Electronic Clinical Decision Support Tools: Strategies to Improve the Management of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Low-Resource Settings
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a common reason for hospitalization and antibacterial use globally. There is considerable overlap in the clinical presentation of bacterial and viral LRTIs. Low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) face the dual challenge of appropriately targeting antibacterials for bacterial LRTI while reducing inappropriate antibacterials for viral LRTI. We propose a framework by which an electronic clinical decision support tool (eCDST) for diagnosing LRTI and reducing unnecessary antibacterial use may be developed, validated, and prospectively evaluated in an LMIC. The developed tool would be data driven, low-cost, feasible in the local setting, adaptable based on resource availability, and updated in real time, with prospective assessment to identify its clinical impact. We draw upon our team's recent experience developing an eCDST for LRTI management in Sri Lanka. Publicly sharing such processes and data is valuable, such that we can collectively improve clinical care in LMICs and other settings.
Authors: L. Gayani Tillekeratne, Warsha De Soyza, Maria D. Iglesias-Ussel, Stefany Olague, Dhammika Palangasinghe, Ajith Nagahawatte, Thilini Wickramatunga, Jayani Gamage, Ruvini Kurukulasooriya, Madureka Premamali, James Ngocho, Armstrong Obale, Kate Sanborn, John Gallis, Christopher W. Woods, Susanna Naggie, Truls Ostbye, Hrishikesh Chakraborty, Eric Laber, Evan Myers, Melissa Watt, Champica K. Bodinayake
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G4505645456
OpenAlex ID: W4403223618