MDRPU -an uncommonly recognized common problem in ICU: A point prevalence study.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers (PU) usually occur over bony prominences in hospitalized patients. But they may occur due to medical devices referred also as Medical device related pressure ulcers (MDRPU). The United States National advisory panel (NPUAP) recognizes it as an important entity. MDRPU is one of the key quality indicators of hospital care, so far no data is available on MDRPU from the Indian Sub-continent. AIM: The primary objective of the study was to examine prevalence and Risk factors of MDRPU in critically sick patients. DESIGN: A Cross-sectional point prevalence study. METHODS: All patients above 18 years of age admitted in Intensive care units (ICU) on the date of the survey were included in the study. It was conducted in medical, cardiothoracic and neurosurgical ICUs. Demographic and MDRPU data were recorded. MDRPU was staged as per National Pressure ulcer advisory panel staging system. Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to the start of the study. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six patients were included. The prevalence of PU was 26.0%. The prevalence of MDRPU was found to be 19.2%. MDRPUs most commonly occurred with non-invasive ventilation mask (NIV) and nasogastric tube (NGT) (20% and 12.3% respectively). MDRPUs were associated with a longer ICU Stay. CONCLUSIONS: MDRPUs pose a significant burden on healthcare. Our study showed significant prevalence rate of MDRPU which is comparable to those seen internationally. There is a compelling need to have continuous audits and structured training programs among healthcare professionals to prevent MDRPUs in critically sick patients.

Deep vein thrombosis in medical and surgical Intensive Care Unit patients in a Tertiary Care Centre in North India: Incidence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis is underutilized, and there is a paucity of data reflecting the incidence of DVT in Indian Intensive Care Unit (ICU) population. We sought to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for DVT in medical and surgical ICU patients with DVT prophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ICU patients more than 18 years old, expected to be in the ICU for more than 48 h were enrolled and DVT prophylaxis were given as per risk and were observed for clinical signs of DVT along with duplex ultrasound until in ICU. The patients receiving anticoagulant for some other reasons were excluded along with those with pregnancy, congenital coagulation disorders and terminal illness. RESULTS: The incidence of DVT was 0.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.81) in mixed populations (1.6% in medical and 0.5% in surgical). The higher DVT score (DVT (+) 10.75 ± 2.06/DVT (-) 8.75 ± 1.7 P = 0. 0264), Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV score (DVT positive patient - DVT (+) 59.25 ± 15.06/DVT negative patients - DVT (-) 44.01 ± 13.74) P = 0. 0292), length of ICU stay ([DVT (+) 26.75 ± 12.87 days/DVT (-) 5.19 ± 6.18] P < 0.010), and inotropes (DVT (+) 50%/DVT (-) 12.3% P = 0. 023) were associated with DVT. CONCLUSION: The incidence of DVT was 0.8% with prophylaxis. High DVT and APACHE IV score were associated with DVT. Prolonged ICU stay and vasopressors were the risk factors.

Molecular Epidemiology of Hemoglobinopathies in Cambodia.

Determining the magnitude of the thalassemia problem in a country is important for implementing a national prevention and control program. In order to acquire accurate thalassemia prevalence data, the gene frequency of α- and ß-thalassemia (α- and ß-thal) in different regions of a country should be determined. The molecular basis of thalassemia in Cambodia was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques in a community-based cross-sectional survey of 1631 unrelated individuals from three regions, Battambang, Preah Vihear and Phnom Penh. Thalassemia mutations were detected in 62.7% of the three studied population of Cambodia. Hb E (HBB: c.79G > A) was the most common ß-globin gene mutation with a frequency ranging from 0.139 to 0.331, while the most frequent α-globin gene mutation was the -α(3.7) (rightward) deletion (0.098-0.255). The other frequencies were 0.001-0.003 for ß-thal, 0.008-0.011 for α-thal-1 (- -(SEA)), 0.003-0.008 for α-thal-2 [-α(4.2) (leftward deletion)], 0.021-0.044 for Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS, HBA2: c.427T > C) and 0.009-0.036 for Hb Paksé (HBA2: c.429A > T). A regional specific thalassemia gene frequency was observed. Preah Vihear had the highest prevalence of Hb E (55.9%), α-thal-2 (24.0%) and nondeletional α-thal (15.1%), whereas Phnom Penh had the lowest frequency of thalassemia genes. Interestingly, in Preah Vihear, the frequency of Hb Paksé was extremely high (0.036), almost equivalent to that of Hb CS (0.044). Our results indicate the importance of micromapping and epidemiology studies of thalassemia, which will assist in establishing the national prevention and control program in Cambodia.

Pressure ulcer and patient characteristics--A point prevalence study in a tertiary hospital of India based on the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel minimum data set.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers is a frequent problem in hospitalized patients. Several prevalence studies have been conducted across the globe. Little information is available regarding prevalence of pressure ulcers in India. PURPOSE: The aim was to identify the prevalence of pressure ulcers in one of the tertiary hospital in northern India and the factors associated with its development. DESIGN: A cross sectional point prevalence study. INSTRUMENTS: European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) data collection form. METHODS: Ethics approval was obtained prior to start of the study. Total of 358 patients were enrolled in the study. All patients above 18 years of age admitted in intensive care units and wards were included in the study. Patients admitted in emergency, day care, coronary care unit were excluded because of their short duration of hospital stay (varies from 24 to 72 h usually). All patients admitted before midnight on the predetermined day were included. The Braden scale was used to identify the risk of developing pressure ulcers. European Pressure ulcer advisory panel (EPUAP) minimum data set was used to collect prevalence data. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rate was 7.8%.The sacrum and heel were more commonly affected. Grade III pressure ulcers were the most common (42.8%). CONCLUSION: The pressure ulcer prevalence rate in our hospital was lower than that published in international studies. Severe forms of pressure ulcers were commonly encountered This data provides background information that may help us in developing protocols for applying effective practices for prevention of pressure ulcers.

Impact of health system governance on healthcare quality in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Improving healthcare quality in low-/middle-income countries (LMICs) is a critical step in the pathway to Universal Health Coverage and health-related sustainable development goals. This study aimed to map the available evidence on the impacts of health system governance interventions on the quality of healthcare services in LMICs. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of the literature. The search strategy used a combination of keywords and phrases relevant to health system governance, quality of healthcare and LMICs. Studies published in English until August 2023, with no start date limitation, were searched on PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and ProQuest. Additional publications were identified by snowballing. The effects reported by the studies on processes of care and quality impacts were reviewed. RESULTS: The findings from 201 primary studies were grouped under (1) leadership, (2) system design, (3) accountability and transparency, (4) financing, (5) private sector partnerships, (6) information and monitoring; (7) participation and engagement and (8) regulation. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a stronger evidence base linking improved quality of care with health financing, private sector partnerships and community participation and engagement strategies. The evidence related to leadership, system design, information and monitoring, and accountability and transparency is limited.

Engaging the private sector to deliver quality maternal and newborn health services for universal health coverage: lessons from policy dialogues.

The private health sector is becoming increasingly important in discussions on improving the quality of care for maternal and newborn health (MNH). Yet information rarely addresses what engaging the private sector for MNH means and how to do it. In 2019, the Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (the Network) initiated exploratory research to better understand how to ensure that the private sector delivers quality care and what the public sector must do to facilitate and sustain this process. This article details the approach and lessons learnt from two Network countries, Ghana and Nigeria, where teams explored the mechanisms for engaging the private sector in delivering MNH services with quality. The situational analyses in Ghana and Nigeria revealed challenges in engaging the private sector, including lack of accurate data, mistrust and an unlevel playing field. Challenging market conditions hindered a greater private sector role in delivering quality MNH services. Based on these analyses, participants at multistakeholder workshops recommended actions addressing policy/administration, regulation and service delivery. The findings from this research help strengthen the evidence base on engaging the private sector to deliver quality MNH services and show that this likely requires engagement with broader health systems factors. In recognition of this need for a balanced approach and the new WHO private sector strategy, the WHO has updated the tools and process for countries interested in conducting this research. The Nigerian Ministry of Health is stewarding additional policy dialogues to further engage the private sector.

Genetic hemoglobin disorders, infection, and deficiencies of iron and vitamin A determine anemia in young Cambodian children.

In Cambodia, many factors may complicate the detection of iron deficiency. In a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the role of genetic hemoglobin (Hb) disorders, iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, infections, and other factors on Hb in young Cambodian children. Data on sociodemographic status, morbidity, and growth were collected from children (n = 3124) aged 6 to 59 mo selected from 3 rural provinces and Phnom Penh municipality. Blood samples were collected (n = 2695) for complete blood count, Hb type (by DNA analysis), ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), retinol-binding protein (RBP), C-reactive protein, and α(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP). Genetic Hb disorders, anemia, and vitamin A deficiency were more common in rural than in urban provinces (P < 0.001): 60.0 vs. 40.0%, 58.2 vs. 32.7%, and 7.4 vs. 3.1%, respectively. Major determinants of Hb were age group, Hb type, ferritin, sTfR, RBP, AGP >1.0 g/L (P < 0.001), and rural setting (P < 0.05). Age group, Hb type, RBP, elevated AGP, and rural setting also influenced ferritin and sTfR (P < 0.02). Multiple factors affected anemia status, including the following: age groups 6-11.99 mo (OR: 6.1; 95% CI: 4.3, 8.7) and 12-23.99 mo (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.1, 3.6); Hb type, notably Hb EE (OR: 18.5; 95% CI: 8.5, 40.4); low ferritin (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.2, 4.7); elevated AGP (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2,1.7); rural setting (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.1); low RBP (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 2.2, 5.9); and elevated sTfR (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.7). In Cambodia, where a high prevalence of genetic Hb disorders exists, ferritin and sTfR are of limited use for assessing the prevalence of iron deficiency. New low-cost methods for detecting genetic Hb disorders are urgently required.

Use of CytoSorb therapy to treat critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is an important clinical presentation of respiratory complications caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a novel coronavirus responsible for the ongoing pandemic. The disease is poorly understood, and immunopathogenesis is constantly evolving. Cytokine release syndrome remains central to pathology of coronavirus disease 2019. Antivirals, anticytokine treatment, and other pharmacological approaches have failed to treat it. CytoSorb, an extracorporeal cytokine adsorber that reduces the cytokine storm and other inflammatory mediators in the blood, seems promising in treating severely ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019. CASE PRESENTATION: This article presents three cases of Asian ethnicity of severely ill adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 admitted to intensive care unit who were treated with CytoSorb therapy. All patients used single CytoSorb device. During their clinical course, all patients were prescribed tocilizumab (an interleukin-6 receptor blocker), antivirals, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and other antibiotics and general antipyretic drugs. No vasopressor treatment was required. The patients' average duration of stay in intensive care unit was 30 days; the average duration of stay in hospital was 31 days. All three patients showed significant improvement in biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes post CytoSorb therapy. C-reactive protein levels decreased by 91.5%, 97.4%, and 55.75 %, and mean arterial pressure improved by 18%, 23%, and 17 % in patient 1, 2, and 3, respectively, on day 7 post-therapy. CONCLUSIONS: All three patients improved clinically and survived.

Learnings From a Pilot Study to Strengthen Primary Health Care Services: The Community-Clinic-Centered Health Service Model in Barishal District, Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Community clinics (CCs) staffed by community health workers (CHWs) represent an effort of the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen the grassroots provision of primary health care services and to accelerate progress in achieving universal health coverage. The Improving Community Health Workers (ICHWs) Project of Save the Children piloted a CC-centered health service (CCHS) model that strengthened community and local government engagement, harmonized the work of different CHW cadres who were working in the same catchment area of each CC, and improved the accountability of CHWs and the CC to the local community. METHODS: We describe the process for developing and implementing the CCHS model in 6 unions in Barishal District where the model was piloted and provide some early qualitative and quantitative findings pertaining to the model's effectiveness. Data were collected from CCs in the 6 pilot unions and 6 other unions that served as a control. Qualitative data were collected from the intervention area during the pre-pilot (October 2017-September 2018) and pilot phase (October 2018-September 2019). Document review, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were also conducted. Maternal and child health service utilization data were extracted from the government health information system in both the intervention and control areas. RESULTS: Community group meetings ensured engagement with local government authorities and supported resource mobilization. There was greater coordination of work among CHWs and increased motivation of CHWs to better serve their clients. The analysis showed that the increase in maternal health consultations was substantially greater in the intervention area than in the control area, as was the number of referrals for higher-level care. CONCLUSION: The CCHS model as applied in this pilot project is effective in engaging local key stakeholders, increasing CHW capacity, and improving client satisfaction. The model demonstrated that a community health system can be strengthened by a comprehensive approach that engages communities and local government officials and that harmonizes the work of CHWs.

Competency of health workers in detecting and managing gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia during antenatal check-ups in primary care health facilities in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the competency of trained health workers in detecting and managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy during routine antenatal check-ups (ANCs) at primary care facilities in Bangladesh. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Cross-sectional study; conducted in 26 primary care facilities. OUTCOME MEASURES: Accurate diagnosis of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. METHOD: In total 1560 ANC consultations provided by primary health workers, known as Family Welfare Visitors (FWVs), were observed using a structured checklist between October 2017 and February 2018. All consultations were reassessed by study physicians for validation. RESULT: Of the 'true' cases of gestational hypertension (n=32), pre-eclampsia (n=29) and severe pre-eclampsia (n=16), only 3%, 7% and 25%, respectively, were correctly diagnosed by FWVs. Per cent agreement for the diagnosed cases of any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 9% and kappa statistics was 0.50 (p value 0.0125). For identification of any hypertensive disorders by FWVs, sensitivity and positive predictive values were 14% and 50%, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between the blood pressure measurements taken by FWVs and study physicians. Only 27% of those who had 'some protein' in urine were correctly identified by FWVs. Women diagnosed with any of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by FWVs were more likely to be counselled on at least one danger sign of pre-eclampsia (severe headache, blurring of vision and upper abdominal pain) than those without any such diagnosis (41% vs 19%, p value 0.008). All four cases of severe pre-eclampsia diagnosed by FWVs were given a loading dose of intramuscular magnesium sulphate and three among them were referred to a higher facility. CONCLUSION: The FWVs should be appropriately trained on risk assessment of pregnant women with particular emphasis on accurately assessing the diagnostic criteria of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and its management.

Experience with hemoadsorption (CytoSorb®) in the management of septic shock patients.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines and inflammatory mediators are the hallmarks of sepsis. Extracorporeal cytokine hemoadsorption devices are the newer clinical support system to overcome the cytokine storm during sepsis. AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients admitted in intensive care unit with septic shock with different etiologies. METHODS: The laboratory parameters including biomarkers such as procalcitonin, serum lactate and C-reactive protein; and the hemodynamic parameters; mean arterial pressure, vasopressor doses, sepsis scores, cytokine levels and other vital parameters were evaluated. We evaluated these outcomes among survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: Of 100 patients evaluated, 40 patients survived. Post treatment, the vasopressors dosage remarkably decreased though it was not statistically different; 34.15% (P = 0.0816) for epinephrine, 20.5 % for norepinephrine (P = 0.3099) and 51% (P = 0.0678) for vasopressin. In the survivor group, a remarkable reduction of biomarkers levels; procalcitonin (65%, P = 0.5859), C-reactive protein (27%, P = 0.659), serum lactate (27%, P = 0.0159) and bilirubin (43.11%; P = 0.0565) were observed from baseline after CytoSorb® therapy. A significant reduction in inflammatory markers; interleukin 6 and interleukin 10; (87% and 92%, P < 0.0001) and in tumour necrosis factor (24%, P = 0.0003) was also seen. Overall, 28 (28%) patients who were given CytoSorb® therapy less than 48 h after onset of septic shock survived and the maximum duration of stay for 70% of these patients in intensive care unit was less than 15 d. CONCLUSION: CytoSorb® is a safe and well tolerated rescue therapy option in patients with septic shock. However, early (preferably within < 48 h after onset of septic shock) initiation could result in better clinical outcomes. Further randomized trials are needed to define the potential benefits of this new treatment modality.

Factors that influence the scale up of new interventions in low-income settings: a qualitative case study of the introduction of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord in Bangladesh.

There is a well-recognized need for empirical study of processes and factors that influence scale up of evidence-based interventions in low-income countries to address the 'know-do' gap. We undertook a qualitative case study of the scale up of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord (CHX) in Bangladesh to identify and compare facilitators and barriers for the institutionalization and expansion stages of scale up. Data collection and analysis for this case study were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the WHO/ExpandNet model of scale up. At the national level, we interviewed 20 stakeholders involved in CHX policy or implementation. At the district level, we conducted interviews with 31 facility-based healthcare providers in five districts and focus group discussions (FGDs) with eight community-based providers and eight programme managers. At the community level, we conducted 7 FGDs with 53 mothers who had a baby within the past year. Expanded interview notes were thematically coded and analysed following an adapted Framework approach. National stakeholders identified external policy and incentives, and the engagement of stakeholders in policy development through the National Technical Working Committee for Newborn Health, as key facilitators for policy and health systems changes. Stakeholders, providers and families perceived the intervention to be simple, safe and effective, and more consistent with family preferences than the prior policy of dry cord care. The major barriers that delayed or decreased the public health impact of the scale up of CHX in Bangladesh's public health system related to commodity production, procurement and distribution. Bangladesh's experience scaling up CHX suggests that scale up should involve early needs assessments and planning for institutionalizing new drugs and commodities into the supply chain. While the five CFIR domains were useful for categorizing barriers and facilitators, additional constructs are needed for common health systems barriers in low-income settings.

Provider performance and facility readiness for managing infections in young infants in primary care facilities in rural Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal infections remain a leading cause of newborn deaths globally. In 2015, WHO issued guidelines for managing possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants (0-59 days) using simplified antibiotic regimens when compliance with hospital referral is not feasible. Bangladesh was one of the first countries to adopt WHO's guidelines for implementation. We report results of an implementation research study that assessed facility readiness and provider performance in three rural sub-districts of Bangladesh during August 2015-August 2016. METHODS: This study took place in 19 primary health centers. Facility readiness was assessed using checklists completed by study staff at three time points. To assess provider performance, we extracted data for all infection cases from facility registers and compared providers' diagnosis and treatment against the guidelines. We plotted classification and dosage errors across the study period and superimposed a locally weighted smoothed (LOWESS) curve to analyze changes in performance over time. Focus group discussions (N = 2) and in-depth interviews (N = 28) with providers were conducted to identify barriers and facilitators for facility readiness and provider performance. RESULTS: At baseline, none of the facilities had adequate supply of antibiotics. During the 10-month period, 606 sick infants with signs of infection presented at the study facilities. Classification errors were identified in 14.9% (N = 90/606) of records. For infants receiving the first dose(s) of antibiotic treatment (N = 551), dosage errors were identified in 22.9% (N = 126/551) of the records. Distribution of errors varied by facility (35.7% [IQR: 24.7-57.4%]) and infection severity. Errors were highest at the beginning of the study period and decreased over time. Qualitative data suggest errors in early implementation were due to changes in providers' assessment and treatment practices, including confusion about classifying an infant with multiple signs of infection, and some providers' concerns about the efficacy of simplified antibiotic regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to monitor early performance and targeted supports are important for enhancing implementation fidelity when introducing complex guidelines in new settings. Future research should examine providers' assessment of effectiveness of simplified treatment and address misconceptions about superiority of broader spectrum antibiotics for treating community-acquired neonatal infections in this context.

Caregiver acceptability of the guidelines for managing young infants with possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI) in primary care facilities in rural Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION: Many infants with possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI) do not receive inpatient treatment because hospital care may not be affordable, accessible, or acceptable for families. In 2015, WHO issued guidelines for managing PSBI in young infants (0-59 days) with simpler antibiotic regimens when hospital care is not feasible. Bangladesh adopted WHO's guidelines for implementation in outpatient primary health centers. We report results of an implementation research study that assessed caregiver acceptability of the guidelines in three rural sub-districts of Bangladesh during early implementation (October 2015-August 2016). METHODS: We included 19 outpatient primary health centers involved in the initial rollout of the infection management guidelines. We extracted data for all PSBI cases (N = 192) from facility registers to identify gaps in referral feasibility, simplified antibiotic treatment, and follow-up. Focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted with both caregivers (6 FGDs; 23 IDIs) and providers (2 FGDs; 28 IDIs) to assess caregiver acceptability of the guidelines. RESULTS: Referral to the hospital was not feasible for many families (83.3%; N = 160/192) and acceptance varied by infection severity. Barriers to referral feasibility included economic and household factors, and previous experiences with poor quality of care at the sub-district hospital. Conversely, providers and caregivers indicated high acceptability of simplified antibiotic treatment. 80% (N = 96/120) of infants with clinical severe infection for whom referral was not feasible returned to the facility for the second antibiotic injection. Some providers reported developing local solutions-including engaging informal providers in treatment of the infant-to address organizational barriers and promote treatment compliance. Follow-up of young infants receiving simplified treatment is critical, but only 67.4% (N = 87/129) of infants received fourth day follow-up. Some providers' reported deviations from the guidelines that shifted responsibility of follow-up to the caregiver, which may have contributed to lapses. CONCLUSION: Caregivers' perception of trust and communication with providers were influential in caregiver acceptability of care. Few caregivers accepted referral to the sub-district hospital, suggesting low acceptability of this option. When referral was not feasible, many caregivers reported satisfaction with simplified antibiotic treatment. Local solutions described by providers require further examination in this context to assess the safety and potential value of these strategies in outpatient treatment. Our findings suggest strengthening providers' interpersonal skills could improve caregiver acceptability of the guidelines.

Newborn signal functions in Bangladesh: identification through expert consultation and assessment of readiness among public health facilities-study protocol using Delphi technique.

INTRODUCTION: There is a set of globally accepted and nationally adapted signal functions for categorising health facilities for maternal services. Newborn resuscitation is the only newborn intervention which is included in the WHO recommended list of emergency obstetric care signal functions. This is not enough to comprehensively assess the readiness of a health facility for providing newborn services. In order to address the major causes of newborn death, the Government of Bangladesh has prioritised a set of newborn interventions for national scale-up, the majority of which are facility-based. Effective delivery of these interventions depends on a core set of functions (skills and services). However, there is no standardised and approved set of newborn signal functions (NSFs) based on which the service availability and readiness of a health facility can be assessed for providing newborn services. Thus, this study will be the first of its kind to identify such NSFs. These NSFs can categorise health facilities and assist policymakers and health managers to appropriately plan and adequately monitor the progress and performance of health facilities delivering newborn healthcare. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will adopt the Delphi technique of consensus building for identification of NSFs and 1-2 indicator for each function while employing expert consultation from relevant experts in Bangladesh. Based on the identified NSFs and signal function indicators, the existing health facility assessment (HFA) tools will be updated, and an HFA survey will be conducted to assess service availability and readiness of public health facilities in relation to the new NSFs. Descriptive statistics (proportion) with a 95% CI will be used to report the level of service availability and readiness of public facilities regarding NSFs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from Research Review and Ethical Review Committee of icddr, b (PR-17089). Results will be disseminated through meetings, seminars, conference presentations and international peer-review journal articles.

Implementation outcomes of the national scale up of chlorhexidine cord cleansing in Bangladesh's public health system.

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine (CHX) cleansing of the umbilical cord stump is an evidence-based intervention that reduces newborn infections and is recommended for high-mortality settings. Bangladesh is one of the first countries to adopt and scale up CHX nationally. This study evaluates the implementation outcomes for the CHX scale up in Bangladesh and identifies and describes key milestones and processes for the scale up. METHODS: We adapted the RE-AIM framework for this study, incorporating the WHO/ExpandNet model of Scale Up. Adoption and incorporation milestones were assessed through program documents and interviews with national stakeholders (n = 25). Provider training records served as a measure of reach. Implementation was assessed through a survey of readiness to provide CHX at public facilities (n = 4479) and routine data on the proportion of all live births at public facilities (n = 813 607) that received CHX from December 2016 to November 2017. Six rounds of a rolling household survey with recently-delivered women in four districts (n = 6000 to 8000 per round) measured the effectiveness and maintenance of the scale up in increasing population-level coverage of CHX in those districts. RESULTS: More than 80 000 providers, supervisors, and managers across all 64 districts received a half-day training on CHX and essential newborn care between July 2015 and September 2016. Seventy-four percent of facilities had at least 70% of maternal and newborn health providers with CHX training, while only 46% had CHX in stock on the day of the assessment. The provision of CHX to newborns delivered at facilities steadily increased from 15 059 newborns (24%) in December 2016 to 71 704 (72%) in November 2017. In the final household survey of four districts, 33% of newborns were reported to receive CHX, and babies delivered at public facilities had 5.04 times greater odds (95% CI = 4.45, 5.72) of receiving CHX than those delivered at home. CONCLUSIONS: The scale up of CHX in Bangladesh achieved sustained national implementation in public health facilities. Institutionalization barriers, such as changes to supply logistics systems, had to be addressed before expansion was achieved. For greater public health impact, implementation must reach deliveries that take place at home and in the private sector.

Using spatial analysis and GIS to improve planning and resource allocation in a rural district of Bangladesh.

The application of a geographic information system (GIS) in public health is relatively common in Bangladesh. However, the use of GIS for planning, monitoring and decision-making by local-level managers has not been well documented. This assessment explored how effectively local government health managers used maps with spatial data for planning, resource allocation and programme monitoring. The United States Agency for International Development-funded MaMoni Health Systems Strengthening project supported the introduction of the maps into district planning processes in 2015 and 2016. GIS maps were used to support the prioritisation of underserved unions (the lowest administrative units) and clusters of disadvantaged communities for the allocation of funds. Additional resources from local government budgets were allocated to the lowest performing unions for improving health facility service readiness and supervision. Using a mixed-methods approach, the project evaluated the outputs of this planning process. District planning reports, population-based surveys, local government annual expenditure reports and service availability and utilisation data were reviewed. The goal was to determine the degree to which district planning teams were able to use the maps for their intended purpose. Key informant interviews were conducted with upazila (subdistrict) managers, elected government representatives and service providers to understand how the maps were used, as well as to identify potential institutionalisation scopes. The project observed improvements in health service availability and utilisation in the highest priority unions in 2016. Quick processing of maps during planning sessions was challenging. Nevertheless, managers and participants expressed their satisfaction with the use of spatial analysis, and there was an expressed need for more web-based GIS both for improving community-level service delivery and for reviewing performance in monthly meetings. Despite some limitations, the use of GIS maps helped local health managers identify health service gaps, prioritise underserved unions and monitor results.

Early implementation of guidelines for managing young infants with possible serious bacterial infection in Bangladesh.

Neonatal infections remain a leading cause of newborn deaths globally. In 2015, WHO issued guidelines for managing possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants (0-59 days) with simpler antibiotic regimens if hospital referral is not feasible. Bangladesh was one of the first countries to adapt WHO guidance into national guidelines for implementation in primary healthcare facilities. Early implementation was led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in 10 subdistricts of Bangladesh with support from USAID's MaMoni Health System Strengthening project. This mixed methods implementation research case study explores programme feasibility and acceptability through analysis of service delivery data from 4590 sick young infants over a 15-month period, qualitative interviews with providers and MOHFW managers and documentation by project staff. Multistakeholder collaboration was key to ensuring facility readiness and feasibility of programme delivery. For the 514 (11%) infants classified as PSBI, provider adherence to prereferral treatment and follow-up varied across infection subcategories. Many clinical severe infection cases for whom referral was not feasible received the recommended two doses of injectable gentamicin and follow-up, suggesting delivery of simplified antibiotic treatment is feasible. However, prereferral antibiotic treatment was low for infants whose families accepted hospital referral, which highlights the need for additional focus on managing these cases in training and supervision. Systems for tracking sick infants that accept hospital referral are needed, and follow-up of all PSBI cases requires strengthening to ensure sick infants receive the recommended treatment, to monitor outcomes and assess the effectiveness of the programme. Only 11.2% (95% CI 10.3 to 12.1) of the expected PSBI cases sought care from the selected service delivery points in the programme period. However, increasing trends in utilisation suggest improved awareness and acceptability of services among families of young infants as the programme matured. Future programme activities should include interviews with caregivers to explore the complexities around referral feasibility and acceptability of simplified antibiotic treatment.

Implementation research to support Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement its national guidelines for management of infections in young infants in two rural districts.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization revised the global guidelines for management of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants to recommend the use of simplified antibiotic therapy in settings where access to hospital care is not possible. The Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of Bangladesh (GOB) adopted these guidelines, allowing treatment at first-level facilities. During the first year of implementation, the Projahnmo Study Group and USAID/MaMoni Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Project supported the MoHFW to operationalize the new guidelines and conducted an implementation research study in selected districts to assess challenges and identify solutions to facilitate scale-up across the country. IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT: Projahnmo and MaMoni HSS teams supported implementation in three areas: building capacity, strengthening service delivery, and mobilizing communities. Capacity building focused on training paramedics to conduct outpatient management of PSBI cases and developing monitoring and supervision systems. The teams also filled gaps in government supply of essential drugs, equipment, and logistics. Community mobilization strategies to promote care-seeking and referrals to facilities varied across districts; in one district community, health workers made home visits while in another district, the promotion was carried out through community volunteers, village doctors, and through existing community structures. METHODS: We followed a plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycle to identify and address implementation challenges. Three cycles-1 every 4 months-were conducted. We collected data utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods in both the community and facilities. The total sample size for this study was 13,590. DISCUSSION: This article provides implementation research design details for program managers intending to implement new guidelines on management of young infant infections. Results of this research will be reported in the forthcoming papers. Preliminary findings indicate that the management of PSBI cases at the UH&FWCs is feasible. However, MoHFW, GOB needs to address the implementation challenges before scale-up of this policy to the national level.