A cluster randomized trial assessing the effect of a digital health algorithm on quality of care in Tanzania (DYNAMIC study).

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Version: Final published version
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_87862CE7F617
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
A cluster randomized trial assessing the effect of a digital health algorithm on quality of care in Tanzania (DYNAMIC study).
Journal
PLOS digital health
Author(s)
Tan R. (co-first), Kavishe G. (co-first), Kulinkina A.V., Renggli S., Luwanda L.B., Mangu C., Ashery G., Jorram M., Mtebene I.E., Agrea P., Mhagama H., Keitel K., Le Pogam M.A., Ntinginya N. (co-last), Masanja H. (co-last), D'Acremont V. (co-last)
ISSN
2767-3170 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
2767-3170
Publication state
Published
Issued date
12/2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
3
Number
12
Pages
e0000694
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
Digital clinical decision support tools have contributed to improved quality of care at primary care level health facilities. However, data from real-world randomized trials are lacking. We conducted a cluster randomized, open-label trial in Tanzania evaluating the use of a digital clinical decision support algorithm (CDSA), enhanced by point-of-care tests, training and mentorship, compared with usual care, among sick children 2 to 59 months old presenting to primary care facilities for an acute illness in Tanzania (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05144763). The primary outcome was the mean proportion of 14 major Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) symptoms and signs assessed by clinicians. Secondary outcomes included antibiotic prescription, counseling provided, and the appropriateness of antimalarial and antibiotic prescriptions. A total of 450 consultations were observed in 9 intervention and 9 control health facilities. The mean proportion of major symptoms and signs assessed in intervention health facilities was 46.4% (range 7.7% to 91.7%) compared to 26.3% (range 0% to 66.7%) in control health facilities, an adjusted difference of 15.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8% to 25.4%). Only weight, height, and pallor were assessed statistically more often when using the digital CDSA compared to controls. Observed antibiotic prescription was 37.3% in intervention facilities, and 76.4% in control facilities (adjusted risk ratio 0.5; 95% CI 0.4 to 0.7; p<0.001). Appropriate antibiotic prescription was 81.9% in intervention facilities and 51.4% in control facilities (adjusted risk ratio 1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.8; p = 0.003). The implementation of a digital CDSA improved the mean proportion of IMCI symptoms and signs assessed in consultations with sick children, however most symptoms and signs were assessed infrequently. Nonetheless, antibiotics were prescribed less often, and more appropriately. Innovative approaches to overcome barriers related to clinicians' motivation and work environment are needed.
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
06/01/2025 10:52
Last modification date
25/02/2025 8:15
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