Evaluating the Implementation of the Pediatric Acute Care Education (PACE) Program in Northwestern Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Study Guided by Normalization Process Theory.

Background: In low- and -middle-income countries (LMICs) like Tanzania, the competency of healthcare providers critically influences the quality of pediatric care. To address this, we introduced PACE (Pediatric Acute Care Education), an adaptive e-learning program tailored to enhance provider competency in line with Tanzania's national guidelines for managing seriously ill children. Adaptive e-learning presents a promising alternative to traditional in-service education, yet optimal strategies for its implementation in LMIC settings remain to be fully elucidated. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the initial implementation of PACE in Mwanza, Tanzania, using the constructs of Normalization Process Theory (NPT), and (2) provide insights into its feasibility, acceptability, and scalability potential. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed across three healthcare settings in Mwanza: a zonal hospital and two health centers. NPT was utilized to navigate the complexities of implementing PACE. Data collection involved a customized NoMAD survey, focus groups and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers. Results: The study engaged 82 healthcare providers through the NoMAD survey and 79 in focus groups and interviews. Findings indicated high levels of coherence and cognitive participation, demonstrating that PACE is well-understood and resonates with existing healthcare goals. Providers expressed a willingness to integrate PACE into their practice, distinguishing it from existing educational methods. However, challenges related to resources and infrastructure, particularly affecting collective action, were noted. The short duration of the study limited the assessment of reflexive monitoring, though early indicators point towards the potential for PACE's long-term sustainability. Conclusion: This study offers vital insights into the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PACE in a Tanzanian context. While PACE aligns well with healthcare objectives, addressing resource and infrastructure challenges is crucial for its successful and sustainable implementation. Furthermore, the study underscores the value of NPT as a framework in guiding implementation processes, with broader implications for implementation science and pediatric acute care in LMICs.

High risk of acute kidney injury in Malawian trauma patients: a prospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Yet little data exist regarding trauma-related-AKI in low-resourced settings, where the majority of deaths from AKI and trauma occur. We prospectively evaluated epidemiology of AKI in hospitalized Malawian trauma patients. METHODS: AKI was defined by creatinine-only Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Those with AKI were followed up 3-6 months later to determine persistent kidney abnormalities. We calculated univariate statistics with Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Fisher's exact, and chi-square tests to compare those with and without AKI. Multivariate log-risk regression modelling was used to determine risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for AKI development. RESULTS: Of 223 participants, 14.4% (n = 32) developed AKI. Most patients were young (median age 32) males (n = 193, 86.5%) involved in road traffic injuries (n = 120, 53.8%). After adjusting for confounders, those with severe anemia during their admission were 1.4 times (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8) more likely to develop AKI than those without. Overall mortality was 7.6% (n = 17), and those who developed AKI were more likely to die than those who did not (18.8% vs 5.6%, p-value = 0.02). Almost half of those with AKI (n = 32) either died (n = 6) or had persistent kidney dysfunction at follow-up (n = 8). CONCLUSION: In one of the few African studies on trauma-related AKI, we found a high incidence of AKI (14.4%) in Malawian trauma patients with associated poor outcomes. Given AKI's association with increased mortality and potential ramifications on long-term morbidity, urgent attention is needed to improve AKI-related outcomes.

Incidence and epidemiology of acute kidney injury in a pediatric Malawian trauma cohort: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly associated with mortality risk in children worldwide. Trauma can lead to AKI and is a leading cause of pediatric death in Africa. However, there is no information regarding the epidemiology of pediatric, trauma-associated AKI in Africa. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of pediatric trauma patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi. Participants enrolled at admission were followed prospectively throughout their hospitalization. AKI was defined by creatinine-only Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. We calculated descriptive statistics and univariate relative risks (RR) for hypothesis-generation of potential risk factors associated with AKI. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 114 participants. Depending on baseline creatinine definition, AKI incidence ranged from 4 to 10%. The new Schwartz equation estimated baseline creatinine values best and yielded an AKI incidence of 9.7%. Almost one in ten children died during hospitalization, but those with AKI (n = 4) were at significantly higher risk of death compared to those without AKI (40.0% vs 6.2%; RR 6.5, 95% CI 2.2-19.1). Burn injuries were most commonly associated with AKI (63.6%). Other potential AKI risk factors included multiple injuries, trunk or facial injuries, and recent consumption of herbal remedies. CONCLUSIONS: AKI occurs in up to 10% of admitted pediatric trauma patients in Malawi and increases the risk of death 7-fold compared to those without AKI. This large unrecognized burden in trauma requires further investment by researchers, clinicians and policymakers to develop evidenced-based triage, recognition, and management approaches to prevent the associated sequelae and potential mortality from AKI.