THE IMPACT OF PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SKILLS ON PATIENT OUTCOMES IN ZARIA
Authors:   Cardiorespiratory Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom, PO Suberu , KO Obohwemu ,   Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom, VY Soyobi ,   Oni Memorial Children Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Riverside Nursing Home, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, N Abdelkader ,   Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, T Adesida ,   Sunderland Royal Hospital, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, United Kingdom
Published: November 2024

Paediatric emergencies represent a critical challenge in Nigeria, where approximately 2,300 children under the age of five die daily, predominantly from preventable and treatable conditions such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal diseases. Mortality rates are disproportionately higher in rural areas, where primary health care (PHC) centers often serve as the only point of access to medical services. The effectiveness of these centers is largely dependent on the emergency management skills of their healthcare workers. Despite their importance, there has been limited research on how the skills of PHC workers in managing paediatric emergencies impact patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the proficiency of healthcare workers in primary healthcare centers in Zaria in managing common paediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 139 health workers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas. Data collection was carried out using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and associations were tested using the chi-square test, with results presented in tables and charts. The findings revealed a significant deficiency in the emergency management skills of healthcare workers. A majority of respondents demonstrated inadequate skills in handling paediatric emergencies, with 66 (48.5%) exhibiting very poor competency in the management of common paediatric emergencies, and 32 (23.5%) displaying poor competency. Only a small fraction, 4 (2.9%) of respondents, demonstrated excellent skills in emergency management. Similarly, 46.7% of the respondents had very poor skills in the treatment of common paediatric emergencies, while only 3.0% exhibited excellent treatment skills. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the level of academic qualification and emergency management skills (p < 0.05). The results underscore the critical need to enhance the skill levels of healthcare workers in PHCs through continuous professional development. This could be achieved through collaborative efforts between the Department of Paediatrics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the Primary Health Care Departments of Zaria and Sabon Gari local governments, focusing on regular training and workshops. Improving the skills of healthcare workers in managing paediatric emergencies is essential for reducing child mortality and improving health outcomes in the region.