Smart Discharges for Older Children A Cohort Study to Develop Prognostic Algorithms for Post-discharge Readmission and Mortality Among Children Over 5 Years of Age

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting an observational multi-country cohort study to develop algorithms that identify children aged 5 to 16 years admitted with proven or suspected sepsis who are at risk of death after hospital discharge in East Africa. This study aims to improve post-discharge outcomes by expanding the Smart Discharges program, which predicts risks during hospitalization and offers additional support to at-risk children. The study also evaluates long-term health-related quality of life and gathers qualitative insights from children, caregivers, and health workers. The study includes three phases Phase I involves enrolling 4000 children aged 5 to 16 years, collecting clinical and social data during hospitalization, and following them by telephone at 2, 4, and 6 months post-discharge to develop risk prediction models for mortality. Phase II focuses on a subset of 500 children to assess health-related quality of life and functional status through caregiver interviews at admission and follow-ups up to 12 months post-discharge. Phase III uses focus groups and interviews to explore post-discharge experiences from the perspectives of caregivers, community health workers, and health professionals. Participants provide consent and contact information for follow-up. Data collection includes direct observation, telephone interviews, and surveys to monitor health status and outcomes up to 12 months after discharge. The primary outcome measured is post-discharge mortality within 6 months, with secondary outcomes including readmission rates. The study seeks to understand risk factors and improve care strategies in resource-limited settings over the course of participation.

Smart Discharges for Older Children