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Validation of an Integrated Management of Childhood Illness algorithm for managing common skin conditions in Fiji

Steer, Andrew C., Tikoduadua, Lisi V., Manalac, Emmalita M., Colquhoun, Samantha M., Carapetis, Jonathan R. and Maclennan, Carolyn (2009). Validation of an Integrated Management of Childhood Illness algorithm for managing common skin conditions in Fiji. Bulletin of the World Health Organization,87(3):173-179.

Document type: Journal Article

IRMA ID 10414xPUB46
Title Validation of an Integrated Management of Childhood Illness algorithm for managing common skin conditions in Fiji
Author Steer, Andrew C.
Tikoduadua, Lisi V.
Manalac, Emmalita M.
Colquhoun, Samantha M.
Carapetis, Jonathan R.
Maclennan, Carolyn
Journal Name Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Publication Date 2009
Volume Number 87
Issue Number 3
ISSN 0042-9686   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 173
End Page 179
Total Pages 7
Place of Publication Geneva, Switzerland
Publisher World Health Organization
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract OBJECTIVE:
To assess the sensitivity of an Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) algorithm to detect common skin conditions in children in Fiji.

METHODS:
We collected data from the assessments of children aged between 2 months and 5 years who presented to one of two health clinics. Every child was assessed by a nurse trained in the use of the IMCI algorithm and also an expert paediatrician. We used a kappa statistic to measure agreement between the nurse/algorithm assessment method and the paediatrician's diagnosis.

FINDINGS:
High sensitivity for identifying skin problems (sensitivity: 98.7%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 95.5-99.9) was found for the algorithm applied by IMCI-trained nurses, who were able to identify the one child with a severe skin infection and all three children with periorbital cellulitis. Sensitivity was high for the classification of abscess/cellulitis (sensitivity: 95%; 95% CI: 75.1-99.9) and infected scabies (sensitivity: 89.1%; 95% CI: 77.8-95.9), but lower for identification of impetigo, fungal infection and, in particular, non-infected scabies.

CONCLUSION:
The IMCI skin algorithm is a robust tool that should be incorporated into the IMCI after some modifications relating to scabies and impetigo. Its use by primary health-care workers will reduce the burden of skin diseases in children in Fiji through improved case identification and management. The algorithm should be considered in other countries where skin diseases in children are a priority, particularly in the Pacific region.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.08.052712   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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Created: Wed, 03 Mar 2010, 20:34:14 CST by Sarena Wegener