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New algorithm for managing childhood illness using mobile technology (ALMANACH) : a controlled non-inferiority study on clinical outcome and antibiotic use in Tanzania

Shao, Amani Flexson and Rambaud-Althaus, Clotilde and Samaka, Josephine and Faustine, Allen Festo and Perri-Moore, Seneca and Swai, Ndeniria and Kahama-Maro, Judith and Mitchell, Marc and Genton, Blaise and D'Acremont, Valérie. (2015) New algorithm for managing childhood illness using mobile technology (ALMANACH) : a controlled non-inferiority study on clinical outcome and antibiotic use in Tanzania. PloS one, Vol. 10, H. 7 , e0132316.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A6411222

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Abstract

The decline of malaria and scale-up of rapid diagnostic tests calls for a revision of IMCI. A new algorithm (ALMANACH) running on mobile technology was developed based on the latest evidence. The objective was to ensure that ALMANACH was safe, while keeping a low rate of antibiotic prescription.; Consecutive children aged 2-59 months with acute illness were managed using ALMANACH (2 intervention facilities), or standard practice (2 control facilities) in Tanzania. Primary outcomes were proportion of children cured at day 7 and who received antibiotics on day 0.; 130/842 (15∙4%) in ALMANACH and 241/623 (38∙7%) in control arm were diagnosed with an infection in need for antibiotic, while 3∙8% and 9∙6% had malaria. 815/838 (97∙3%;96∙1-98.4%) were cured at D7 using ALMANACH versus 573/623 (92∙0%;89∙8-94∙1%) using standard practice (p>0∙001). Of 23 children not cured at D7 using ALMANACH, 44% had skin problems, 30% pneumonia, 26% upper respiratory infection and 13% likely viral infection at D0. Secondary hospitalization occurred for one child using ALMANACH and one who eventually died using standard practice. At D0, antibiotics were prescribed to 15∙4% (12∙9-17∙9%) using ALMANACH versus 84∙3% (81∙4-87∙1%) using standard practice (p>0∙001). 2∙3% (1∙3-3.3) versus 3∙2% (1∙8-4∙6%) received an antibiotic secondarily.; Management of children using ALMANACH improve clinical outcome and reduce antibiotic prescription by 80%. This was achieved through more accurate diagnoses and hence better identification of children in need of antibiotic treatment or not. The building on mobile technology allows easy access and rapid update of the decision chart.; Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201011000262218.
Faculties and Departments:09 Associated Institutions > Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) > Former Units within Swiss TPH > Clinical Epidemiology (Genton)
09 Associated Institutions > Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)
UniBasel Contributors:Shao, Amani Flexon and Genton, Blaise and D'Acremont, Valérie
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Public Library of Science
ISSN:1932-6203
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Language:English
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Last Modified:31 Dec 2015 10:58
Deposited On:07 Aug 2015 12:06

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