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Li ECK, Tagoola A, Komugisha C, Nabweteme AM, Pillay Y, Ansermino JM, Khowaja AR. Cost-effectiveness analysis of Smart Triage, a data-driven pediatric sepsis triage platform in Eastern Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:932. [PMID: 37653477 PMCID: PMC10468891 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09977-5] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis, characterized by organ dysfunction due to presumed or proven infection, has a case-fatality over 20% in severe cases in low-and-middle income countries. Early diagnosis and treatment have proven benefits, prompting our implementation of Smart Triage at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda, a program that expedites treatment through a data-driven triage platform. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of Smart Triage to explore its impact on patients and inform multicenter scale up. METHODS The parent clinical trial for Smart Triage was pre-post in design, using the proportion of children receiving sepsis treatment within one hour as the primary outcome, a measure linked to mortality benefit in existing literature. We used a decision-analytic model with Monte Carlo simulation to calculate the cost per year-of-life-lost (YLL) averted of Smart Triage from societal, government, and patient perspectives. Healthcare utilization and lost work for seven days post-discharge were translated into costs and productivity losses via secondary linkage data. RESULTS In 2021 United States dollars, Smart Triage requires an annuitized program cost of only $0.05 per child, but results in $15.32 saved per YLL averted. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of only $3 per YLL averted, well below published cost-effectiveness threshold estimates for Uganda, Smart Triage approaches 100% probability of cost-effectiveness over the baseline manual triage system. This cost-effectiveness was observed from societal, government, and patient perspectives. The cost-effectiveness observed was driven by a reduction in admission that, while explainable by an improved triage mechanism, may also be partially attributable to changes in healthcare utilization influenced by the coronavirus pandemic. However, Smart Triage remains cost-effective in sensitivity analyses introducing a penalty factor of up to 50% in the reduction in admission. CONCLUSION Smart Triage's ability to both save costs and avert YLLs indicates that patients benefit both economically and clinically, while its high probability of cost-effectiveness strongly supports multicenter scale up. Areas for further research include the incorporation of years lived with disability when sepsis disability weights in low-resource settings become available and analyzing budget impact during multicenter scale up. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04304235 (registered on 11/03/2020, clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond C K Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Royal Columbian Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | | | - Clare Komugisha
- World Alliance for Lung and Intensive Care Medicine in Uganda, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Yashodani Pillay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Center for International Child Health, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - J Mark Ansermino
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Center for International Child Health, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Asif R Khowaja
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Medeiros DNM, Mafra ACCN, Carcillo JA, Troster EJ. A Pediatric Sepsis Protocol Reduced Mortality and Dysfunctions in a Brazilian Public Hospital. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:757721. [PMID: 34869114 PMCID: PMC8633899 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.757721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Few studies in the literature discuss the benefits of compliance with sepsis bundles in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries, where resources are limited and mortality is high. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at a public hospital in a low-income region in Brazil. We evaluated whether completion of a sepsis bundle is associated with reduced in-hospital mortality for sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock, as well as prevention of septic shock and organ dysfunction. Bundle compliance required the completion of three items: (1) obtaining blood count and culture, arterial or venous blood gases, and arterial or venous lactate levels; (2) antibiotic infusion within the first hour of diagnosis; and (3) infusion of 10-20 ml/kg saline solution within the first hour of diagnosis. Results: A total of 548 children with sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock who were treated at the emergency room from February 2008 to August of 2016 were included in the study. Of those, 371 patients were included in the protocol group and had a lower median length of stay (3 days vs. 11 days; p < 0.001), fewer organ dysfunctions during hospitalization (0 vs. 2, p < 0.001), and a lower probability of developing septic shock. According to a propensity score analysis, mortality was lower during the post-implementation period [2.75 vs. 15.4% (RR 95%IC 0.13 (0.06, 0.27); p < 0.001)]. Conclusions: A simple and low-cost protocol was feasible and yielded good results at a general hospital in a low-income region in Brazil. Protocol use resulted in decreased mortality and progression of dysfunctions and was associated with a reduced probability of developing septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eduardo Juan Troster
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
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Medeiros DNM, Shibata AO, Pizarro CF, Rosa MDLA, Cardoso MP, Troster EJ. Barriers and Proposed Solutions to a Successful Implementation of Pediatric Sepsis Protocols. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:755484. [PMID: 34858905 PMCID: PMC8631453 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.755484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The implementation of managed protocols contributes to a systematized approach to the patient and continuous evaluation of results, focusing on improving clinical practice, early diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Advantages to the adoption of a pediatric sepsis recognition and treatment protocol include: a reduction in time to start fluid and antibiotic administration, decreased kidney dysfunction and organ dysfunction, reduction in length of stay, and even a decrease on mortality. Barriers are: absence of a written protocol, parental knowledge, early diagnosis by healthcare professionals, venous access, availability of antimicrobials and vasoactive drugs, conditions of work, engagement of healthcare professionals. There are challenges in low-middle-income countries (LMIC). The causes of sepsis and resources differ from high-income countries. Viral agent such as dengue, malaria are common in LMIC and initial approach differ from bacterial infections. Some authors found increased or no impact in mortality or increased length of stay associated with the implementation of the SCC sepsis bundle which reinforces the importance of adapting it to most frequent diseases, disposable resources, and characteristics of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: (1) be simple; (2) be precise; (3) education; (5) improve communication; (5) work as a team; (6) share and celebrate results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey Ogawa Shibata
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marta Pessoa Cardoso
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Juan Troster
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências em Saúde, Hospital Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nwankwor OC, McKelvie B, Frizzola M, Hunter K, Kabara HS, Oduwole A, Oguonu T, Kissoon N. A National Survey of Resources to Address Sepsis in Children in Tertiary Care Centers in Nigeria. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:234. [PMID: 31245338 PMCID: PMC6579914 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Infections leading to sepsis are major contributors to mortality and morbidity in children world-wide. Determining the capacity of pediatric hospitals in Nigeria to manage sepsis establishes an important baseline for quality-improvement interventions and resource allocations. Objectives: To assess the availability and functionality of resources and manpower for early detection and prompt management of sepsis in children at tertiary pediatric centers in Nigeria. Methods: This was an online survey of tertiary pediatric hospitals in Nigeria using a modified survey tool designed by the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies (WFPICCS). The survey addressed all aspects of pediatric sepsis identification, management, barriers and readiness. Results: While majority of the hospitals 97% (28/29) reported having adequate triage systems, only 60% (16/27) follow some form of guideline for sepsis management. There was no consensus national guideline for management of pediatric sepsis. Over 50% of the respondents identified deficit in parental education, poor access to healthcare services, failure to diagnose sepsis at referring institutions, lack of medical equipment and lack of a definitive protocol for managing pediatric sepsis, as significant barriers. Conclusions: Certain sepsis-related interventions were reportedly widespread, however, there is no standardized sepsis protocol, and majority of the hospitals do not have pediatric intensive care units (PICU). These findings could guide quality improvement measures at institutional level, and healthcare policy/spending at the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odiraa C Nwankwor
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States.,Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Brianna McKelvie
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Meg Frizzola
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
| | - Krystal Hunter
- Cooper University Hospital, Cooper Research Institute, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Halima S Kabara
- Department of Anaesthesia/Intensive Care Unit, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Abiola Oduwole
- Department of Paediatrics, Lagos University Teaching Hospital/College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Tagbo Oguonu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Niranjan Kissoon
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Dugani
- Department of Medicine (Dugani), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (Laxminarayan), Washington, DC; Princeton Environmental Institute (Laxminarayan), Princeton, NJ; Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, The University of British Columbia, and British Columbia Children's Hospital (Kissoon), Vancouver, BC
| | - Ramanan Laxminarayan
- Department of Medicine (Dugani), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (Laxminarayan), Washington, DC; Princeton Environmental Institute (Laxminarayan), Princeton, NJ; Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, The University of British Columbia, and British Columbia Children's Hospital (Kissoon), Vancouver, BC
| | - Niranjan Kissoon
- Department of Medicine (Dugani), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; The Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (Laxminarayan), Washington, DC; Princeton Environmental Institute (Laxminarayan), Princeton, NJ; Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, The University of British Columbia, and British Columbia Children's Hospital (Kissoon), Vancouver, BC
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Current challenges in the management of sepsis in ICUs in resource-poor settings and suggestions for the future. Intensive Care Med 2017; 43:612-624. [PMID: 28349179 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-017-4750-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a major reason for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, also in resource-poor settings. ICUs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face many challenges that could affect patient outcome. AIM To describe differences between resource-poor and resource-rich settings regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, economics and research aspects of sepsis. We restricted this manuscript to the ICU setting even knowing that many sepsis patients in LMICs are treated outside an ICU. FINDINGS Although many bacterial pathogens causing sepsis in LMICs are similar to those in high-income countries, resistance patterns to antimicrobial drugs can be very different; in addition, causes of sepsis in LMICs often include tropical diseases in which direct damaging effects of pathogens and their products can sometimes be more important than the response of the host. There are substantial and persisting differences in ICU capacities around the world; not surprisingly the lowest capacities are found in LMICs, but with important heterogeneity within individual LMICs. Although many aspects of sepsis management developed in rich countries are applicable in LMICs, implementation requires strong consideration of cost implications and the important differences in resources. CONCLUSIONS Addressing both disease-specific and setting-specific factors is important to improve performance of ICUs in LMICs. Although critical care for severe sepsis is likely cost-effective in LMIC setting, more detailed evaluation at both at a macro- and micro-economy level is necessary. Sepsis management in resource-limited settings is a largely unexplored frontier with important opportunities for research, training, and other initiatives for improvement.
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