MANAGEMENT Practices for Children IN Sickle Cell Crisis in Selected Hospitals in Northern Malawi. 

Abstract

Background Sickle cell crisis is a common complication of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) that is responsible for frequent hospitalizations among children. The condition carries a mortality rate of 50% − 90%. If appropriate care is not rendered, it can lead to early child mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of care provided to hospitalized children in sickle cell crisis in selected hospitals in Northern Malawi. Methods A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess the quality of care provided to hospitalized children in sickle cell crisis at a tertiary, district and mission hospitals in the Northern Region of Malawi. Data was collected from files of 124 children admitted in sickle cell crisis from 2019 to 2021 using a checklist that was developed from WHO, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and Queens Paediatric Guidelines for the management of SCD while analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results The results showed suboptimal quality of care as most children did not receive the recommended interventions such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, the correct amount of intravenous fluids, and timely pain relief medication as stipulated by the guidelines for the management of SCD. Conclusions The study gave some insights regarding quality of care for children in sickle cell crisis in the Region. It can, therefore, be concluded that ensuring the availability and accessibility of SCD management guidelines, pain assessment tools in Paediatric care settings would improve clinical practice.