Paediatric emergency care in resource-constrained health services is usually neglected: time for change

Ann Trop Paediatr. 2010;30(3):165-76. doi: 10.1179/146532810X12703902516482.

Abstract

Emergency care has been neglected in many resource-constrained countries and yet 50% of paediatric admissions die in the 1st 24 hours of admission. Carers may know how to manage clinical problems but there might not be a system in place to provide timely and appropriate care. This article reviews the needs--staffing, materials and physical layout--of a receiving hospital unit and describes how to set up a system of patient flow and care that prioritises and provides timely care, so that when a patient arrives in hospital the system does not fail them.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developing Countries
  • Emergency Medical Services / economics*
  • Emergency Medical Services / methods*
  • Emergency Medical Services / standards
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Time Factors
  • Workforce