Public Hospitals In Bangladesh Research Articles

A closer observation of the dedicated responsibilities of nurses at public hospitals in Bangladesh

A closer observation of the dedicated responsibilities of nurses at public hospitals in Bangladesh

Qualitative Assessment of a Smartphone-Based Mobile Health Tool to Guide Diarrhea Management in Bangladesh.

Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide and a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance. In the absence of laboratory diagnostics to establish diarrhea etiology, electronic clinical decision support tools can help physicians make informed treatment decisions for children with diarrhea. In Bangladesh, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an electronic Diarrhea Etiology Prediction algorithm (DEP tool) embedded into a rehydration calculator, which was designed to help physicians manage children with diarrhea, including decisions on antibiotic use. A team of Bangladeshi anthropologists conducted in-depth interviews with physicians (N = 13) in three public hospitals in Bangladesh about their experience using the tool in the context of a pilot trial. Physicians expressed positive opinions of the DEP tool. Participants perceived the tool to be simple and easy to use, with structured guidance on collecting and entering clinical data from patients. Significant strengths of the tool were as follows: standardization of protocol, efficiency of clinical decision-making, and improved clinical practice. Participants also noted barriers that might restrict the widespread impact of the tool, including physicians' reluctance to use an electronic tool for clinical decision-making, increasing work in overburdened healthcare settings, unavailability of a smartphone, and patients' preferences for antibiotics. We conclude that an electronic clinical decision support tool is a promising method for improving diarrheal management and antibiotic stewardship. Future directions include developing and implementing such a tool for informal healthcare physicians in low-resource settings, where families may first seek care for pediatric diarrhea.

Motivation and Job Performance among Nurses at Public Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: The performance of nurses plays a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes for healthcare organizations. Performance is directly related to motivation; as higher motivation leads to better performance. Motivated nurses tend to have a strong sense of organizational belonging, resulting in improved work quality, increased productivity, and enhanced job performance. Objective: The study aims to examine the relationship between motivation and job performance among nurses at public hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. A total of 112 nurses were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected from February 2023 to March 2023 using a structured questionnaire. The instrument consisted of three parts: Part I, the Socio-Demographic Questionnaire (SCQ-10); Part II, the Nurses' Motivation Measurement Questionnaire (NMMQ-32); and Part III, the Nursing Job Performance Related Questionnaire (NJPQ-52). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The average age of the participants was 37.3 years (SD = 57.102). Among them, 94.6% were female, 97.3% were married, and 75% identified themselves as Muslims. The mean score of motivation was 3.43 (SD = 0.660), indicating that nurses were motivated. The mean score of job performance was 2.78 (SD = 0.640), indicating that nurses had good job performance. The results also showed that more than half of the nurses expressed dissatisfaction with their remuneration. There was a significant positive correlation between motivation and job performance (r = 0.725, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The present study found that motivation and job performance strongly correlate with each other. Although the participants were motivated and had a good performance, there is still a lack of a fair performance evaluation system and proper resources for better job performance. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended that further study be conducted with a larger sample size and in multiple healthcare settings to allow the generalizability of the findings and provide a more diverse and comprehensive understanding of the relationship between motivation and job performance.

Effects of Job Demands, Job Resources and Psychological Capital on Work Engagement among Nurses in Bangladesh

The level of work engagement of nurses has indisputable contributions to patient service in the health care sectors. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model predicts job demands and resources related to work engagement but has not previously been tested in the specific context of registered nurses of Bangladesh using psychological capital as a mediator. The main objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of job demands, and job resources on the work engagement of nursesof public hospitals in Bangladesh where psychological capital plays the role of mediator. A comprehensive review will be presented based on the most recently selected literature from an academic journal and relevant online platforms. However, as mentioned in the conceptual analysis, it will contribute to the literature by providing expanded knowledge of the job aspects associated with the work engagement of nurses and will confirm the importance of monitoring nurses' work engagement and psychological capital to improve patient satisfaction with nursing care in Bangladesh. Besides, the conceptual configuration of this study will help healthcare managers and policymakers of healthcare services that could serve as input for planning purposes. Furthermore, the conceptual model may possibly be able to assist nurses in practicing their ability with the responsibility to handle certain situations with the nursing staff coordinator's supervision.

Design and Development of a Multifunctional Convertible Wheelchair in a Low-Income Country Context

The objective of this study is to design and develop a mobility aid that performs three different functions to serve patients with a cost-effective space utilizing a wheelchair. The focus was to develop an affordable product considering the poor economic status of the targeted users. A convertible multifunctional wheelchair was developed that can be used as a stretcher and as a regular wheelchair, and it has a pair of crutches to assist in walking. The design and stress-strain analysis of the product was done using SolidWorks 2019. Then, the product was manufactured using the simplest available manufacturing tools and materials. It was possible to fabricate a prototype of this multifunctional at a very cheap cost of BDT 14,250 ($162 approximately). However, it is believed that in mass production, the unit cost can be reduced by 40-50%. The fabricated prototype was lightweight with an average weight of approximately 16 kg allowing it to be portable. The design specifications also ensure ergonomic comfort. It can be contended that this device can be a cost-effective solution for patients and public hospitals in Bangladesh and similar low-income countries.

Prevalence and determinants of physical violence against doctors in Bangladeshi tertiary care hospitals

BackgroundThe increasing physical violence against doctors in the health sector has become an alarming global problem and a key concern for the health system in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of physical violence against doctors in Bangladeshi tertiary care hospitals.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed among 406 doctors working in tertiary care hospitals. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the binary logistic regression model was employed for predicting physical violence against doctors.ResultsOf the participants, 50 (12.3%) doctors reported being exposed to physical violence in 12 months prior to the survey. According to logistic regression analysis, aged less than 30 years or younger, male and never-married doctors were prone to physical violence. Similarly, doctors from public hospitals and those worked in emergency departments were at higher risk of physical violence. More than 70% of victims reported that patients’ relatives were the main perpetrators. Two-thirds of the victims referred to violence in the hospitals as a grave concern.ConclusionsPhysical violence against doctors is relatively common in the emergency departments and public hospitals in Bangladesh. This study found that male and younger doctors were at high risk of exposing physical violence. To prevent hospital violence, authorities must develop human resources, bolster patient protocol and offer physician training.

Peritoneal Lavage with Antiseptics in the Management of Peritonitis in Patients with Perforated Duodenal Ulcer

Background : Postoperative wound infection is a common consequence following laparotomy for peritonitis. Peptic ulcer perforation followed by peritonitis remains as an important cause of mortality. In severe peritonitis, the use of exploratory laparotomy and intra-operative lavage with large amount of saline solution has been the standard of care to reduce risk of postoperative infections. Objective: To compare the outcome between povidone iodine mixed normal saline (N/S) lavage and conventional normal saline lavage in the management of peritonitis in a tertiary care public hospital in Bangladesh. Methodology: This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in the department of Surgery, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogura during July 2013 to December 2013. There were total 50 patients, selected by purposive sampling as a diagnosed case of peritonitis due to peptic ulcer perforation. All the patients were divided into 2 groups by using coin toss as group A (conventional N/S) and group B (povidone iodine mixed with N/S). The data were collected using the pretested data collection sheet. Results were tested by chi-square test to see their level of significance with a p-value at <0.05. Results: The maximum (17, 34.0%) patients presented as peritonitis due to peptic ulcer perforation was from 18-30 years age group. The mean age of the patient was 29.16±9.25 years (age range: 18-61 years). The female to male ratio were 5.25:1 and 3.16:1 in group A and B respectively. Some (22, 44.0%) of the patients showed 13-18 hours delay since first symptom appeared. Fever (88.0% vs 80.0%), surgical site infection (SSI) (32.0% vs 24.0%), burst abdomen (20.0% vs 12.0%), intra-abdominal sepsis (8.0% vs 4.0%) were evident as postoperative complications in the groups A and B respectively. Only 1 (4.0%) patient died among group A patients due to sudden cardiac arrest. Mean hospital stay was a little lower among group B patients with milder complications and good outcome (though difference was not statistically significant). Conclusion: The outcome was observed better in case of using povidone iodine mixed with normal saline for peritoneal lavage. J Monno Med Coll June 2022;8(2): 36-39

Social Support and Postpartum Depression among Hospitalized Women at a Public Hospital in Bangladesh

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the relationship between social support and postpartum depression among hospitalized women at a public hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 110 hospitalized postpartum women at a public hospital in Bangladesh using a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews by using the Personal Resources Questionnaire to evaluate social support and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess postpartum depression. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022. Results: The study result revealed that the majority (65.5%) of postpartum women experienced depression. Participants' age, number of gravida, mode of delivery, and place of living were significantly associated with postpartum depression. The number of gravida and educational level were also found to be significantly associated with perceived social support. A highly significant negative correlation was found between social support and postpartum depression. Conclusion: The findings will be useful by describing factors of postpartum depression, early detection of postpartum depression and educating the public about the importance of social support during the postpartum period. The study also hopes to reduce maternal stress, unfavourable mother-child health outcomes, hospitalization and treatment cost for postpartum depression.

Introduction of an Electronic Clinical Decision Support Tool to Inform Prescribing for Pediatric Diarrhea in Bangladesh and Mali: Do Provider Expectations Predict Experiences?

ABSTRACT.Nonindicated antibiotics for childhood diarrhea is a major contributor to global antimicrobial resistance. Electronic clinical decision support tools (eCDSTs) may reduce unnecessary antibiotics. This study examined how providers’ expectations of an eCDST to predict diarrhea etiology compared with their experiences using the tool. Providers were enrolled from public hospitals in Bangladesh (n = 15) and Mali (n = 15), and surveys were completed at baseline and after using the eCDST. Baseline surveys assessed expectations (utility, ease of use, and threat to autonomy), and post surveys assessed experiences in the same domains. Providers’ experiences with ease of use exceeded their baseline expectations, and providers reported less experienced threat to autonomy after use, compared with baseline expectations. Providers’ expectations of threat to autonomy significantly predicted their experienced threat to autonomy. Findings suggest that an eCDST to inform antimicrobial prescribing for diarrhea is feasible and acceptable, but training should promote local ownership for sustainability.

Perceptions toward and practices regarding antibiotic stewardship and use among physicians at tertiary-care public hospitals in Bangladesh

Background: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is affecting public health management in developing countries, including Bangladesh. Irrational and inappropriate use of antibiotics in healthcare settings has led to widespread drug resistance. To optimize antimicrobial usage to combat AMR and enhance infection treatment, the competence of healthcare workers in antibiotic prescribing is indispensable. We sought to determine the perceptions about antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs), and antibiotic prescribing approaches among physicians at tertiary-care public hospitals in Bangladesh. Methods: From September to December 2020, we conducted a mixed-methods study in 9 tertiary-care public hospitals. Using a self-administered, semistructured questionnaire, we collected data on antibiotic stewardship and prescribing practices from 452 on-duty physicians. In addition, we conducted 16 key-informant interviews to explore AMR perceptions and determinants. Results: Only 43.8% of physicians were aware of the ASP, and none of the hospitals had any ASP initiative in place. Most of the participants (70.6%) recommended tailored training and antibiotic prescribing guidelines (63.7%) for effective ASP initiatives. More than half of the physicians (54.7%) preferred to receive regular monitoring and feedback on their routine antibiotic prescriptions from the stewardship program. In terms of the antibiotic prescribing approach, only 25.9% of physicians relied on microbiology lab findings, whereas 69.5% routinely employed oral or intravenous antibiotics. Also, 40.0% of physicians considered the patient’s ability to afford the antibiotic cost when recommending antibiotics. The qualitative investigation identified the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, absence of guidelines, and inadequate laboratory support as factors contributing to AMR in the healthcare setting. Self-medication, over-the-counter dispensing, and patients’ economic instability to complete the dosage were also attributed to the irrational use of antibiotics. As a priority step, physicians advocated for intensive training on antibiotic advising, mass awareness campaigns on safe antibiotic usage and dispensing, and a restriction on the widespread sale of antibiotics from pharmacies. Conclusions: Despite favorable perceptions, the fundamental understanding of physicians regarding ASPs and rational prescribing of antibiotics needs to be improved through context-specific educational interventions and capacity building. In addition, a coherent and comprehensive policy is required for the development and implementation of antibiotic usage guidelines along with integrated ASP initiatives to combat AMR.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Pilot Study on the Current Management of Children with COVID-19 In Hospitals in Bangladesh; Findings and Implications

Objective: The focus on COVID-19 in children in low- and middle-income countries including Bangladesh has been on addressing key issues including poor vaccination rates as well as mental health issues, domestic violence and child labour. However, the focus on optimally managing children in hospitals is changing with new variants and concerns with the development of hyperinflammatory syndromes. There are also concerns with the overuse of antimicrobials to treat patients with COVID-19 in hospitals enhancing resistance rates. The Bangladesh Paediatric Association have developed guidelines to improve patient care building on national guidance. Consequently, there is a need to document the current management of children with COVID-19 in Bangladesh and use the findings for future guidance. Methods: Rapid analysis of the management of children with COVID-19 among eight private and public hospitals in Bangladesh with varying numbers of in-patient beds using purposely developed case report forms (CRFs). The CRFs were piloted before full roll-out. Results: Overall low numbers of children in hospital with COVID-19 (4.3% of in-patient beds). The majority were male (59.6%) and aged 5 years or under (63.5%). Reasons for admission included respiratory distress/ breathing difficulties with 94.2% of COVID-19 cases confirmed. All children were prescribed antibiotics empirically, typically those on the Watch list of antibiotics and administered parenterally, with only a small minority switched to oral therapy before discharge. There was appreciable prescribing of Vitamins (C and D) and zinc and encouragingly limited prescribing of other antimicrobials (antivirals, antimalarials and antiparasitic medicines). Length of stay was typically 5 to 10 days. Conclusion: Encouraging to see low hospitalisation rates and limited use of antimicrobials apart from antibiotics. Concerns with high empiric use of antibiotics and limited switching to oral formulations can be addressed by instigating antimicrobial stewardship programmes. We will be monitoring this. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(5) 2021 p.188-198

Working with Respiratory Illness: Presenteeism Among Healthcare Personnel at Tertiary-Care Hospitals in Bangladesh, 2008–2016

Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) in crowded and resource-poor countries (eg Bangladesh), might be at risk of exposure to and transmission of respiratory illnesses to coworkers, patients, and caregivers. The infection control practices in public hospitals are inadequate in Bangladesh. We estimated the incidence of respiratory illness episodes among HCP, and proportion of HCP who worked during respiratory illnesses, including influenza virus infection, at 2 tertiary-care public hospitals in Bangladesh. Methods: From May 2008 to February 2016, HCP (defined as physicians, nurses, interns, patient care assistant, cleaners, and administrative staff working in adult and pediatric medicine wards) were asked to self-report to study physicians when they experienced new onset of cough, rhinorrhea, difficulty breathing, or fever during the April–September influenza epidemic period each year. Study physicians followed HCP throughout their respiratory illness episodes and recorded respiratory symptoms, onset dates, duration of illness, and days of presenteeism and absenteeism during illness. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected after informed written consent and were tested for influenza by rRT-PCR. We used hospital records to enumerate total HCP working in the study wards during influenza season and multiplied by 6-months follow-up per year to calculate person-time contribution for estimating respiratory illness incidence. Results: HCP self-reported 107 episodes of respiratory illness during 656 person years of follow-up, for an estimated incidence of 16.3 per 100 person years (95% CI, 13–20). Of 107 episodes, 33 (31%) included fever and cough. The mean illness length was 3.9 days (SD, ±1.8). HCP worked an average of 3.4 days (SD, ±1.4) while ill. HCP missed work for a median of 1 day (IQR, 1–2) during 29 (27%) of 107 illness episodes. HCP consented to collect swabs during 56 (52%) episodes, and among them 8 (14%) of 56 tested positive for influenza (flu-A, n = 5; flu-B, n = 3). Also, 63% of HCP with influenza reported fever and cough. HCP experiencing either respiratory illness or influenza worked for similar periods of days while ill: mean, 4 (SD, ±2.2) versus mean, 3.3 (SD, ±1.4) (P = .257). HCP worked during 105 (98%) of 107 respiratory illness and 7 (88%) of 8 influenza episodes. Conclusions: Most HCP in Bangladesh, including those with influenza, worked during respiratory illnesses. The potential value of stay-at-home policies, compensation for sick days, and influenza vaccination in reducing HCP-associated respiratory pathogen transmission could be assessed in Bangladesh and similar settings.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Chlorhexidine for facility-based umbilical cord care: EN-BIRTH multi-country validation study

BackgroundUmbilical cord hygiene prevents sepsis, a leading cause of neonatal mortality. The World Health Organization recommends 7.1% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) application to the umbilicus after home birth in high mortality contexts. In Bangladesh and Nepal, national policies recommend CHX use for all facility births. Population-based household surveys include optional questions on CHX use, but indicator validation studies are lacking. The Every Newborn Birth Indicators Research Tracking in Hospitals (EN-BIRTH) was an observational study assessing measurement validity for maternal and newborn indicators. This paper reports results regarding CHX.MethodsThe EN-BIRTH study (July 2017–July 2018) included three public hospitals in Bangladesh and Nepal where CHX cord application is routine. Clinical-observers collected tablet-based, time-stamped data regarding cord care during admission to labour and delivery wards as the gold standard to assess accuracy of women’s report at exit survey, and of routine-register data. We calculated validity ratios and individual-level validation metrics; analysed coverage, quality and measurement gaps. We conducted qualitative interviews to assess barriers and enablers to routine register-recording.ResultsUmbilical cord care was observed for 12,379 live births. Observer-assessed CHX coverage was very high at 89.3–99.4% in all 3 hospitals, although slightly lower after caesarean births in Azimpur (86.8%), Bangladesh. Exit survey-reported coverage (0.4–45.9%) underestimated the observed coverage with substantial “don’t know” responses (55.5–79.4%). Survey-reported validity ratios were all poor (0.01 to 0.38). Register-recorded coverage in the specific column in Bangladesh was underestimated by 0.2% in Kushtia but overestimated by 9.0% in Azimpur. Register-recorded validity ratios were good (0.9 to 1.1) in Bangladesh, and poor (0.8) in Nepal. The non-specific register column in Pokhara, Nepal substantially underestimated coverage (20.7%).ConclusionsExit survey-report highly underestimated observed CHX coverage in all three hospitals. Routine register-recorded coverage was closer to observer-assessed coverage than survey reports in all hospitals, including for caesarean births, and was more accurately captured in hospitals with a specific register column. Inclusion of CHX cord care into registers, and tallied into health management information system platforms, is justified in countries with national policies for facility-based use, but requires implementation research to assess register design and data flow within health information systems.

Immediate newborn care and breastfeeding: EN-BIRTH multi-country validation study

BackgroundImmediate newborn care (INC) practices, notably early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), are fundamental for newborn health. However, coverage tracking currently relies on household survey data in many settings. “Every Newborn Birth Indicators Research Tracking in Hospitals” (EN-BIRTH) was an observational study validating selected maternal and newborn health indicators. This paper reports results for EIBF.MethodsThe EN-BIRTH study was conducted in five public hospitals in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Tanzania, from July 2017 to July 2018. Clinical observers collected tablet-based, time-stamped data on EIBF and INC practices (skin-to-skin within 1 h of birth, drying, and delayed cord clamping). To assess validity of EIBF measurement, we compared observation as gold standard to register records and women’s exit-interview survey reports. Percent agreement was used to assess agreement between EIBF and INC practices. Kaplan Meier survival curves showed timing. Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore barriers/enablers to register recording.ResultsCoverage of EIBF among 7802 newborns observed for ≥1 h was low (10.9, 95% CI 3.8–21.0). Survey-reported (53.2, 95% CI 39.4–66.8) and register-recorded results (85.9, 95% CI 58.1–99.6) overestimated coverage compared to observed levels across all hospitals. Registers did not capture other INC practices apart from breastfeeding. Agreement of EIBF with other INC practices was high for skin-to-skin (69.5–93.9%) at four sites, but fair/poor for delayed cord-clamping (47.3–73.5%) and drying (7.3–29.0%). EIBF and skin-to-skin were the most delayed and EIBF rarely happened after caesarean section (0.5–3.6%). Qualitative findings suggested that focusing on accuracy, as well as completeness, contributes to higher quality with register reporting.ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of tracking EIBF despite measurement challenges and found low coverage levels, particularly after caesarean births. Both survey-reported and register-recorded data over-estimated coverage. EIBF had a strong agreement with skin-to-skin but is not a simple tracer for other INC indicators. Other INC practices are challenging to measure in surveys, not included in registers, and are likely to require special studies or audits. Continued focus on EIBF is crucial to inform efforts to improve provider practices and increase coverage. Investment and innovation are required to improve measurement.

866. Assessment of Infection Control Training among Healthcare Workers in Three Tertiary Care Public Hospitals, Bangladesh, 2015-17

BackgroundHospital-acquired infections (HAI) are a rising global public health concern that disproportionately affects low and middle-income countries. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the frontline work-stream against HAIs in healthcare settings. As part of a pilot infection prevention and control (IPC) program, we assessed the acceptability of infection control training in practice among HCWs in three public hospitals in Bangladesh to better mitigate HAI risks and occupational exposures.MethodsWe piloted an IPC intervention, as a part of the emergency preparedness, from 2015 to 2017 and IPC training was one of the key components. Trained IPC staff conducted a half-day training session for each three different level HCW groups, doctors, nurses and support staff. The training comprised of instructive method on standard and transmission-based precautions with infection control techniques. A practical demonstration was held followed by hands-on training on hand hygiene steps and mask, gloves use. The participants’ attitudes and practices on infection control measures were obtained through structured observation and qualitative interviews.Training on Infection Control And Prevention with Healthcare workers (Nurses) Training on Infection Control And Prevention with Healthcare workers (Doctors) ResultsA total of 1562 HCW’s participated in the training: 804 doctors, 445 nurses and 313 support staff in 26 training sessions. Majority of the participants (85%) did not receive any formal training earlier on infection control and often provided incorrect responses on basic IPC during interactive session. None of the hospitals had an IPC committee. After the training, we found a significant increase from 0% at baseline to 24% (p< 0.001) in hand hygiene including 43% (p< 0.001) and 45% (p< 0.001) in mask and gloves use respectively. All respondents (n=84) from the qualitative assessment, reported the training as highly effective which reinforce their learning in action in the hospitals. Participants from all three groups urged to arrange refresher training more frequently and in small groups to uphold the practices.ConclusionThis pilot program demonstrated HCWs lack basic IPC principals and tailored IPC training sessions can significantly improve HCWs IPC practice. Formation of active IPC committee could enable arranging periodic refresher and in-service training updates for HCWs with the reallocation of resources to adopt regular IPC practices.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Resource Constraint Hindering Infection Prevention and Control: Evidence From Tertiary-Care Public Hospitals in Bangladesh

Background: Despite gradual economic growth in Bangladesh, healthcare facilities are still resource limited and do not measure up to the standard to practice for infection prevention and control (IPC) in reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. We assessed the existing resources and facilities in tertiary-care public hospitals to guide a context-specific low-resource IPC intervention for routine use in Hospital wards. Methods: We conducted the study in 3 tertiary-care hospitals from November 2017 to January 2018. The study team collected data on existing facilities and resources associated with IPC strategy from hospital records, semi-structured interviews with different level healthcare staff (n = 176) and spot checks (n = 30). Results: The mean bed occupancy rates for study hospitals were 165%, 200%, and 150%, respectively, on admission days. Among study wards, medicine ward (230%) had the highest bed occupancy rate. Different types of patients were placed together in the wards, and there were no isolation areas for highly infectious patients. Moreover, 22%–58% posts of physicians, 15%–20% of nurses and 38%–42% of support staff were vacant against the authorized posts in these hospitals. There were no usable handwashing facilities for support staff, patients, and family caregivers; however, all the allocated handwashing facilities for physicians and nurses were functional. On average, 50% fewer surgical gloves were provided than were actually required. Although supplies of masks were available in the surgery theater, no supplies in general wards were recorded. Disposable nasal cannula for oxygen and nebulizer masks was unavailable; hence, providers had to reuse this equipment for multiple patients. Most of the autoclave machines (20 of 30) were nonfunctional; therefore, one-third of the surgical instruments could not be sterilized by autoclaving. None of the hospital wards followed the 3 steps of surface cleaning, and no segregation of hazardous wastes was observed. All kind of wastes were dumped in the selected open area within the hospital premises. Healthcare workers (n = 110) directly involved in patient care reported that hand hygiene is usually not possible between patient visits. High turnover of patients and shortage of healthcare staff were reported as major barriers to IPC practices, specifically hand hygiene and environmental cleaning. There was no active committee nor specific training program on IPC for healthcare staff. Conclusions: Existing resources and facilities of these hospitals did not support a standard IPC strategy. Coordination from policy level to implementation with proper allocation of resources is required to ensure a practical IPC strategy.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Effect of a water, sanitation and hygiene program on handwashing with soap among household members of diarrhoea patients in healthcare facilities in Bangladesh: a cluster‐randomised controlled trial of the CHoBI7 mobile health program

The Cholera-Hospital-Based-Intervention-for-7-days (CHoBI7) is a water treatment and handwashing with soap intervention for diarrhoea patients and their household members which is initially delivered in a healthcare facility setting. This study evaluated the effectiveness of CHoBI7 program delivery in increasing handwashing with soap in a healthcare facility setting among diarrhoea patients and their household members. A randomised controlled trial of the CHoBI7 program was conducted among 404 diarrhoea patients and their accompanying household members in healthcare facilities in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The 'Standard Message' Arm received the standard message given in Bangladesh to diarrhoea patients on the use of oral rehydration solution. The 'Health Facility Visit+Soapy Water' Arm received the standard message, the CHoBI7 communication module delivered bedside to the patient; and a soapy water bottle in the healthcare facility. The 'Health Facility Visit+Handwashing Station' Arm received this same intervention plus a small plastic handwashing station. Within 24h of intervention delivery, three-hour structured observation of handwashing practices at stool/vomit- and food-related events (key events) was conducted in healthcare facilities of diarrhoea patients and their accompanying household members. Compared to the Standard Message Arm, there was significantly more handwashing with soap at key events in both the Health Facility Visit + Soapy Water Arm (51% vs. 25 %) (Odds Ratio: 3.02; (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.41, 6.45) and the Health Facility Visit+Handwashing Station Arm (58% vs. 25%) OR: 4.12; (95% CI: 1.86, 9.14). These findings demonstrate that delivery of the CHoBI7 communication module and provision of a soapy water bottle to diarrhoea patients and their accompanying household members presents a promising approach to increase handwashing with soap among this high risk population in a healthcare facility setting in Bangladesh.

An ethnographic exploration of diarrheal disease management in public hospitals in Bangladesh: From problems to solutions

Diarrheal disease is one of the most common causes of hospital admission globally. The barriers that influence guideline-adherent care at resource limited hospitals are poorly defined, especially during diarrheal disease outbreaks. The objective of this study was to characterize challenges faced in diarrheal disease management in resource-limited hospitals and identify opportunities to improve care. The study was conducted during a diarrheal disease outbreak period at ten public district hospitals distributed across Bangladesh. A rapid ethnographic approach included observations and informal interviews with clinicians, staff nurses and patients. In the first phase, observations identified common and unique challenges in diarrheal management at the ten sites. In the second phase, four hospitals were purposively selected for additional ethnographic study. Systematic observations over 420 total hours were collected from patient-clinician interactions (n=76) and informal interviews (n=138). Applied thematic analysis identified factors that influenced hospitalbased diarrhea management. Normalization of guideline deviation was observed at all ten sites, including prescription of non-indicated antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids. Conflict between 'what should be done' and 'what can be done' was the most common challenge identified. Clinical assessments and patient treatment plans were established at admission in a median of 2minutes (n=76), often without a physical examination (57%; n=43/76). Factors that prevented adherence to clinical guidelines included human resource constraints, conflicts of interests, overcrowding, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation in the emergency department and wards. This study identified challenges in hospital-based management of diarrheal disease and opportunities to improve care in seemingly change-resilient hospital settings. The results reveal important areas for intervention and policy engagement that may have additive benefit for both hospitals and their patients. These interventions include targeting barriers to clean-water, sanitation and hygiene that prevent clinicians from adopting guidelines out of concern for hospital acquired infections.

Brokers on the Ward

Abstract This paper is based on an ethnographic study conducted in a public hospital in Bangladesh. The study shows how the social dynamics necessary to deal with the structural realities of the hospital give this cosmopolitan institution a local character. In this paper, we describe this local character by focusing on the lower-level hospital staff, such as ward boys, cleaners, and gatemen. Social inequality and exclusion are rampant in Bangladeshi public hospitals. Doctors and nurses are unwilling to communicate with patients and their relatives, while the latter are unable to approach the former for specific help or information. Our research, shows how low-level support workers fill the void between the two “factions” and act as brokers transporting information and activities between these factions. By doing so they do not only make a crucial contribution to the functioning of the ward, but also gain considerable influence in spite of their low position.

Telemedicine Healthcare Service Adoption Barriers in Rural Bangladesh

This article investigates potential barriers to telemedicine adoption in centres hosted by rural public hospitals in Bangladesh. Little is known of the barriers related to telemedicine adoption in this context. Analysis of data collected from rural telemedicine patients identified seven broad categories of barriers: lack of organisational effectiveness, information and communication technology infrastructure, quality of care, allocation of resources, health staff motivation, patient satisfaction and trustworthiness. Their significance is explored. This research is based on the quantitative analysis of a data set of 500 telemedicine patients, from rural areas in Bangladesh. A conceptual model showing the interaction of pre-determined classes of barriers was established and hypotheses set up and tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Exemplary barriers to telemedicine adoption were identified and confirmed (p&lt;.01) namely, lack of organisational effectiveness, health staff motivation, patient satisfaction, and trustworthiness collectively explaining 62% of the variance in barriers to adoption and providing for the first-time empirical support of their existence. These barriers offer considerable resistance to the adoption and maintenance of current telemedicine projects in rural Bangladesh. Further, lack of information and communication technology infrastructure, allocation of resources and quality of care are indirect barriers affecting successful deployment of telemedicine in rural settings. These findings illuminate adoption impediments faced by existing telemedicine projects and institutionalise favourable policy guidelines to improve Bangladesh’s and similar emerging economies’ healthcare industries. Policy interventions and recommendations are provided, including current research limitations leading to opportunities for future research.