Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a common reason for hospitalization and antibacterial use globally. There is considerable overlap in the clinical presentation of bacterial and viral LRTIs. Low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) face the dual challenge of appropriately targeting antibacterials for bacterial LRTI while reducing inappropriate antibacterials for viral LRTI. We propose a framework by which an electronic clinical decision support tool (eCDST) for diagnosing LRTI and reducing unnecessary antibacterial use may be developed, validated, and prospectively evaluated in an LMIC. The developed tool would be data driven, low-cost, feasible in the local setting, adaptable based on resource availability, and updated in real time, with prospective assessment to identify its clinical impact. We draw upon our team's recent experience developing an eCDST for LRTI management in Sri Lanka. Publicly sharing such processes and data is valuable, such that we can collectively improve clinical care in LMICs and other settings.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11619482PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0126DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

electronic clinical
8
clinical decision
8
decision support
8
lower respiratory
8
respiratory tract
8
lrti reducing
8
lrti
5
support tools
4
tools strategies
4
strategies improve
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!