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09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Why children die: avoidable factors associated with child deaths
G A Pearson1, M Ward-Platt, A Harnden
1Paediatric Intensive Care, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Ln, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK. gale.pearson@bch.nhs.uk
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 10, 2010
Summary
Avoidable factors contributed to child deaths, with healthcare-related issues being most common. Recurring factors included missed serious illness and loss to follow-up, highlighting areas for improved child mortality strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Child mortality remains a significant public health concern.
- Identifying preventable factors in child deaths is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Confidential enquiries provide a mechanism for in-depth review of child death cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe avoidable factors contributing to child deaths through a confidential enquiry process.
- To analyze the nature and prevalence of these avoidable factors.
Main Methods:
- A sample of child death cases (13%) underwent multidisciplinary panel review.
- Case notes were anonymized and reviewed remotely by panels to identify avoidable factors.
- Standardized protocols were used for panel composition, conduct, and reporting.
Main Results:
- Of 119 reviewed cases, 31% had avoidable factors, and 43% were potentially avoidable.
- Healthcare-related factors constituted 64% of the identified avoidable factors.
- Key avoidable factors included failure to recognize serious illness and loss to follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Child Death Overview Panels utilize similar methods to review child deaths.
- National analysis of contributory factors can enhance understanding of child mortality.
- Strategies informed by this analysis have the potential to reduce child mortality rates.
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