Emergency Care Capacity in Pediatric Hospitals, Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

Introduction: Critical pediatric patients have specific needs, which require special skills, training, equipment, supplies, personnel, and medications. While the knowledge related to enhance survival rate of newborn and children has improved over the past few decades. This study conducted to assess the emergency care capacity in pediatric hospitals at Khartoum state, Sudan. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study, it was conducted in three hospitals at Khartoum, Sudan 2017-2018, to assess emergency care capacity in pediatric hospitals. Data was collected using open-ended questionnaire, and observational checklist. The data scored using dichotomous indicators (absent or present). Results: The study showed that there is shortage in human resources necessary to provide emergency care. However, much essential equipment for emergency care of children was absent in most hospitals, moreover, only 33% of hospitals had Triage system staffed by a trained person. Further, the clinical practice protocols for managing dehydration, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal resuscitation were not traced at the three hospitals. There are a limited laboratory services in one hospital. Conclusion: It is concluded that pediatric specialized hospitals, in Khartoum state, Sudan, have low capacity to provide emergency care for children. Further efforts are needed to improve the emergency care capacity in Khartoum hospitals.