Improving care and survival of newborns with surgical conditions in Tanzania (TINY Tanzania): a focus on gastroschisis.

PURPOSE: Gastroschisis is associated with over 90% mortality in many sub-Saharan African countries. The introduction of the Gastroschisis Care Bundle at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) increased survival up to 60%. We aim to explain the impact of using implementation science methods to decentralize the care of babies with gastroschisis to other parts of Tanzania. METHODS: We used a Step-Wedge Implementation Science design to scale up gastroschisis care through training of providers, dissemination and current revision of evidence-based care protocols, advocacy, and engagement with stakeholders. We used mixed methods for data collection. Anonymous patient and provider evaluation data were collected using a nationwide Gastroschisis Database via REDCap. We evaluated the implementation and effectiveness of the care bundle in different hospitals in Tanzania. RESULTS: Decentralizing care nationally was feasible, acceptable, and adaptable. A total of nine trainings have been conducted training 420 providers (14 Master Trainers) reaching seven regions of Tanzania. The three advocacy national campaigns have ensured community reach and patient engagement. A countrywide gastroschisis database was developed to collect data on patients with gastroschisis, hosted locally at MNH with 332 patients' data entered in 1 year. The majority (90.2%) were treated using preformed silo bags with an overall survival of 28.5% in all centers. Late presentation and infection remain to be the main challenge. CONCLUSION: To achieve quality and sustainable surgical care, there is a need to design, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve context-relevant strategies to achieve and sustain the survival of neonates with congenital anomalies. Decentralization enables clear connectedness of hospitals, bringing care closer to patients.

A review of twenty-first century developments in paediatric surgery in Africa.

This review explores the significant advancements in paediatric surgery in Africa during the twenty-first century, with a particular focus on capacity-building, education, infrastructural development, and research. Historically, paediatric surgery has been an overlooked sector, especially in low-and-middle-income countries in Africa. However, recent years have seen considerable progress. Collaborative efforts such as the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery, and the formation of the Pan African Paediatric Surgery Association, the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa and the West African College of Surgeons have facilitated knowledge sharing, collaboration, and advocacy for enhancing surgical standards. Local training programmes, including Master of Medicine programmes and fellowships, have been instrumental in building a skilled workforce. These initiatives have been complemented by infrastructural developments through non-governmental organisations like Kids Operating Room, which have expanded access to paediatric surgical care. Technological advancements, particularly in telemedicine, have further enhanced accessibility. Task-sharing strategies, where non-specialist physicians are trained in paediatric surgical skills, have also been utilised to address the shortage of specialised surgeons. Research in paediatric surgery has experienced an upswing, with local health professionals taking the lead. Research has been crucial for understanding the epidemiology of paediatric surgical conditions, and developing prevention strategies, and is increasingly leading to the inclusion of paediatric surgery in national health plans. Despite the progress, challenges remain, including the need for sustainable funding, continued investment in infrastructure, and training and retention of healthcare professionals. The review emphasises the importance of ongoing efforts in community engagement, innovative technologies, and health systems strengthening for the sustainable development of paediatric surgical services in Africa.

A randomised control trial using soap in the prevention of surgical site infection in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common and serious complications of surgery. Guidelines on preventing SSIs have been developed, but the role of preoperative bathing with plain soap among paediatric population is unclear. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of pre-operative bathing using plain soap in preventing SSIs among paediatric surgical patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open-label, randomised trial was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Preoperatively, patients in the intervention group washed their body using plain soap, while those in the control group did not. The primary outcome was SSI postoperatively. Statistical tests included χ2, Wilcoxon rank sum, and univariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 252 patients recruited,114 were randomised to the intervention arm. In the control arm, 40.6% (56/138) of participants developed SSIs compared to 11.4% (13/114) in the intervention arm (p < 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors in multivariable analysis, the intervention reduced the odds of an SSI by 80% (OR: 0.20 [95% CI: 0.10, 0.41]; p < 0.01). Preoperative antibiotics were deemed to be an effect modifier of the association between the intervention and SSI (p = 0.05). The intervention significantly reduced the odds of an SSI by 88% among participants not given preoperative antibiotics (OR: 0.12 [95% CI: 0.05, 0.30]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that preoperative bathing with soap significantly reduces SSIs in paediatric surgical patients. It is a simple, cost effective and sustainable intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

A Journey Undertaken by Families to Access General Surgical Care for their Children at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania; Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: A majority of the 2 billion children lacking access to safe, timely and affordable surgical care reside in low-and middle-income countries. A barrier to tackling this issue is the paucity of information regarding children's journey to surgical care. We aimed to explore children's journeys and its implications on accessing general paediatric surgical care at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), a tertiary centre in Tanzania. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was undertaken at MNH, recruiting patients undergoing elective and emergency surgeries. Data on socio-demographic, clinical, symptoms onset and 30-days post-operative were collected. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis. RESULT: We recruited 154 children with a median age of 36 months. The majority were referred from regional hospitals due to a lack of paediatric surgery expertise. The time taken to seeking care was significantly greater in those who self-referred (p = 0.0186). Of these participants, 68.4 and 31.1% were able to reach a referring health facility and MNH, respectively, within 2 h of deciding to seek care. Overall insurance coverage was 75.32%. The median out of pocket expenditure for receiving care was $69.00. The incidence of surgical site infection was 10.2%, and only 2 patients died. CONCLUSION: Although there have been significant efforts to improve access to safe, timely and affordable surgical care, there is still a need to strengthen children's surgical care system. Investing in regional hospitals may be an effective approach to improve access to children surgical care.