Interventions to Improve the Treatment of Malaria in an Acute Teaching Hospital in Ireland

Ir Med J. 2017 Dec 18;110(10):659.

Abstract

Malaria is the most serious parasitic infection. At our institution over a two year period there were treatment errors in 18% (n=3) of cases. The aim of this multidisciplinary study was to ensure appropriate and timely treatment of malaria by implementation of a cluster of interventions: reconfiguration of existing guidelines, provision of prescribing information; delivery of education sessions to front-line staff and enabling rapid access to medication. Staff feedback was assessed through a questionnaire. Perceived benefits gained included awareness of guidelines (91%, n= 39), how to diagnose (81%, n =35), how to treat (86%, n=37), that treatment must be prompt (77%, n=33) and where to find treatment out of hours (84%, n=36). 'Others' perceived benefits (5% n= 2) noted referred to treatment in pregnancy. Going forward, a programme of on-going staff education, repeated audits of guideline compliance and promotion of reporting of medication errors should help ensure that these benefits are sustained.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Hospitals, Teaching
  • Humans
  • Ireland
  • Malaria / drug therapy*
  • Medication Errors*
  • Personnel, Hospital / education
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy