Strengthening district healthcare in rural Africa: a cross-sectional survey assessing difficulties in pulse oximetry use and handoff practices

Authors

  • Herbert G. Masigati Shinyanga Regional Referral Hospital, Shinyanga, Tanzania
  • Grant W. Potter Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Euclid Avenue, Suite 1200, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
  • Masahiro J. Morikawa Ann S. & Anthony J. Asher Chair in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Case Western Reserve University / University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Euclid Avenue, Suite 1200, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
  • Rashid S. Mfaume Regional Medical Officer, Shinyanga Region, Shinyanga, Tanzania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20185227

Keywords:

Childhood pneumonia, Hospitals, Rural, Patient handoff, Patient safety, Pulse oximetry, Routines, Surveys and questionnaires, Transitions of care

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

Herbert G. Masigati, Shinyanga Regional Referral Hospital, Shinyanga, Tanzania

Chief Medical Officer

Grant W. Potter, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Euclid Avenue, Suite 1200, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Department of family medicine & Community Health

Masahiro J. Morikawa, Ann S. & Anthony J. Asher Chair in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Case Western Reserve University / University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Euclid Avenue, Suite 1200, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Professor, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health

Rashid S. Mfaume, Regional Medical Officer, Shinyanga Region, Shinyanga, Tanzania

Regional Medical Officer

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Published

2018-12-24

How to Cite

Masigati, H. G., Potter, G. W., Morikawa, M. J., & Mfaume, R. S. (2018). Strengthening district healthcare in rural Africa: a cross-sectional survey assessing difficulties in pulse oximetry use and handoff practices. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 6(1), 57–60. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20185227

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Section

Original Research Articles