The effect of an automated integrated management of childhood illness guideline on the training of professional nurses in the Western Cape, South Africa

Figures & data

Figure 1: Nurse using the convertible classmate personalised computer tablet with stylus.

Table 1: Gathering information: comparison of outcomes for paper-based and automated groups

Variable	Paper-based (n = 50)	Automated (n = 30)	p value
	n (%)	n (%)
Was the reason for encounter recorded?	47 (94.0)	28 (93.3)	0.905
Was the age recorded?	44 (88.0)	30 (100.0)	0.014
Was the weight recorded?	48 (96.0)	30 (100.0)	0.166
Growth monitoring recorded in terms of nutritional status and anaemia	45 (90.0)	30 (100.0)	0.026
Temperature taken and recorded	45 (90.0)	29 (96.7)	0.246
Previous HIV testing in child or mother recorded	25 (50.0)	28 (93.3)	<0.001
Any close TB contact recorded	22 (44.0)	28 (93.3)	<0.001
Immunisation status recorded according to the immunisation schedule and age of child	34 (68.0)	28 (93.3)	<0.001
General danger signs observed and recorded	47 (94.0)	30 (100.0)	0.089

Table 2: Comparison of assessment outcomes for children seen, using paper-based and automated IMCI guidelines

Variable	Paper-based (n = 50)	Automated (n = 30)	p value
	n (%)	n (%)
Correctness of assessments
Correct assessments	26 (52.0)	29 (97.0)	<0.001
Incorrect assessments	7 (14.0)	1 (3.0)	0.178
Indeterminate assessments	19 (38.0)	0 (0.00)	<0.001
Completeness of assessments
Completeness	31 (62.0)	30 (100.0)	<0.001

Table 3: Comparison of management plan for paper based and automated groups

	Paper based (n = 50)	Automated (n = 30)	p value
	n (%)	n (%)
Correct medication prescribed	13/26 (50.0)	11/13 (84.6)	0.029
Correct dose prescribed	11/26 (42.3)	11/13 (84.6)	0.005
Advice on feeding given and recorded	34/46 (73.9)	25/26 (96.2)	0.01
Safety netting advice given and recorded	39/50 (78.0)	23/28 (82.1)	0.037
Advice on when to return immediately recorded	33/50 (66.0)	20/28 (71.4)	0.018
Enquiry regarding mother’s health	42/50 (84.0)	23/28 (82.1)	0.594