In:
BMJ Open, BMJ, Vol. 8, No. 2 ( 2018-02), p. e019024-
Abstract:
To determine the most commonly used resources (provider procedural skills, medications, laboratory studies and imaging) needed to care for patients. Setting A single emergency department (ED) of a district-level hospital in rural Uganda. Participants 26 710 patient visits. Results Procedures were performed for 65.6% of patients, predominantly intravenous cannulation, wound care, bladder catheterisation and orthopaedic procedures. Medications were administered to 87.6% of patients, most often pain medications, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, antimalarials, nutritional supplements and vaccinations. Laboratory testing was used for 85% of patients, predominantly malaria smears, rapid glucose testing, HIV assays, blood counts, urinalyses and blood type. Radiology testing was performed for 17.3% of patients, including X-rays, point-of-care ultrasound and formal ultrasound. Conclusion This study describes the skills and resources needed to care for a large prospective cohort of patients seen in a district hospital ED in rural sub-Saharan Africa. It demonstrates that the vast majority of patients were treated with a small formulary of critical medications and limited access to laboratories and imaging, but providers require a broad set of decision-making and procedural skills.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2044-6055
,
2044-6055
DOI:
10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019024
Language:
English
Publisher:
BMJ
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2599832-8
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