RESUMO
Even in the best resourced units, certain situations (e.g. resuscitations) can benefit from anticipation and preplanning. A resource-scarce environment can indirectly lead to poor planning and organization. Here we share our experience of using computer software (Microsoft Office Excel) to improve the planning of patient care. This technology is now widely available and we suggest that it is feasible and, indeed, particularly valuable in a resource-poor setting. We focus on the steps taken to minimize the chances of errors rooted in the program.
Assuntos
Quimioterapia Assistida por Computador , Erros de Medicação/prevenção & controle , Assistência ao Paciente/métodos , Software , Sistemas de Apoio a Decisões Clínicas , Países em Desenvolvimento , Eficiência Organizacional , Recursos em Saúde , Humanos , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva NeonatalRESUMO
Severe meconium aspiration syndrome is difficult to manage and has a high mortality in developing countries. Guidelines are available for the initial management. If the infant has been born through particulate meconium and is not vigorous, an inspection of the vocal cords by laryngoscopy is recommended. If meconium is seen at the cords it should, ideally, be sucked out of the trachea using an endotracheal tube as a suction device. However, as this needs a way of applying suction directly to the endotracheal tube it can be problematic. Commercially available equipment does exist, but in a resource-scarce setting, its cost could be prohibitive. We have adapted cheap suction connectors which can be adapted for this purpose.
