Strengthening district healthcare in rural Africa: a cross-sectional survey assessing difficulties in pulse oximetry use and handoff practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20185227Keywords:
Childhood pneumonia, Hospitals, Rural, Patient handoff, Patient safety, Pulse oximetry, Routines, Surveys and questionnaires, Transitions of careAbstract
Background: Rural hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from numerous disparities in resources and practices, and subsequently patient care is affected.
Methods: In order to assess current practices and opportunities for improvement in pulse oximetry use and patient-care handoffs, a cross-sectional survey was administered to clinicians at a referral level hospital serving a large rural area in Shinyanga, Tanzania.
Results: Respondents (n=46) included nurses (50%), medical doctors (48%), and clinical officers (2%). A response rate of 92% was achieved, and 81% of clinicians acknowledged routine difficulties in the use of current devices when obtaining pulse oximetry. Although 83% of respondents reported using a written handoff at shift change, information reporting was inconsistent and rarely included specific management guidance.
Conclusions: Further research is needed to elucidate handoff practices in developing settings, but there is a large opportunity for novel point-of-care devices and tools to improve both pulse oximetry use and patient care handoffs in rural Africa.
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