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To develop and pilot test the AdvantAGE transitional care model at a Swiss geriatric hospital.
Multi-method design.
The study progressed in three stages from January 2021 to December 2023: (1) contextual analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, incorporating qualitative interviews, (2) development and pilot testing of transitional care interventions on three acute geriatric wards using a descriptive explorative study design and (3) development and validation of a logic model using an iterative approach involving project interest groups and researchers.
We identified central challenges and needs related to transitions from hospital to home, including insufficient information flow, patient and caregiver insecurities and lacking adherence to recommended treatment. The newly developed transitional care model comprised five core elements: continuous support for patients and caregivers, care coordination with primary care providers, comprehensive health management at home, medication- and self-management with patients and caregivers and advance care planning. Of 137 eligible patients, 62 participated in the 10-month pilot test of the preliminary transitional care intervention, with an average participation duration of 69 days. Findings from the pilot informed the refinement of the intervention elements and the development of a preliminary logic model.
Employing an implementation science approach facilitated the development and refinement of the AdvantAGE model, ensuring alignment with the needs of project interest groups and the specific implementation context.
This study demonstrates the development of a transitional care model tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the local healthcare context. Findings provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, researchers and policymakers, offering implications for developing transitional care practices and policies.
Limited patient and public involvement was incorporated, focusing on the interpretation of the findings of the first step of this study. Further contributions included providing feedback on the development of the elements of the AdvantAGE transitional care model, ensuring the research addressed priorities relevant to patients and primary health care providers in Basel-Stadt.
This study aimed to identify the determinants of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) relapse among children aged 6–59 months.
Case-control study.
Selected public health facilities in Gode city and district, Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia, from April 1–30, 2024.
394 (131 cases and 262 controls) children aged 6–59 who were treated for SAM and discharged.
387 (129 cases and 258 controls) participated, resulting in an overall response rate of 98.2%. A logistic regression model with an OR of 95% CI was used to estimate the strength of the association, and a p value
The mean age of mothers/caretakers for cases and controls was 30.0 (±6.9) and 29.2 (±6.2) years, respectively, with over half (51.9% cases and 54.3% controls) falling in the 25–34 age range. Significantly associated factors with SAM relapse were food-insecure households (adjusted (AOR)=2.26; 95% CI 1.39 to 3.65), poor hand-washing practices (AOR=3.11; 95% CI 1.90 to 5.08), duration of treatment stay
This study shows the important determinant factors associated with SAM relapse among 6–59-month-old children after discharge from outpatient therapeutic programmes in Godey City and district in Eastern Ethiopia. The significantly associated factors, including household food insecurity, inadequate hand-washing practices, shorter treatment duration, low MUAC at discharge and lack of vitamin A supplementation, indicate the multifaceted nature of this public health problem.
Enhancing household food security through community-based programmes, promoting health education on proper hand washing and hygiene practices, extension of outpatient treatment duration to prevent premature discharge, ensuring that MUAC threshold for discharge is properly attained, and integrating postdischarge Vitamin A supplementation into primary healthcare services.
Effective community-based disease management is essential for public health. In low- and middle-income countries, sustainable strategies for timely diagnosis and treatment are a research priority. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a non-invasive saliva self-sampling method, paired with digitally linked molecular point-of-care diagnostics, for detecting respiratory infections among paediatric patients in the Tshwane District, South Africa.
A field study will be conducted at Steve Biko Academic Hospital to compare saliva collection using the CandyCollect lollipop device and standard mouth swabs. The spiral groove of the lollipop device captures pathogens, which are stored in DNA/RNA preservation media and later analysed using quantitative PCR and commercially available rapid antigen tests. The multiplex respiratory pathogen panel, based on TaqMan real-time PCR technology, targets key paediatric pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A/B. Nucleic acids will be extracted using standard viral extraction kits and analysed following manufacturer protocols. Internal controls will be included in each qPCR run, and samples with CT values below defined thresholds will be considered positive. Rapid antigen tests will detect common pathogens such as influenza A/B, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 for comparative analysis. User experience and acceptability will be assessed via child-friendly and caregiver surveys following sample collection. The study will be implemented in two phases: diagnostic performance evaluation and user feedback assessment. The protocol is aligned with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials 2013 checklist.
Ethical approval has been granted by the University of Pretoria (509/2023) and the Gauteng Department of Health (GP_202406_032). The study is registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202411743094783). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences and stakeholder briefings. The study complies with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act. Data collection is scheduled from November 2024 to February 2025, with project completion expected within 1 year.
Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202411743094783).
FreshRSS 