SD = 11.0%) and 75.0% (SD = 21.2%) for cord sepsis protocols in the pre-intervention and intervention periods respectively. In the control arm, mean adherence was 52.9% (SD = 16.4%) and 74.5% (SD = 14.7%) for asphyxia; 45.1% (SD = 12.8%) and 64.6% (SD = 8.2%) for jaundice; 53.8% (SD = 16.0%) and 60.8% (SD = 11.7%) for cord sepsis protocols in the pre-intervention and intervention periods respectively. We observed nonsignificant improvement in protocol adherence in the intervention clusters but significant improvement in protocol adherence in the control clusters. There were 2 concurrent neonatal health improvement activities in the intervention clusters and over 12 in the control clusters during the intervention period. CONCLUSION Whether mHealth interventions can improve adherence to neonatal health protocols in low-resource settings cannot be ascertained by this study. Neonatal health improvement activities are however likely to improve protocol adherence. Future mHealth evaluations of protocol adherence must account for other concurrent interventions in study contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Brown Amoakoh
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG13, Legon Accra, Ghana
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Irene Akua Agyepong
- Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Gbenga A. Kayode
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- International Research Centre of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - J. B. Reitsma
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Diederick E. Grobbee
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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24
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Jensen C, McKerrow NH, Wills G. Acceptability and uptake of an electronic decision-making tool to support the implementation of IMCI in primary healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Paediatr Int Child Health 2020; 40:215-226. [PMID: 31779539 DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2019.1697573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite progress in reducing child mortality, preventable child deaths remain a challenge in South Africa. Poor implementation of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines has been well described, and the reported barriers to implementation include a lack of user-friendly implementation tools. Aim: To investigate whether an electronic decision support tool to strengthen IMCI implementation is acceptable to nurses, clinic managers and caregivers at primary care facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: The electronic IMCI (eIMCI) software was tested in 15 health facilities in uMgungundlovu district from May to July 2018. System use was tracked and qualitative data obtained from three user groups. IMCI practitioners participated in questionnaires and focus groups, operational managers in in-depth interviews and caregivers in exit interviews. Results: Thirty-two IMCI practitioners, six operational managers and 30 caregivers were included. Acceptance was high among caregivers and operational managers, albeit less conclusive among IMCI practitioners whose eIMCI uptake indicated higher variability in acceptance than the qualitative reports. Despite suboptimal staff deployment after training and low baseline computer literacy levels, 3626 eIMCI records were captured across 12 sites over 14 weeks, with a median of 19 records per facility per week. Practitioners' indicators of self-efficacy improved significantly (p < 0.05) post-implementation compared to baseline. Seventy-six percent of caregivers reported a marked difference in experience compared to previous consultations, emphasising the comprehensiveness and efficiency of care. Conclusion: Uptake was promising and acceptance was good, with themes converging across participant groups to highlight improved comprehensiveness and efficiency of service. Limited computer literacy was the principal barrier to uptake. The next steps include incremental scale-up with stronger mentoring and supervision components and evaluations to assess the feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of eIMCI implementation. Abbreviations: CDSS: clinical decision support system; CHCs: community health centres; DoH: Department of Health; eIMCI: electronic IMCI; eHealth: electronic health; EHR: electronic health records; ICT: information and communication technology; IMCI: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness; OM: operational managers; PHCs: primary healthcare clinics; SA: South Africa; SSA: sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Jensen
- Health Systems Strengthening Unit, Health Systems Trust , Durban, South Africa
| | - Neil H McKerrow
- Paediatrics and Child Health, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban, South Africa
| | - Gabrielle Wills
- Research on Socio-Economic Policy, University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town, South Africa
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25
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Newton PN, Guerin PJ. Febrile illness mapping-much of the world without data and without evidence-based treatments. BMC Med 2020; 18:287. [PMID: 32958035 PMCID: PMC7502655 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01747-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Newton
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot-Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Philippe J Guerin
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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26
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Keitel K, Samaka J, Masimba J, Temba H, Said Z, Kagoro F, Mlaganile T, Sangu W, Genton B, D'Acremont V. Safety and Efficacy of C-reactive Protein-guided Antibiotic Use to Treat Acute Respiratory Infections in Tanzanian Children: A Planned Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial Evaluating a Novel Electronic Clinical Decision Algorithm (ePOCT). Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:1926-1934. [PMID: 30715250 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety and efficacy of using C-reactive protein (CRP) to decide on antibiotic prescription among febrile children at risk of pneumonia has not been tested. METHODS This was a randomized (1:1) controlled noninferiority trial in 9 primary care centers in Tanzania (substudy of the ePOCT trial evaluating a novel electronic decision algorithm). Children aged 2-59 months with fever and cough and without life-threatening conditions received an antibiotic based on a CRP-informed strategy (combination of CRP ≥80 mg/L plus age/temperature-corrected tachypnea and/or chest indrawing) or current World Health Organization standard (respiratory rate ≥50 breaths/minute). The primary outcome was clinical failure by day (D) 7; the secondary outcomes were antibiotic prescription at D0, secondary hospitalization, or death by D30. RESULTS A total of 1726 children were included (intervention: 868, control: 858; 0.7% lost to follow-up). The proportion of clinical failure by D7 was 2.9% (25/865) in the intervention arm vs 4.8% (41/854) in the control arm (risk difference, -1.9% [95% confidence interval {CI}, -3.7% to -.1%]; risk ratio [RR], 0.60 [95% CI, .37-.98]). Twenty of 865 (2.3%) children in the intervention arm vs 345 of 854 (40.4%) in the control arm received antibiotics at D0 (RR, 0.06 [95% CI, .04-.09]). There were fewer secondary hospitalizations and deaths in the CRP arm: 0.5% (4/865) vs 1.5% (13/854) (RR, 0.30 [95% CI, .10-.93]). CONCLUSIONS CRP testing using a cutoff of ≥80 mg/L, integrated into an electronic decision algorithm, was able to improve clinical outcome in children with respiratory infections while substantially reducing antibiotic prescription. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02225769.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Keitel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel.,Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Samaka
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Amana Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - John Masimba
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Zamzam Said
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Frank Kagoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Blaise Genton
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel.,Infectious Diseases Service, University Hospital Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valerie D'Acremont
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel.,Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University Hospital Lausanne, Switzerland
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27
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Hartley MA, Hofmann N, Keitel K, Kagoro F, Antunes Moniz C, Mlaganile T, Samaka J, Masimba J, Said Z, Temba H, Gonzalez I, Felger I, Genton B, D’Acremont V. Clinical relevance of low-density Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia in untreated febrile children: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003318. [PMID: 32956354 PMCID: PMC7505590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-density (LD) Plasmodium infections are missed by standard malaria rapid diagnostic tests (standard mRDT) when the blood antigen concentration is below the detection threshold. The clinical impact of these LD infections is unknown. This study investigates the clinical presentation and outcome of untreated febrile children with LD infections attending primary care facilities in a moderately endemic area of Tanzania. METHODS/FINDINGS This cohort study includes 2,801 febrile pediatric outpatients (median age 13.5 months [range 2-59], female:male ratio 0.8:1.0) recruited in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between 01 December 2014 and 28 February 2016. Treatment decisions were guided by a clinical decision support algorithm run on a mobile app, which also collected clinical data. Only standard mRDT+ cases received antimalarials. Outcomes (clinical failure, secondary hospitalization, and death) were collected in follow-up visits or interviews on days 3, 7, and 28. After patient recruitment had ended, frozen blood from all 2,801 patients was tested for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) by ultrasensitive-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), standard mRDT, and "ultrasensitive" mRDT. As the latter did not improve sensitivity beyond standard mRDT, it is hereafter excluded. Clinical features and outcomes in LD patients (standard mRDT-/ultrasensitive-qPCR+, not given antimalarials) were compared with those with no detectable (ND) parasitemia (standard mRDT-/ultrasensitive-qPCR-) or high-density (HD) infections (standard mRDT+/ultrasensitive-qPCR+, antimalarial-treated). Pf positivity rate was 7.1% (n = 199/2,801) and 9.8% (n = 274/2,801) by standard mRDT and ultrasensitive qPCR, respectively. Thus, 28.0% (n = 76/274) of ultrasensitive qPCR+ cases were not detected by standard mRDT and labeled "LD". LD patients were, on average, 10.6 months younger than those with HD infections (95% CI 7.0-14.3 months, p < 0.001). Compared with ND, LD patients more frequently had the diagnosis of undifferentiated fever of presumed viral origin (risk ratio [RR] = 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.1, p = 0.003) and were more often suffering from severe malnutrition (RR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-7.5, p = 0.03). Despite not receiving antimalarials, outcomes for the LD group did not differ from ND regarding clinical failures (2.6% [n = 2/76] versus 4.0% [n = 101/2,527], RR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.2-3.5, p = 0.7) or secondary hospitalizations (2.6% [n = 2/76] versus 2.8% [n = 72/2,527], RR = 0.7,95% CI 0.2-3.2, p = 0.9), and no deaths were reported in any Pf-positive groups. HD patients experienced more secondary hospitalizations (10.1% [n = 20/198], RR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-1.0, p = 0.005) than LD patients. All the patients in this cohort were febrile children; thus, the association between parasitemia and fever cannot be investigated, nor can the conclusions be extrapolated to neonates and adults. CONCLUSIONS During a 28-day follow-up period, we did not find evidence of a difference in negative outcomes between febrile children with untreated LD Pf parasitemia and those without Pf parasitemia. These findings suggest LD parasitemia may either be a self-resolving fever or an incidental finding in children with other infections, including those of viral origin. These findings do not support a clinical benefit nor additional risk (e.g. because of missed bacterial infections) to using ultrasensitive malaria diagnostics at a primary care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Anne Hartley
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne Switzerland
- EPFL, Machine Learning and Optimization Laboratory, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Hofmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Keitel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Kagoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Clara Antunes Moniz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tarsis Mlaganile
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Josephine Samaka
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- Amana hospital, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - John Masimba
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Zamzam Said
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Hosiana Temba
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Iveth Gonzalez
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ingrid Felger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Blaise Genton
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D’Acremont
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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28
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Data S, Mukama M, McMillan D, Singhal N, Bajunirwe F. First-step validation of a text message-based application for newborn clinical management among pediatricians. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:406. [PMID: 32854664 PMCID: PMC7450570 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02307-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal mortality is high in developing countries. Lack of adequate training and insufficient management skills for sick newborn care contribute to these deaths. We developed a phone application dubbed Protecting Infants Remotely by Short Message Service (PRISMS). The PRISMS application uses routine clinical assessments with algorithms to provide newborn clinical management suggestions. We measured the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of PRISMS by comparing its clinical case management suggestions with those of experienced pediatricians as the gold standard. METHODS Twelve different newborn case scenarios developed by pediatrics residents, based on real cases they had seen, were managed by pediatricians and PRISMS®. Each pediatrician was randomly assigned six of twelve cases. Pediatricians developed clinical case management plans for all assigned cases and then obtained PRISMS suggested clinical case managements. We calculated percent agreement and kappa (k) statistics to test the null hypothesis that pediatrician and PRISMS management plans were independent. RESULTS We found high level of agreement between pediatricians and PRISMS for components of newborn care including: 10% dextrose (Agreement = 73.8%), normal saline (Agreement = 73.8%), anticonvulsants (Agreement = 100%), blood transfusion (Agreement =81%), phototherapy (Agreement = 90.5%), and supplemental oxygen (agreement = 69.1%). However, we found poor agreement with potential investigations such as complete blood count, blood culture and lumbar puncture. PRISMS had a user satisfaction score of 3.8 out of 5 (range 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and an average PRISMS user experience score of 4.1 out of 5 (range 1 = very bad, 5 = very good). CONCLUSION Management plans for newborn care from PRISMS showed good agreement with management plans from experienced Pediatricians. We acknowledge that the level of agreement was low in some aspects of newborn care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santorino Data
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
- Consortium for Affordable Medical Technologies in Uganda, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Martin Mukama
- Consortium for Affordable Medical Technologies in Uganda, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Douglas McMillan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Nalini Singhal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Francis Bajunirwe
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Kiyasseh D, Zhu T, Clifton D. The Promise of Clinical Decision Support Systems Targetting Low-Resource Settings. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2020; 15:354-371. [PMID: 32813662 DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2020.3017868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Low-resource clinical settings are plagued by low physician-to-patient ratios and a shortage of high-quality medical expertise and infrastructure. Together, these phenomena lead to over-burdened healthcare systems that under-serve the needs of the community. Alleviating this burden can be undertaken by the introduction of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs); systems that support stakeholders (ranging from physicians to patients) within the clinical setting in their day-to-day activities. Such systems, which have proven to be effective in the developed world, remain to be under-explored in low-resource settings. This review attempts to summarize the research focused on clinical decision support systems that either target stakeholders within low-resource clinical settings or diseases commonly found in such environments. When categorizing our findings according to disease applications, we find that CDSSs are predominantly focused on dealing with bacterial infections and maternal care, do not leverage deep learning, and have not been evaluated prospectively. Together, these highlight the need for increased research in this domain in order to impact a diverse set of medical conditions and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
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Camacho J, Zanoletti-Mannello M, Landis-Lewis Z, Kane-Gill SL, Boyce RD. A Conceptual Framework to Study the Implementation of Clinical Decision Support Systems (BEAR): Literature Review and Concept Mapping. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18388. [PMID: 32759098 PMCID: PMC7441385 DOI: 10.2196/18388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The implementation of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) as an intervention to foster clinical practice change is affected by many factors. Key factors include those associated with behavioral change and those associated with technology acceptance. However, the literature regarding these subjects is fragmented and originates from two traditionally separate disciplines: implementation science and technology acceptance. Objective Our objective is to propose an integrated framework that bridges the gap between the behavioral change and technology acceptance aspects of the implementation of CDSSs. Methods We employed an iterative process to map constructs from four contributing frameworks—the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF); the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR); the Human, Organization, and Technology-fit framework (HOT-fit); and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)—and the findings of 10 literature reviews, identified through a systematic review of reviews approach. Results The resulting framework comprises 22 domains: agreement with the decision algorithm; attitudes; behavioral regulation; beliefs about capabilities; beliefs about consequences; contingencies; demographic characteristics; effort expectancy; emotions; environmental context and resources; goals; intentions; intervention characteristics; knowledge; memory, attention, and decision processes; patient–health professional relationship; patient’s preferences; performance expectancy; role and identity; skills, ability, and competence; social influences; and system quality. We demonstrate the use of the framework providing examples from two research projects. Conclusions We proposed BEAR (BEhavior and Acceptance fRamework), an integrated framework that bridges the gap between behavioral change and technology acceptance, thereby widening the view established by current models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhon Camacho
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,I&E Meaningful Research, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Zach Landis-Lewis
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sandra L Kane-Gill
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richard D Boyce
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Peiffer-Smadja N, Poda A, Ouedraogo AS, Guiard-Schmid JB, Delory T, Le Bel J, Bouvet E, Lariven S, Jeanmougin P, Ahmad R, Lescure FX. Paving the Way for the Implementation of a Decision Support System for Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care in West Africa: Preimplementation and Co-Design Workshop With Physicians. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17940. [PMID: 32442155 PMCID: PMC7400049 DOI: 10.2196/17940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Suboptimal use of antibiotics is a driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can assist prescribers with rapid access to up-to-date information. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the introduction of CDSS for antibiotic prescribing could have a measurable impact. However, interventions to implement them are challenging because of cultural and structural constraints, and their adoption and sustainability in routine clinical care are often limited. Preimplementation research is needed to ensure relevant adaptation and fit within the context of primary care in West Africa. Objective This study examined the requirements for a CDSS adapted to the context of primary care in West Africa, to analyze the barriers and facilitators of its implementation and adaptation, and to ensure co-designed solutions for its adaptation and sustainable use. Methods We organized a workshop in Burkina Faso in June 2019 with 47 health care professionals representing 9 West African countries and 6 medical specialties. The workshop began with a presentation of Antibioclic, a publicly funded CDSS for antibiotic prescribing in primary care that provides personalized antibiotic recommendations for 37 infectious diseases. Antibioclic is freely available on the web and as a smartphone app (iOS, Android). The presentation was followed by a roundtable discussion and completion of a questionnaire with open-ended questions by participants. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Most of the participants had access to a smartphone during their clinical consultations (35/47, 74%), but only 49% (23/47) had access to a computer and none used CDSS for antibiotic prescribing. The participants considered that CDSS could have a number of benefits including updating the knowledge of practitioners on antibiotic prescribing, improving clinical care and reducing AMR, encouraging the establishment of national guidelines, and developing surveillance capabilities in primary care. The most frequently mentioned contextual barrier to implementing a CDSS was the potential risk of increasing self-medication in West Africa, where antibiotics can be bought without a prescription. The need for the CDSS to be tailored to the local epidemiology of infectious diseases and AMR was highlighted along with the availability of diagnostic tests and antibiotics using national guidelines where available. Participants endorsed co-design involving all stakeholders, including nurses, midwives, and pharmacists, as central to any introduction of CDSS. A phased approach was suggested by initiating and evaluating CDSS at a pilot site, followed by dissemination using professional networks and social media. The lack of widespread internet access and computers could be circumvented by a mobile app with an offline mode. Conclusions Our study provides valuable information for the development and implementation of a CDSS for antibiotic prescribing among primary care prescribers in LMICs and may, in turn, contribute to improving antibiotic use, clinical outcomes and decreasing AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Peiffer-Smadja
- Infection Antimicrobials Modelling Evolution (IAME), UMR 1137, University of Paris, French Institute for Medical Research (INSERM), Paris, France.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Infectious Diseases Department, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Armel Poda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Souro Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Service de Bactériologie Virologie, University Hospital Souro Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Tristan Delory
- Antibioclic, Paris, France.,Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, French Institute for Medical Research (INSERM), Paris, France.,Innovation and Clinical Research Unit, Annecy-Genevois Hospital, Épagny Metz-Tessy, France
| | - Josselin Le Bel
- Antibioclic, Paris, France.,Department of General Practice, Université Paris Diderot, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Bouvet
- Infectious Diseases Department, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Antibioclic, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Lariven
- Infectious Diseases Department, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Antibioclic, Paris, France
| | | | - Raheelah Ahmad
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - François-Xavier Lescure
- Infection Antimicrobials Modelling Evolution (IAME), UMR 1137, University of Paris, French Institute for Medical Research (INSERM), Paris, France.,Infectious Diseases Department, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Antibioclic, Paris, France
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Hall JW, Bouchard J, Bookstaver PB, Haldeman MS, Kishimbo P, Mbwanji G, Mwakyula I, Mwasomola D, Seddon M, Shaffer M, Shealy SC, Nsojo A. The Mbeya Antimicrobial Stewardship Team: Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship at a Zonal-Level Hospital in Southern Tanzania. PHARMACY 2020; 8:pharmacy8020107. [PMID: 32599699 PMCID: PMC7356184 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In 2017, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH) and the University of South Carolina (UofSC) agreed to collaboratively strengthen antimicrobial prescribing in the southern highlands of Tanzania and train a new generation of clinicians in responsible antimicrobial use. Methods: Key stakeholders and participants were identified and the Mbeya Antimicrobial Stewardship Team (MAST) was created. The team identified assets brought by the collaborators, and four investigations of baseline needs were developed. These investigations included (a) a baseline clinician survey regarding antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, (b) a serial chart review of inpatient antimicrobial prescribing practices, (c) an investigation of antimicrobial resistance rates using existing isolates at the MZRH laboratory, and (d) a survey of antimicrobial availability at community pharmacies in the city. Results: 91% of physicians believe antimicrobial resistance is problem in Tanzania, although only 29% of physicians were familiar with the term “antimicrobial stewardship”. Escherichia coli isolates had resistance rates of over 60% to the commonly used agents ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ceftriaxone. Thirteen out of 14 community pharmacies offered over-the-counter antibiotics for upper respiratory symptoms. Conclusions: International antimicrobial stewardship collaborations can successfully identify opportunities and needs. Evaluating the team’s efforts to improve patient outcomes will be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W. Hall
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209 USA; (M.S.H.); (M.S.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (J.B.); (P.B.B.); (S.C.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jeannette Bouchard
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (J.B.); (P.B.B.); (S.C.S.)
| | - P. Brandon Bookstaver
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (J.B.); (P.B.B.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Matthew S. Haldeman
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209 USA; (M.S.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Peter Kishimbo
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Mbeya PO Box 419, Tanzania; (P.K.); (G.M.); (I.M.); (D.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Godlove Mbwanji
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Mbeya PO Box 419, Tanzania; (P.K.); (G.M.); (I.M.); (D.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Issakwisa Mwakyula
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Mbeya PO Box 419, Tanzania; (P.K.); (G.M.); (I.M.); (D.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Davance Mwasomola
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Mbeya PO Box 419, Tanzania; (P.K.); (G.M.); (I.M.); (D.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Megan Seddon
- Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA;
| | - Mark Shaffer
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209 USA; (M.S.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Stephanie C. Shealy
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (J.B.); (P.B.B.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Anthony Nsojo
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Mbeya PO Box 419, Tanzania; (P.K.); (G.M.); (I.M.); (D.M.); (A.N.)
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Akpan MR, Isemin NU, Udoh AE, Ashiru-Oredope D. Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in African countries: a systematic literature review. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2020; 22:317-324. [PMID: 32247077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the strategic objectives of the WHO global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. This paper sought to review the extent of implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in African countries and the reported outcomes. METHODS We searched five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library, African Journal Online, CINAHL and Google scholar for papers published between 1990 and March 2019. We combined the names of countries in the five regions of Africa with antimicrobial stewardship terms. Studies of any design, employing any stewardship strategies were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) quality assessment tool for before and after studies. RESULTS Of 1752 titles identified, 13 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Seven of the studies were conducted in South Africa, three in Kenya and one each in Sudan, Tanzania and Egypt. Eleven studies were of high quality with low risk of bias. The included studies mainly assessed the outcome using process measures and these were associated with improved compliance with antibiotic guidelines, appropriateness of prescribing, reduction in antibiotic use and cost savings. Decrease in rate of surgical site infections and nonsignificant change in mortality and 30-day readmission rate were reported in two studies respectively. CONCLUSION Findings of this review show the paucity of data on implementation of ASPs in African countries. Although the continent is faced with challenges which impact on effective implementation of ASPs, the successes reported in the included studies show that other African countries can implement these programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Richard Akpan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
| | - Nsisong Udom Isemin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
| | - Arit Esio Udoh
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Diane Ashiru-Oredope
- Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy, Public Health England, London, NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom.
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Vasudevan L, Schroeder K, Raveendran Y, Goel K, Makarushka C, Masalu N, Zullig LL. Using digital health to facilitate compliance with standardized pediatric cancer treatment guidelines in Tanzania: protocol for an early-stage effectiveness-implementation hybrid study. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:254. [PMID: 32223740 PMCID: PMC7104518 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-6611-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In high-income countries (HICs), increased rates of survival among pediatric cancer patients are achieved through the use of protocol-driven treatment. Compared to HICs, differences in infrastructure, supportive care, and human resources, make compliance with protocol-driven treatment challenging in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). For successful implementation of protocol-driven treatment, treatment protocols must be resource-adapted for the LMIC context, and additional supportive tools must be developed to promote protocol compliance. In Tanzania, an LMIC where resource-adapted treatment protocols are available, digital health applications could promote protocol compliance through incorporation of systematic decision support algorithms, reminders and alerts related to patient visits, and up-to-date data for care coordination. However, evidence on the use of digital health applications in improving compliance with protocol-driven treatment for pediatric cancer is limited. This study protocol describes the development and evaluation of a digital health application, called mNavigator, to facilitate compliance with protocol-driven treatment for pediatric cancer in Tanzania. Methods mNavigator is a digital case management system that incorporates nationally-approved and resource-adapted treatment protocols for two pediatric cancers in Tanzania, Burkitt lymphoma and retinoblastoma. mNavigator is developed from an open-source digital health platform, called CommCare, and guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. From July 2019–July 2020 at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, all new pediatric cancer patients will be registered and managed using mNavigator as the new standard of care for patient intake and outcome assessment. Pediatric cancer patients with a clinical diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma or retinoblastoma will be approached for participation in the study evaluating mNavigator. mNavigator users will document pre-treatment and treatment details for study participants using digital forms and checklists that facilitate compliance with protocol-driven treatment. Compliance with treatment protocols using mNavigator will be compared to historical compliance rates as the primary outcome. Throughout the implementation period, we will document factors that facilitate or inhibit mNavigator implementation. Discussion Study findings will inform implementation and scale up of mNavigator in tertiary pediatric cancer facilities in Tanzania, with the goal of facilitating protocol-driven treatment. Trial registration The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03677128) on September 19, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Vasudevan
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke School of Medicine, 2200 W. Main Street, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Kristin Schroeder
- Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Bugando Medical Centre, Wurtzburg Road, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Kunal Goel
- Duke School of Medicine, 8 Searle Center Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Christina Makarushka
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke School of Medicine, 2200 W. Main Street, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Nestory Masalu
- Bugando Medical Centre, Wurtzburg Road, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Leah L Zullig
- Department of Population Health Sciences, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.,Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
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35
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Pellé KG, Rambaud-Althaus C, D'Acremont V, Moran G, Sampath R, Katz Z, Moussy FG, Mehl GL, Dittrich S. Electronic clinical decision support algorithms incorporating point-of-care diagnostic tests in low-resource settings: a target product profile. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e002067. [PMID: 32181003 PMCID: PMC7050342 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-002067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Health workers in low-resource settings often lack the support and tools to follow evidence-based clinical recommendations for diagnosing, treating and managing sick patients. Digital technologies, by combining patient health information and point-of-care diagnostics with evidence-based clinical protocols, can help improve the quality of care and the rational use of resources, and save patient lives. A growing number of electronic clinical decision support algorithms (CDSAs) on mobile devices are being developed and piloted without evidence of safety or impact. Here, we present a target product profile (TPP) for CDSAs aimed at guiding preventive or curative consultations in low-resource settings. This document will help align developer and implementer processes and product specifications with the needs of end users, in terms of quality, safety, performance and operational functionality. To identify the characteristics of CDSAs, a multidisciplinary group of experts (academia, industry and policy makers) with expertise in diagnostic and CDSA development and implementation in low-income and middle-income countries were convened to discuss a draft TPP. The TPP was finalised through a Delphi process to facilitate consensus building. An agreement greater than 75% was reached for all 40 TPP characteristics. In general, experts were in overwhelming agreement that, given that CDSAs provide patient management recommendations, the underlying clinical algorithms should be human-interpretable and evidence-based. Whenever possible, the algorithm’s patient management output should take into account pretest disease probabilities and likelihood ratios of clinical and diagnostic predictors. In addition, validation processes should at a minimum show that CDSAs are implementing faithfully the evidence they are based on, and ideally the impact on patient health outcomes. In terms of operational needs, CDSAs should be designed to fit within clinic workflows and function in connectivity-challenged and high-volume settings. Data collected through the tool should conform to local patient privacy regulations and international data standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karell G Pellé
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gretchen Moran
- Clinical and Laboratory Informatics, eHealth Africa, Kano, Nigeria
| | | | - Zachary Katz
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francis G Moussy
- Department of Essential Medicines and Health Products, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Garrett Livingston Mehl
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
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36
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Laxminarayan R, Van Boeckel T, Frost I, Kariuki S, Khan EA, Limmathurotsakul D, Larsson DGJ, Levy-Hara G, Mendelson M, Outterson K, Peacock SJ, Zhu YG. The Lancet Infectious Diseases Commission on antimicrobial resistance: 6 years later. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 20:e51-e60. [PMID: 32059790 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In 2013, a Lancet Infectious Diseases Commission described the state of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Since then, greater awareness of the public health ramifications of antimicrobial resistance has led to national actions and global initiatives, including a resolution at the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly in 2016. Progress in addressing this issue has ranged from a ban on irrational drug combinations in India to commitments to ban colistin as a growth promoter in animals, improve hospital infection control, and implement better antimicrobial stewardship. Funds have been mobilised, and regulatory barriers to new antibiotic development have been relaxed. These efforts have been episodic and uneven across countries, however. Sustained funding for antimicrobial resistance and globally harmonised targets to monitor progress are still urgently needed. Except for in a few leading countries, antimicrobial resistance has not captured the sustained focus of national leaders and country-level actors, including care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramanan Laxminarayan
- Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, New Delhi, India; Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Thomas Van Boeckel
- Institute for Environmental Decisions, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Frost
- Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, New Delhi, India; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | - Ejaz Ahmed Khan
- Shifa International Hospital, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - D G Joakim Larsson
- Institute for Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Levy-Hara
- Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Carlos G Durand, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marc Mendelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Fink G, D'Acremont V, Leslie HH, Cohen J. Antibiotic exposure among children younger than 5 years in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study of nationally representative facility-based and household-based surveys. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 20:179-187. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30572-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Bernasconi A, Crabbé F, Adedeji AM, Bello A, Schmitz T, Landi M, Rossi R. Results from one-year use of an electronic Clinical Decision Support System in a post-conflict context: An implementation research. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225634. [PMID: 31790448 PMCID: PMC6886837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency introduced ALMANACH, an electronic clinical decision support system based on a modified version of IMCI. The target area was the Federal State of Adamawa (Nigeria), a region recovering after the Boko Haram insurgency. The aim of this implementation research was to assess the improvement in terms of quality care offered after one year of utilization of the tool. METHODS We carried out two cross-sectional studies in six Primary Health Care Centres to assess the improvements in comparison with the baseline carried out before the implementation. One survey was carried out inside the consultation room and was based on the direct observation of 235 consultations of children aged from 2 to 59 months old. The second survey questioned 189 caregivers outside the health facility for their opinion about the consultation carried out through using the tablet, the prescriptions and medications given. RESULTS In comparison with the baseline, more children were checked for danger signs (60.0% vs. 37.1% at baseline) and in addition, children were actually weighed (61.1% vs. 27.7%) during consultation. Malnutrition screening was performed in 35.1% of children (vs. 12.1%). Through ALMANACH, also performance of preventive measures was significantly improved (p<0.01): vaccination status was checked in 39.8% of cases (vs. 10.6% at baseline), and deworming and vitamin A prescription was increased to 46.5% (vs. 0.7%) and 48.3% (vs. 2.8%) respectively. Furthermore, children received a complete physical examination (58.3% vs. 45.5%, p<0.01) and correct treatment (48.4% vs. 29.5%, p<0.01). Regarding antibiotic prescription, 69.3% patients received at least one antibiotic (baseline 77.7%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight major improvements in terms of quality of care despite many questions still pending to be answered in relation to a full integration of the tool in the Adamawa health system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francois Crabbé
- HTTU, Swiss TPH, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Attahiru Bello
- Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Adamawa, Nigeria
| | - Torsten Schmitz
- HTTU, Swiss TPH, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Mather RG, Hopkins H, Parry CM, Dittrich S. Redefining typhoid diagnosis: what would an improved test need to look like? BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001831. [PMID: 31749999 PMCID: PMC6830052 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Typhoid fever is one of the most common bacterial causes of acute febrile illness in the developing world, with an estimated 10.9 million new cases and 116.8 thousand deaths in 2017. Typhoid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests are widely used but have poor sensitivity and specificity, resulting in antibiotic overuse that has led to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains. With recent advances in typhoid surveillance and detection, this is the ideal time to produce a target product profile (TPP) that guides product development and ensure that a next-generation test meets the needs of users in the resource-limited settings where typhoid is endemic. METHODS A structured literature review was conducted to develop a draft TPP for a next-generation typhoid diagnostic test with minimal and optimal desired characteristics for 36 test parameters. The TPP was refined using feedback collected from a Delphi survey of key stakeholders in clinical medicine, microbiology, diagnostics and public and global health. RESULTS A next-generation typhoid diagnostic test should improve patient management through the diagnosis and treatment of infection with acute Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi or Paratyphi with a sensitivity ≥90% and specificity ≥95%. The test would ideally be used at the lowest level of the healthcare system in settings without a reliable power or water supply and provide results in <15 min at a cost of CONCLUSION This report outlines the first comprehensive TPP for typhoid fever and is intended to guide the development of a next-generation typhoid diagnostic test. An accurate POC test will reduce the morbidity and mortality of typhoid fever through rapid diagnosis and treatment and will have the greatest impact in reducing antimicrobial resistance if it is combined with diagnostics for other causes of acute febrile illness in a treatment algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Mather
- Malaria and Fever Program, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Heidi Hopkins
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christopher M Parry
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Malaria and Fever Program, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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40
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Keitel K, Kilowoko M, Kyungu E, Genton B, D'Acremont V. Performance of prediction rules and guidelines in detecting serious bacterial infections among Tanzanian febrile children. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:769. [PMID: 31481123 PMCID: PMC6724300 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health-workers in developing countries rely on clinical algorithms, such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI), for the management of patients, including diagnosis of serious bacterial infections (SBI). The diagnostic accuracy of IMCI in detecting children with SBI is unknown. Prediction rules and guidelines for SBI from well-resourced countries at outpatient level may help to improve current guidelines; however, their diagnostic performance has not been evaluated in resource-limited countries, where clinical conditions, access to care, and diagnostic capacity differ. The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of existing prediction rules and clinical guidelines in identifying children with SBI in a cohort of febrile children attending outpatient health facilities in Tanzania. Methods Structured literature review to identify available prediction rules and guidelines aimed at detecting SBI and retrospective, external validation on a dataset containing 1005 febrile Tanzanian children with acute infections. The reference standard, SBI, was established based on rigorous clinical and microbiological criteria. Results Four prediction rules and five guidelines, including IMCI, could be validated. All examined rules and guidelines had insufficient diagnostic accuracy for ruling-in or ruling-out SBI with positive and negative likelihood ratios ranging from 1.04–1.87 to 0.47–0.92, respectively. IMCI had a sensitivity of 36.7% (95% CI 29.4–44.6%) at a specificity of 70.3% (67.1–73.4%). Rules that use a combination of clinical and laboratory testing had better performance compared to rules and guidelines using only clinical and or laboratory elements. Conclusions Currently applied guidelines for managing children with febrile illness have insufficient diagnostic accuracy in detecting children with SBI. Revised clinical algorithms including simple point-of-care tests with improved accuracy for detecting SBI targeting in tropical resource-poor settings are needed. They should undergo careful external validation against clinical outcome before implementation, given the inherent limitations of gold standards for SBI. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4371-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Keitel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | - Esther Kyungu
- Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Blaise Genton
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Infectious Diseases Service, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Amoakoh HB, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Agyepong IA, Zuithoff NP, Amoakoh-Coleman M, Kayode GA, Sarpong C, Reitsma JB, Grobbee DE, Ansah EK. The effect of an mHealth clinical decision-making support system on neonatal mortality in a low resource setting: A cluster-randomized controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine 2019; 12:31-42. [PMID: 31388661 PMCID: PMC6677648 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MHealth interventions promise to bridge gaps in clinical care but documentation of their effectiveness is limited. We evaluated the utilization and effect of an mhealth clinical decision-making support intervention that aimed to improve neonatal mortality in Ghana by providing access to emergency neonatal protocols for frontline health workers. METHODS In the Eastern Region of Ghana, sixteen districts were randomized into two study arms (8 intervention and 8 control clusters) in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Institutional neonatal mortality data were extracted from the District Health Information System-2 during an 18-month intervention period. We performed an intention-to-treat analysis and estimated the effect of the intervention on institutional neonatal mortality (primary outcome measure) using grouped binomial logistic regression with a random intercept per cluster. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02468310 ) and Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR20151200109073). FINDINGS There were 65,831 institutional deliveries and 348 institutional neonatal deaths during the study period. Overall, 47 ∙ 3% of deliveries and 56 ∙ 9% of neonatal deaths occurred in the intervention arm. During the intervention period, neonatal deaths increased from 4 ∙ 5 to 6 ∙ 4 deaths and, from 3 ∙ 9 to 4 ∙ 3 deaths per 1000 deliveries in the intervention arm and control arm respectively. The odds of neonatal death was 2⋅09 (95% CI (1 ∙ 00;4 ∙ 38); p = 0 ∙ 051) times higher in the intervention arm compared to the control arm (adjusted odds ratio). The correlation between the number of protocol requests and the number of deliveries per intervention cluster was 0 ∙ 71 (p = 0 ∙ 05). INTERPRETATION The higher risk of institutional neonatal death observed in intervention clusters may be due to problems with birth and death registration, unmeasured and unadjusted confounding, and unintended use of the intervention. The findings underpin the need for careful and rigorous evaluation of mHealth intervention implementation and effects. FUNDING Netherlands Foundation for Scientific Research - WOTRO, Science for Global Development; Utrecht University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Brown Amoakoh
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht the Netherlands
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Nicolaas P.A. Zuithoff
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht the Netherlands
| | | | - Gbenga A. Kayode
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht the Netherlands
- International Research Centre of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Charity Sarpong
- Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Services, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Johannes B. Reitsma
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - Diederick E. Grobbee
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht the Netherlands
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Kesteman T, Ghassani A, Hajjar C, Picot V, Osman M, Alnajjar Z, Komurian-Pradel F, Messaoudi M, Pouzol S, Soulaiman HG, Vanhems P, Ramilo O, Karam-Sarkis D, Najjar-Pellet J, Hamze M, Endtz H. Investigating Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL): A study protocol. Gates Open Res 2019; 2:19. [PMID: 33103065 PMCID: PMC7569241 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12811.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a leading cause of mortality, mainly affects children in developing countries. The harsh circumstances experienced by refugees include various factors associated with respiratory pathogen transmission, and clinical progression of CAP. Consequently, the etiology of CAP in humanitarian crisis situations may differ to that of settled populations, which would impact appropriate case management. Therefore, the Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL) study was initiated with the objective of identifying the causal pathogenic microorganisms in the respiratory tract of children and adults from both the refugee and host country population presenting with signs of CAP during a humanitarian crisis. Methods: PEARL, a prospective, multicentric, case-control study, will be conducted at four primary healthcare facilities in Tripoli and the Bekaa valley over 15 months (including two high-transmission seasons/winters). Sociodemographic and medical data, and biological samples will be collected from at least 600 CAP cases and 600 controls. Nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, urine and blood samples will be analyzed at five clinical pathology laboratories in Lebanon to identify the bacterial and viral etiological agents of CAP. Transcriptomic profiling of host leukocytes will be performed. Conclusions: PEARL is an original observational study that will provide important new information on the etiology of pneumonia among refugees, which may improve case management, help design antimicrobial stewardship interventions, and reduce morbidity and mortality due to CAP in a humanitarian crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Crystel Hajjar
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Marwan Osman
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Philippe Vanhems
- Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69002, France
| | - Octavio Ramilo
- Nationwide Childrens' Hospital and the Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Dolla Karam-Sarkis
- Laboratoire des Agents Pathogènes, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon.,Laboratoire Rodolphe Mérieux, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Hubert Endtz
- Fondation Mérieux, Lyon, 69002, France.,Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Narayanan M. New technologies in microbiology and their potential impact on paediatric practice. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:513-517. [PMID: 30154181 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manjusha Narayanan
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Prevention and Control, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
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44
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Bessat C, Zonon NA, D'Acremont V. Large-scale implementation of electronic Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (eIMCI) at the primary care level in Burkina Faso: a qualitative study on health worker perception of its medical content, usability and impact on antibiotic prescription and resistance. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:449. [PMID: 31035968 PMCID: PMC6489291 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6692-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electronic clinical decision algorithms (eCDAs) that guide clinicians during patient management are being deployed in resource-limited settings to improve the quality of care and rational use of medicines (especially antimicrobials). Little is known on how local clinicians perceive the use and impact of these tools in their daily practice. This study investigates clinician insights on an eIMCI tool. Specifically, we report their views on its medical content, assess their knowledge on microbes, antimicrobials and the development of resistance. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in the frame of a large-scale implementation in Burkina Faso of an eIMCI tool developed by the Swiss NGO Terre des hommes. Twelve in-depth interviews and 2 focus-group discussions were conducted including 21 health workers from 10 primary care facilities. Emerging themes were identified using qualitative data analysis software. Results eIMCI users expressed a high level of satisfaction, slowness of the tablet was perceived as the major inconvenience limiting uptake. Several frequent illnesses were identified as missing in the algorithm along with guidance for fever without focus. When asked about existing types of microbes, 9 and 4 out of 21 participants could mention bacteria and virus respectively; only 5 correctly answered that antibiotics had no action on viral disease and 6 mentioned the risk of antibiotic resistance. Level of knowledge was higher in nurses than in less trained health workers. The tool was perceived as improving patient management and the rational use of antibiotics. Positive changes in health facility organisation were reported, such as task shifting and improved triage. eIMCI was also perceived as a learning tool, and users expressed a strong desire to expand the geographic and temporal scope of the intervention. Conclusion The use of eICMI was widely accepted and perceived as a powerful tool guiding daily practice. Findings suggest that it has positive effects on the health care system beyond the quality of consultation. To support large uptake and sustainability, better training of health workers in infectiology is essential and the medical content of eIMCI should be optimized to include frequent diseases and, for each of them, the appropriate management plan. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6692-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Bessat
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | | | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Lausanne, Switzerland
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People Welcomed This Innovation with Two Hands: A Qualitative Report of an mHealth Intervention for Community Case Management in Malawi. Ann Glob Health 2019; 85. [PMID: 31025838 PMCID: PMC6634480 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community Case Management (CCM) aims to improve health outcomes among children under five with malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia, but its effectiveness in Malawi is limited by inconsistent standards of delivery characteristic of paper-based interventions. This may lead to negative impacts on child health outcomes and inefficient use of health system resources. This study evaluated the acceptability and impact of the Supporting LIFE Community Case Management App (SL eCCM App) by Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) and caregivers in two districts of Northern Malawi. METHODS Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with HSAs and caregivers as part of a nested study within a larger trial. We used deductive and inductive approaches during data analysis. Relevant constructs were identified from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and combined with emerging concepts from the data. The Framework Method was used to chart and explore data, leading to the development of themes. RESULTS Seventeen HSAs and 28 caregivers were interviewed. Participants were generally enthusiastic about the SL eCCM App. Nearly all HSAs expressed a preference for the App over routine paper-based CCM. Most HSAs claimed the App was more reliable and less error prone, facilitated more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations, and enhanced professional confidence and respect in the community. Some HSAs believed additional features would improve usability of the App, others identified mobile network or electricity shortages as barriers. Not all caregivers understood the purpose of the App, but most welcomed it as a health and technological advancement. CONCLUSION The SL eCCM App is acceptable to both HSAs and caregivers, and in most cases, preferred, as it was believed to foster improvements in CCM delivery. Our findings suggest that mobile health interventions for CCM, such as the SL eCCM App, may have potential to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of care to children under five.
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Wilkinson A, Ebata A, MacGregor H. Interventions to Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing in LMICs: A Scoping Review of Evidence from Human and Animal Health Systems. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018; 8:antibiotics8010002. [PMID: 30583566 PMCID: PMC6466578 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This review identifies evidence on supply-side interventions to change the practices of antibiotic prescribers and gatekeepers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A total of 102 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 70 studies evaluated interventions and 32 provided insight into prescribing contexts. All intervention studies were from human healthcare settings, none were from animal health. Only one context study examined antibiotic use in animal health. The evidence base is uneven, with the strongest evidence on knowledge and stewardship interventions. The review found that multiplex interventions that combine different strategies to influence behaviour tend to have a higher success rate than interventions based on single strategies. Evidence on prescribing contexts highlights interacting influences including health system quality, education, perceptions of patient demand, bureaucratic processes, profit, competition, and cultures of care. Most interventions took place within one health setting. Very few studies targeted interventions across different kinds of providers and settings. Interventions in hospitals were the most commonly evaluated. There is much less evidence on private and informal private providers who play a major role in drug distribution in LMICs. There were no interventions involving drug detailers or the pharmaceutical companies despite their prominent role in the contextual studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Wilkinson
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 NRE, UK.
| | - Ayako Ebata
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 NRE, UK.
| | - Hayley MacGregor
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 NRE, UK.
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Mitsakakis K, D'Acremont V, Hin S, von Stetten F, Zengerle R. Diagnostic tools for tackling febrile illness and enhancing patient management. MICROELECTRONIC ENGINEERING 2018; 201:26-59. [PMID: 32287568 PMCID: PMC7114275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mee.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Most patients with acute infectious diseases develop fever, which is frequently a reason to visit health facilities in resource-limited settings. The symptomatic overlap between febrile diseases impedes their diagnosis on clinical grounds. Therefore, the World Health Organization promotes an integrated management of febrile illness. Along this line, we present an overview of endemic and epidemic etiologies of fever and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools used in the field. It becomes evident that there is an urgent need for the development of novel technologies to fulfill end-users' requirements. This need can be met with point-of-care and near-patient diagnostic platforms, as well as e-Health clinical algorithms, which co-assess test results with key clinical elements and biosensors, assisting clinicians in patient triage and management, thus enhancing disease surveillance and outbreak alerts. This review gives an overview of diagnostic technologies featuring a platform based approach: (i) assay (nucleic acid amplification technologies are examined); (ii) cartridge (microfluidic technologies are presented); (iii) instrument (various detection technologies are discussed); and at the end proposes a way that such technologies can be interfaced with electronic clinical decision-making algorithms towards a broad and complete diagnostic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Mitsakakis
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Hin
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS – Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Bernasconi A, Crabbé F, Raab M, Rossi R. Can the use of digital algorithms improve quality care? An example from Afghanistan. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207233. [PMID: 30475833 PMCID: PMC6261034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of care is a difficult parameter to measure. With the introduction of digital algorithms based on the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), we are interested to understand if the adherence to the guidelines improved for a better quality of care for children under 5 years old. METHODS More than one year after the introduction of digital algorithms, we carried out two cross sectional studies to assess the improvements in comparison with the situation prior to the implementation of the project, in two Basic Health Centres in Kabul province. One survey was carried out inside the consultation room and was based on the direct observation of 181 consultations of children aged 2 months to 5 years old, using a checklist completed by a senior physicians. The second survey queried 181 caretakers of children outside the health facility for their opinion about the consultation carried out through the tablet and prescriptions and medications given. RESULTS We measured the quality of care as adherence to the IMCI's guidelines. The study evaluated the quality of the physical examination and the therapies prescribed with a special attention to antibiotic prescription. We noticed a dramatic improvement (p<0.05) of several indicators following the introduction of digital algorithms. The baseline physical examination was appropriate only for 23.8% [IC% 19.9-28.1] of the patients, 34.5% [IC% 30.0-39.2] received a correct treatment and 86.1% [IC% 82.4-89.2] received at least one antibiotic. With the introduction of digital algorithms, these indicators statistically improved respectively to 84.0% [IC% 77.9-88.6], >85% and less than 30%. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that digital algorithms improve quality of care by applying the guidelines more effectively. Our experience should encourage to test this tool in different settings and to scale up its use at province/state level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bernasconi
- Swiss TPH, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - François Crabbé
- Swiss TPH, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Raab
- Swiss TPH, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- PHC programs, International Committee of the Red Cross, Genève, Switzerland
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Chirambo GB, Hardy VE, Heavin C, O'Connor Y, O'Donoghue J, Mastellos N, Tran T, Hsieh J, Wu JTS, Carlsson S, Andersson B, Muula AS, Thompson M. Perceptions of a mobile health intervention for Community Case Management in Malawi: Opportunities and challenges for Health Surveillance Assistants in a community setting. Malawi Med J 2018; 30:6-12. [PMID: 29868152 PMCID: PMC5974379 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v30i1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved availability of mobile phones in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) offer an opportunity to improve delivery of Community Case Management (CCM). Despite enthusiasm for introducing mHealth into healthcare across LMICs, end-user attitudes towards mHealth solutions for CCM are limited. We aimed to explore Health Surveillance Assistants' (HSAs) perceptions of the Supporting LIFE electronic CCM Application (SL eCCM App) and their experiences incorporating it as part of their clinical practice. Methods This exploratory qualitative study was part of a mixed methods feasibility study investigating whether children under-5 presenting to village clinics could be followed-up to collect patient outcome data. The convenience sample of 12 HSAs enrolled into the feasibility study participated in semi-structured interviews, which were conducted at village clinics after HSAs had field-tested the SL eCCM App over a 10-day period. Interviews explored HSAs perceptions of the SL eCCM App and their experiences in using the App in addition to paper CCM to assess and treat acutely unwell children. Open coding was used to label emerging concepts, which were iteratively defined and developed into six key themes. Results HSAs' perceived enhanced clinical decision-making, quality of CCM delivery, and work efficiency as opportunities associated with using the SL eCCM App. HSAs believed the inability to retrieve patient records,, cumbersome duplicate assessments/data entry study procedures, and inconsistencies between the SL eCCM App and paper-based CCM guidelines as challenges to implementation. Adding features to the App, such as, permitting communication between colleagues/supervisors, drug stock-out reporting, and community assessments, were identified as potentially supporting HSAs' many roles in the community. Conclusion This study identified opportunities and challenges associated with using the SL eCCM App in Malawi. This information can be used to inform future development and evaluation of the SL eCCM App, and similar mHealth solutions for CCM in Malawi and other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griphin Baxter Chirambo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mzuzu University, Private Bag 201, Luwinga, Mzuzu, Malawi.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Victoria E Hardy
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ciara Heavin
- Health Information Systems Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Yvonne O'Connor
- Health Information Systems Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John O'Donoghue
- Global eHealth Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolaos Mastellos
- Global eHealth Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tammy Tran
- Global eHealth Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jenny Hsieh
- Luke International (LIN), Malawi Office, P.O. Box 1088, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | | | - Sven Carlsson
- Department of Informatics, Lund University School of Economics and Management, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bo Andersson
- Department of Informatics, Lund University School of Economics and Management, Lund, Sweden
| | - Adamson S Muula
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Africa Center of Excellence in Public Health and Herbal Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Matthew Thompson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Electronic clinical decision algorithms for the integrated primary care management of febrile children in low-resource settings: review of existing tools. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24:845-855. [PMID: 29684634 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of effective, integrated diagnostic tools poses a major challenge to the primary care management of febrile childhood illnesses. These limitations are especially evident in low-resource settings and are often inappropriately compensated by antimicrobial overprescription. Electronic clinical decision algorithms (eCDAs) have the potential to close these gaps by guiding antibiotic use and better identifying serious disease. AIMS This narrative review summarizes existing eCDAs, to provide an overview of their degree of validation and to identify gaps in current knowledge and prospects for future innovation. SOURCES Structured literature review in PubMed and Embase complemented by Google search and contact with developers. CONTENT Six integrated eCDAs were identified: three (eIMCI, REC and Bangladesh digital IMCI) based on Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI); four (SL electronic iCCM, MEDSINC, electronic iCCM and D-Tree electronic iCCM) on Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM); two (ALMANACH, MSFeCARE) with a modified IMCI content; and one (ePOCT) that integrates novel content with biomarker testing. The types of publications and evaluation studies varied greatly: the content and evidence base were published for two (ALMANACH and ePOCT) and ALMANACH and ePOCT were validated in efficacy studies. Other types of evaluations, such as compliance and acceptability, were available for D-Tree electronic iCCM, eIMCI and ALMANACH. Several evaluations are still ongoing. Future prospects include conducting effectiveness and impact studies using data gathered through larger studies to adapt the medical content to local epidemiology, improving the software and sensors, and assessing factors that influence compliance and scale-up. IMPLICATIONS eCDAs are valuable tools that have the potential to improve management of febrile children in primary care and increase the rational use of diagnostics and antimicrobials. Next steps in the evidence pathway should be larger effectiveness and impact studies (including cost analysis) and continuous integration of clinically useful diagnostic and treatment innovations.
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