To document Pneumonia case management practices in selected communities of Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The cornerstone of ARI control programs is standardized case management. According to this strategy thousands of healthcare providers have been trained in Pakistan. Given unchanged mortality statistics, there is a concern that these pieces of training have not been able to deliver the outcome. Purpose of Study To document current under-five pneumonia case management practices at the community level, first level care facility (FLCF) and specialist level across Pakistan. Methodology 32 structured; disguised observations were done using an observation tool based on standard WHO pneumonia case management guidelines from each of four administrative units and the federal capital of Pakistan across the LHW level, FLCF and tertiary level. Thus, a total of 160 observations were made. Results At the community level, 100% LHW's did not ask for danger signs & did not expose the chest, 98% misdiagnosed pneumonia and100% prescribed antibiotics to irrespective of diagnosis. At FLCF 0.6% inquired about danger signs, 98% did not expose the chest, 80% did not use WHO classification for diagnosing pneumonia and 100% prescribed antibiotics irrespective of diagnosis. At GP's and specialist level in the private sector, 28 % inquired about at least one danger sign, 82% exposed chest, 58% did not use WHO classification for diagnosis, and 17% wrongly prescribed antibiotics. Whereas in public sector, 7% inquired about at least one danger sign, 78% exposed chest, 64% did not use WHO classification for diagnosis and 28% wrongly prescribed antibiotics. Acknowledgment of Funding This research was commissioned by the National Institute of Health Research using Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of NHS, the National Institute of Health Research, or the development of Health. Key messages Standard pneumonia case management guidelines are not been followed at any level of healthcare systems in Pakistan. Pneumonia case management strategies need to be revised to manage the disease.