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Barriers to Pediatric Emergency Care in Low-Resource Settings: A Narrative Review
Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed1, Majd Oweidat2, Olalekan John Okesanya3
1SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia.
Insights
Pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is hindered by resource limitations and infrastructure gaps. Improving training, technology, and community engagement is vital for better child survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Systems Analysis
Background:
- Pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is critically under-resourced.
- Significant morbidity and mortality in children are preventable due to systemic healthcare challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key barriers to effective pediatric emergency care in LMICs.
- To identify potential solutions for improving emergency services for children in these regions.
Main Methods:
- This study employed a narrative review methodology.
- It synthesized information on challenges and proposed interventions for pediatric emergency care in LMICs.
Main Results:
- Key barriers identified include inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, limited access to supplies, financial constraints, and geographical challenges.
- Technological limitations like poor electronic medical records (EMR) and restricted telemedicine access were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding specialized training, and enhancing digital health are crucial.
- Community engagement, caregiver education, and global collaboration are essential for sustainable improvements in pediatric emergency care in LMICs.
Abstract:
Pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) faces critical challenges, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and socioeconomic disparities strain the healthcare system. This narrative review identifies key barriers, including insufficient healthcare infrastructure, a lack of trained professionals, and restricted access to essential medical supplies and emergency services. Financial constraints, caregiver health literacy gaps, and technological limitations, such as poor EMR systems and limited telemedicine, further hinder care. Geographical barriers delay interventions, especially in rural areas with poor transportation. Weak healthcare policies contribute to fragmented care, necessitating urgent reform. Solutions include strengthening infrastructure, expanding pediatric emergency training, leveraging digital health technologies, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Community engagement and caregiver education are crucial for timely access, whereas global collaboration is vital for resource mobilization and sustainable improvements in LMICs' pediatric emergency care.
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