A multi-model intervention including an occlusive dressing and parental engagement to prevent pediatric surgical site infections for elective ambulatory procedures in a resource-constrained setting: an observational retrospective study from a tertiary center in Central Haiti.

PURPOSE: In resource-limited settings, up to two-thirds of surgical patients develop surgical site infections (SSIs). Our aim was to implement a multimodal protocol including an occlusive dressing and parental engagement to achieve low SSI rates in patients undergoing elective ambulatory pediatric surgery at a tertiary center in Haiti. METHODS: An observational retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent elective ambulatory procedures from August 2015 to May 2016 following the implementation of a multimodal protocol consisting of: washing and prepping the operative site with chlorhexidine; review of the surgical safety checklist; one dose of cefazolin before incision; after wound closure application of steri strips, gauze, and tegaderm; and with parental engagement maintenance of the dressing until the follow-up visit. RESULTS: We performed 119 procedures in 99 patients. Mean age was 6.2 years. The most common procedure was inguinal hernia repair (66%); 89% of parents returned to clinic with their children for the follow-up visit, which occurred on average on day 7.6 (range 3-40 days). The SSI rate was 1% (CI 0.00-0.03). CONCLUSION: Implementing a multimodal protocol including an occlusive dressing and parental engagement led to a 1% SSI rate in a resource-constrained setting.

Pediatric surgical capacity building - a pathway to improving access to pediatric surgical care in Haiti.

PURPOSE: Lack of human resources is a major barrier to accessing pediatric surgical care globally. Our aim was to establish a model for pediatric surgical training of general surgery residents in a resource constrained region. MATERIALS/METHODS: A pediatric surgical program with a pediatric surgical rotation for general surgery residents in a tertiary hospital in Haiti in 2015 was established. We conducted twice daily patient rounds, ran an outpatient clinic, and provided emergent and elective pediatric surgical care, with tasks progressively given to residents until they could run clinic and perform the most common elective and emergent procedures. We conducted baseline and post-intervention knowledge exams and dedicated 1 day a week to teaching and research activities. We measured the following outcomes: number of residents that completed the rotation, mean pre and post intervention test scores, patient volume in clinic and operating room, postoperative outcomes, resident ability to perform most common elective and emergent procedures, and resident participation in research. RESULTS: Nine out of 9 residents completed the rotation; 987 patients were seen in outpatient clinic, and 564 procedures were performed in children <15years old. There was a 50% increase in volume of pediatric cases and a 100% increase in procedures performed in children <4years old. Postoperative outcomes were: 0% mortality for elective cases and 18% mortality for emergent cases, 3% complication rate for elective cases and 6% complication rate for emergent cases. Outcomes did not change with increased responsibility given to residents. All senior residents (n=4) could perform the most common elective and emergent procedures without changes in mortality and complication rates. Increases in mean pre and post intervention test scores were 12% (PGY1), 24% (PGY2), and 10% (PGY3). 75% of senior residents participated in research activities as first or second authors. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing a program in pediatric surgery with capacity building of general surgery residents for pediatric surgical care provision is feasible in a resource constrained setting without negative effects on patient outcomes. This model can be applied in other resource constrained settings to increase human resources for global pediatric surgical care provision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.