GP133 Mobile phones for follow up in paediatric clinical studies in africa. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hannigan, Amy; Chisale, Master; Drew, Richard; Watson, Chris; Gallagher, Joe
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 104:(2019)Supplement 3
• Page Start: A84
• Page End: A84
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-epa.197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Pneumonia remains a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Africa. Accessing healthcare is also a major issue with only half of the children with cough and fever taken to a trained healthcare provider in Malawi. Mobile phone use is rising rapidly in Africa with over 46% of the population on the continent estimated to have a mobile phone. This study sought to determine the feasibility of using mobile phones for follow up of children presenting with pneumonia in primary care in Malawi. Methods: This study was undertaken as part of the BIOTOPE project which evaluated children aged 2–59 months presenting with pneumonia to primary care in Mzuzu, Northern Malawi. Parents' or caregivers' mobile phone numbers were obtained by a study nurse during study enrolment. Those who provided a telephone number were contacted by the study team to establish symptom status, re-consultations or hospitalisations of the child at 7 days and 30 days following enrollment. Results: 494 children were recruited to the study. Median age was 18 months (Interquartile range (IQR) 9–30 months) and 55% were male. 76% of the homes owned at least one mobile phone (270 of the mothers/primary care givers and 349 of the fathers). Mothers had completed an average of 8.5 years formal education and 8% of them we fluent in English. On day 7 of the study, 225 of parents/primary care-givers were contactable and a follow up consultation was completed. All children were alive within first 7 days of diagnosis. 83% of those admitted had been discharged from hospital within first 7 days. 6.3% of children had presented to another health provider in the 7 days. On day 30 of the study 195 guardians were contactable. Two children had died during this follow-up period and 14% had presented to another healthcare worker since initial enrollment. The time to travel to the nearest health facility from home was a median of 50 min [IQR 30, 90 minutes] Conclusion: With continued expansion of cellular network coverage and mobile ownership in Malawi, mobile phones may facilitate collection of patient outcomes and health data and aid in the follow up and treatment of conditions such as childhood pneumonia. They may also serve as tools for education of health-workers and reporting of clinical trial results in remote areas.