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Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Hull-Bailey T, Nkhoma D, Chiyaka T, Wilson E, Fitzgerald F, Chimhini G, Khan N, Gannon H, Batura R, Cortina-Borja M, Larsson L, Chiume M, Sassoon Y, Chimhuya S, Heys M. Development and Pilot Implementation of Neotree, a Digital Quality Improvement Tool Designed to Improve Newborn Care and Survival in 3 Hospitals in Malawi and Zimbabwe: Cost Analysis Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e50467. [PMID: 38153802 PMCID: PMC10766148 DOI: 10.2196/50467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Two-thirds of the 2.4 million newborn deaths that occurred in 2020 within the first 28 days of life might have been avoided by implementing existing low-cost evidence-based interventions for all sick and small newborns. An open-source digital quality improvement tool (Neotree) combining data capture with education and clinical decision support is a promising solution for this implementation gap. Objective We present results from a cost analysis of a pilot implementation of Neotree in 3 hospitals in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Methods We combined activity-based costing and expenditure approaches to estimate the development and implementation cost of a Neotree pilot in 1 hospital in Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), and 2 hospitals in Zimbabwe, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (SMCH) and Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital (CPH). We estimated the costs from a provider perspective over 12 months. Data were collected through expenditure reports, monthly staff time-use surveys, and project staff interviews. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to assess the impact of uncertainties on the results or estimate potential costs at scale. A pilot time-motion survey was conducted at KCH and a comparable hospital where Neotree was not implemented. Results Total cost of pilot implementation of Neotree at KCH, SMCH, and CPH was US $37,748, US $52,331, and US $41,764, respectively. Average monthly cost per admitted child was US $15, US $15, and US $58, respectively. Staff costs were the main cost component (average 73% of total costs, ranging from 63% to 79%). The results from the sensitivity analysis showed that uncertainty around the number of admissions had a significant impact on the costs in all hospitals. In Malawi, replacing monthly web hosting with a server also had a significant impact on the costs. Under routine (nonresearch) conditions and at scale, total costs are estimated to fall substantially, up to 76%, reducing cost per admitted child to as low as US $5 in KCH, US $4 in SMCH, and US $14 in CPH. Median time to admit a baby was 27 (IQR 20-40) minutes using Neotree (n=250) compared to 26 (IQR 21-30) minutes using paper-based systems (n=34), and the median time to discharge a baby was 9 (IQR 7-13) minutes for Neotree (n=246) compared to 3 (IQR 2-4) minutes for paper-based systems (n=50). Conclusions Neotree is a time- and cost-efficient tool, comparable with the results from limited similar mHealth decision-support tools in low- and middle-income countries. Implementation costs of Neotree varied substantially between the hospitals, mainly due to hospital size. The implementation costs could be substantially reduced at scale due to economies of scale because of integration to the health systems and reductions in cost items such as staff and overhead. More studies assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of large-scale mHealth decision-support tools are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim Hull-Bailey
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tarisai Chiyaka
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Emma Wilson
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felicity Fitzgerald
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gwendoline Chimhini
- Department of Child Adolescent and Women’s Health, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nushrat Khan
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Gannon
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rekha Batura
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Cortina-Borja
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leyla Larsson
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Simbarashe Chimhuya
- Department of Child Adolescent and Women’s Health, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Neonatal Unit, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Michelle Heys
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Batura R, Colbourn T. A stitch in time: narrative review of interventions to reduce preterm births in Malawi. Int Health 2020; 12:213-221. [PMID: 31867622 PMCID: PMC7320425 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rising rate of preterm births (PTBs) is a global concern, and Malawi has a high rate of PTBs (10.5%). The resulting neonatal and under-5 mortality, morbidity and lifelong disability represent a significant loss of human potential affecting individuals, families and society as a whole. This study aims to review the literature to determine the risk factors for PTB in Malawi and to identify effective interventions to prevent PTBs. Methods A literature search yielded 22 studies that were categorized according to risk factors implicated for PTBs and health interventions to reduce the risks. Results The study has shown that maternal pregnancy factors, infections, nutrition, anaemia and young maternal age are the main causes and risk factors of PTBs in Malawi. The literature revealed no evidence of community-based interventions for reducing the rates of PTBs in Malawi. Conclusions Any successful effort to reduce the rate of PTBs will require a multisector, multilevel strategy targeted at the community, homes and individuals as a package to improve the education, nutrition and reproductive health of girls and women as well as focus on improving the delivery of antenatal services in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Batura
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Tim Colbourn
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Gopal Rao G, Nartey G, McAree T, O'Reilly A, Hiles S, Lee T, Wallace S, Batura R, Khanna P, Abbas H, Tilsed C, Nicholl R, Lamagni T, Bassett P. Outcome of a screening programme for the prevention of neonatal invasive early-onset group B Streptococcus infection in a UK maternity unit: an observational study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014634. [PMID: 28420662 PMCID: PMC5541438 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Against a background of failure to prevent neonatal invasive early-onset group B Streptococcus infections (GBS) in our maternity unit using risk-based approach for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, we introduced an antenatal GBS carriage screening programme to identify additional women to target for prophylaxis. OBJECTIVES To describe the implementation and outcome of an antepartum screening programme for prevention of invasive early-onset GBS infection in a UK maternity unit. DESIGN Observational study of outcome of screening programme (intervention) with comparison to historical controls (preintervention). SETTING Hospital and community-based maternity services provided by Northwick Park and Central Middlesex Hospitals in North West London. PARTICIPANTS Women who gave birth between March 2014 and December 2015 at Northwick Park Hospital. METHODS Women were screened for GBS at 35-37 weeks and carriers offered intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. Screening programme was first introduced in hospital (March 2014) and then in community (August 2014). Compliance was audited by review of randomly selected case records. Invasive early-onset GBS infections were defined through GBS being cultured from neonatal blood, cerebrospinal fluid or sterile fluids within 0-6 days of birth. MAIN OUTCOME Incidence of early-onset GBS infections. RESULTS 6309 (69%) of the 9098 eligible women were tested. Screening rate improved progressively from 42% in 2014 to 75% in 2015. Audit showed that 98% of women accepted the offer of screening. Recto-vaginal GBS carriage rate was 29.4% (1822/6193). All strains were susceptible to penicillin but 11.3% (206/1822) were resistant to clindamycin. Early onset GBS rate fell from 0.99/1000 live births (25/25276) in the prescreening period to 0.33/1000 in the screening period (Rate Ratio=0.33; p=0.08). In the subset of mothers actually screened, the rate was 0.16/1000 live births (1/6309), (Rate Ratio=0.16; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that an antenatal screening programme for prevention of early-onset GBS infection can be implemented in a UK maternity setting and is associated with a fall in infection rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gopal Rao
- Departments of Microbiology,Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - G Nartey
- Department of Maternity Services., Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - T McAree
- Department of Maternity Services., Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - A O'Reilly
- Department of Maternity Services., Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - S Hiles
- Department of Research, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - T Lee
- Departments of Microbiology,Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - S Wallace
- Departments of Microbiology,Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - R Batura
- Departments of Microbiology,Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - P Khanna
- Departments of Microbiology,Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - H Abbas
- Departments of Microbiology,Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - C Tilsed
- Departments of Microbiology,Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - R Nicholl
- Neonatology Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - T Lamagni
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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Aggarwal A, Batura R, Sullivan R. The media and cancer: education or entertainment? An ethnographic study of European cancer journalists. Ecancermedicalscience 2014; 8:423. [PMID: 24834118 PMCID: PMC3998657 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2014.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The media plays a vital role in informing the public about new developments in cancer research and influencing cancer policy. This is no easy task, in view of the myriad of trials and wonder drugs that purport to be the 'magic bullet'. However, misrepresentation can have profound consequences. In this qualitative study, we sought to understand the interaction between the media and cancer through the perspective of European science journalists by defining their attitudes towards current cancer research and challenges faced when reporting science news. A total of 67 respondents took part in this online survey, which was distributed by the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) to all its media contacts between June and September 2013. Fifty-three per cent had over 20 years experience in reporting science news stories. The respondents utilised a number of media formats, including newsprint, online services, and radio. Fifty per cent ranked public interest as the greatest influence on their selection of cancer research topics, followed by topicality. Respondents were conscious of being fed ambiguous and exaggerated results from trials by the research community. Sixty-five per cent of respondents would appreciate access to a forum of experts willing to provide comment on new research findings. Seventy per cent highlighted the importance of prompt responses from scientists and researchers during correspondence, and the need to have advance warning of new developments (49%). To conclude - coverage of cancer related issues and scientific advances require greater collaboration between the press and cancer healthcare community to provide both credibility and accountability for the health information disseminated. Key areas include a more precise definition of the research context and differentiation of absolute and relative risks, as well as individual and population risks and an informed discussion about the realities and limitations of cancer care and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Aggarwal
- Institute of Cancer Policy, Kings Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, Guy's NHS Foundation Trust Campus & Kings College London, Department of Research Oncology, Bermondsey Wing, London SE1 9RT, UK ; Guys & St Thomas' NHS Trust, Department of Clinical Oncology, London SE1 7EH, UK ; Kings College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Rekha Batura
- Institute of Cancer Policy, Kings Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, Guy's NHS Foundation Trust Campus & Kings College London, Department of Research Oncology, Bermondsey Wing, London SE1 9RT, UK ; Kings College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, Kings Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, Guy's NHS Foundation Trust Campus & Kings College London, Department of Research Oncology, Bermondsey Wing, London SE1 9RT, UK ; Kings College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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Goss PE, Lee BL, Badovinac-Crnjevic T, Strasser-Weippl K, Chavarri-Guerra Y, St Louis J, Villarreal-Garza C, Unger-Saldaña K, Ferreyra M, Debiasi M, Liedke PER, Touya D, Werutsky G, Higgins M, Fan L, Vasconcelos C, Cazap E, Vallejos C, Mohar A, Knaul F, Arreola H, Batura R, Luciani S, Sullivan R, Finkelstein D, Simon S, Barrios C, Kightlinger R, Gelrud A, Bychkovsky V, Lopes G, Stefani S, Blaya M, Souza FH, Santos FS, Kaemmerer A, de Azambuja E, Zorilla AFC, Murillo R, Jeronimo J, Tsu V, Carvalho A, Gil CF, Sternberg C, Dueñas-Gonzalez A, Sgroi D, Cuello M, Fresco R, Reis RM, Masera G, Gabús R, Ribeiro R, Knust R, Ismael G, Rosenblatt E, Roth B, Villa L, Solares AL, Leon MX, Torres-Vigil I, Covarrubias-Gomez A, Hernández A, Bertolino M, Schwartsmann G, Santillana S, Esteva F, Fein L, Mano M, Gomez H, Hurlbert M, Durstine A, Azenha G. Planning cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lancet Oncol 2013; 14:391-436. [PMID: 23628188 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(13)70048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, are overtaking infectious disease as the leading health-care threat in middle-income and low-income countries. Latin American and Caribbean countries are struggling to respond to increasing morbidity and death from advanced disease. Health ministries and health-care systems in these countries face many challenges caring for patients with advanced cancer: inadequate funding; inequitable distribution of resources and services; inadequate numbers, training, and distribution of health-care personnel and equipment; lack of adequate care for many populations based on socioeconomic, geographic, ethnic, and other factors; and current systems geared toward the needs of wealthy, urban minorities at a cost to the entire population. This burgeoning cancer problem threatens to cause widespread suffering and economic peril to the countries of Latin America. Prompt and deliberate actions must be taken to avoid this scenario. Increasing efforts towards prevention of cancer and avoidance of advanced, stage IV disease will reduce suffering and mortality and will make overall cancer care more affordable. We hope the findings of our Commission and our recommendations will inspire Latin American stakeholders to redouble their efforts to address this increasing cancer burden and to prevent it from worsening and threatening their societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Goss
- Avon International Breast Cancer Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Gujral S, Dongre K, Bhindare S, Subramanian PG, Narayan HKV, Mahajan A, Batura R, Hingnekar C, Chabbria M, Nair CN. Activity-based costing methodology as tool for costing in hematopathology laboratory. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2010; 53:68-74. [PMID: 20090226 DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.59187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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