Evaluation of a Multi-country Program to Improve Medical Oxygen Access for Children Under 15 Years

What this Trial Is About

Medical oxygen is a vital medicine needed especially for children with conditions causing low oxygen in the blood, such as pneumonia and neonatal diseases. This research evaluates the REAL-MOXY program, which aims to strengthen oxygen systems across different countries by studying how oxygen and pulse oximetry are used in health facilities. The program addresses challenges like unequal access, healthcare worker capacity, and data management to improve oxygen availability and use. The study involves five mixed-method sub-studies conducted in six countries, focusing on children under 15 years old. These sub-studies examine baseline oxygen practices and facility readiness, map patient care pathways, observe emergency care sequences, study healthcare worker oxygen use, and gather perspectives from patients, caregivers, and staff. Interventions vary by country but broadly include strengthening oxygen policies, training workers, and improving data systems. Participants are observed and interviewed across multiple health facilities over five years to understand oxygen system functioning and barriers. Data collected include facility assessments, patient and equipment flow mapping, direct observations of care, and interviews with healthcare providers and patients. The primary outcome is the mixed-methods evaluation of oxygen use and system readiness, guiding better oxygen access strategies in diverse settings.

Evaluation of a Multi-country Medical Oxygen Program