The global burden of pediatric and congenital heart disease (PCHD) is substantial, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study proposes a novel public health framework with actionable recommendations for developing effective and safe PCHD services. The framework was created by the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery Cardiac Surgery working group, in collaboration with international experts in pediatric and congenital cardiac care.
Key Recommendations
The study emphasizes the need for a tier-based framework for PCHD care, integrated within existing health systems. Each level of care is expected to meet minimum benchmarks and ensure high-quality, family-centered care. Here are some of the key recommendations:
- Tier-Based Framework: The framework categorizes care into five levels, from basic screening at community health centers to advanced surgical care at national children's hospitals.
- Quality Control Systems: Establishing robust quality control systems at each level of care is crucial. This includes regular assessments, data tracking, and continuous quality improvement (CQI) efforts.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary care teams, including cardiologists, surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and allied health professionals, to provide comprehensive care.
- Government Financing: Advocating for government financing and inclusion in national health policies to ensure sustainable and equitable healthcare services.
- Research and Training: Encouraging ongoing research, training, and education programs to build capacity and improve care standards.
Implementing the Framework
Practitioners can take several steps to implement the recommendations and improve their skills:
- Adopt the Tier-Based Framework: Assess the current level of care provided and work towards meeting the benchmarks outlined for each tier. This may involve investing in training, infrastructure, and equipment.
- Establish Quality Control Systems: Implement regular quality assessments and data tracking mechanisms. Use the data to identify areas for improvement and develop CQI projects.
- Build Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to form multidisciplinary care teams. This ensures comprehensive and holistic care for patients.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Engage with policymakers to advocate for the inclusion of PCHD care in national health policies and secure government financing.
- Participate in Research and Training: Stay updated with the latest research and participate in training programs to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Encouraging Further Research
While the framework provides a solid foundation for improving PCHD care, further research is needed to tailor these recommendations to specific local contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research projects, collaborate with international experts, and share their findings to contribute to the global knowledge base.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Recommendations for developing effective and safe paediatric and congenital heart disease services in low-income and middle-income countries: a public health framework.
