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Implementing a mHealth-Based Patient and Nurse Educational Program to Reduce Wound Infection in Rural Philippines
Valentín Henarejos1, Kathleen O'Connor2, Antonio Barrasa1
1CEU Cardinal Herrera University Faculty of Health Sciences, Surgery, Moncada, Valenciana, ES.
Background:
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a prevalent but preventable complication in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC), with reported incidence varying from 8-30%. In 2018, the MEDIPINAS surgical mission to the Philippines observed a 28.8% rate of SSI despite adherence to WHO intraoperative protocols.The objective of this study was to introduce an educational program for wound care and early identification of wound infection. This program included provision of wound care materials and systematic protocol to ensure adequate and effective follow-up. Barriers to SSI prophylaxis in the Philippines include limited resources in regional hospitals and isolation of patients living in rural areas. The MEDIPINAS mission utilized mobile health software to connect with regional providers and to reinforce the wound care educational program introduced at discharge.
Methods:
The 2019 MEDIPINAS mission returned to the Philippines and operated on 187 patients in San Antonio de Padua Diocesan Hospital and Santa Maria Josefa Hospital. Before discharge, patients were individually consulted about maintaining the cleanliness of their surgical wound. Each patient was discharged with a wound care infographic and a kit to change dressings. In collaboration with regional care providers, we utilized a secure mobile health software to monitor wound healing 7 and 30 days following the operation.
Results:
Between the 2018 and 2019 surgical missions, we observed a decrease in SSI from 28.8% to 9.7%. Fourteen patients (7.5%) were lost to follow-up. Postoperative infection was diagnosed using photos provided by hospital-based nurses. Individuals with infections were treated with antibiotics and all but two SSI resolved after 30 days.
Conclusions:
Patient education, discharge with basic sanitary resources, and development of a mobile health-based follow-up infrastructure may contribute to significant reductions in SSI in LMICs. A limitation to implementation of such a program was integration of the mobile health software into the practice of local healthcare providers.
Insights
A new wound care education program and mobile health follow-up significantly reduced surgical site infections (SSI) in the Philippines. This intervention improved patient outcomes in low-resource settings.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Surgical Infections
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major complication in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with incidence rates from 8-30%.
- A 2018 surgical mission in the Philippines reported a 28.8% SSI rate, despite WHO protocol adherence.
- Barriers include limited hospital resources and rural patient isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement an educational program for wound care and early infection identification.
- To provide wound care materials and a systematic follow-up protocol.
- To leverage mobile health software for enhanced patient monitoring and provider connectivity.
Main Methods:
- The 2019 mission educated 187 patients on wound care before discharge.
- Patients received wound care infographics and dressing kits.
- Mobile health software was used for 7- and 30-day post-operative wound monitoring with regional providers.
Main Results:
- Surgical site infection (SSI) rates decreased from 28.8% in 2018 to 9.7% in 2019.
- Fourteen patients (7.5%) were lost to follow-up.
- Antibiotic treatment resolved all but two SSIs within 30 days.
Conclusions:
- Patient education, provision of sanitary resources, and mobile health follow-up can significantly reduce SSI in LMICs.
- Integrating mobile health software into local healthcare practices presents implementation challenges.
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