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HIV infection, tuberculosis and workload in a general paediatric ward
Abstract
Methods: Prospective descriptive surveillance of the patient composition of a general paediatric ward over a 1 year period.
Results: Median bed occupancy was 96.4%, and 66.7% of all patients admitted to the ward were < 12 months old. Of all admitted children, 27.6% had HIV infection, 16.7% had tuberculosis (TB) and 10.3% had HIV-TB co-infection. Of all children requiring high care, 23.1% were HIV-infected. Approximately 50% of all children with HIV infection were on antiretroviral therapy. The annualised nurse-to-patient ratios were 1 nurse per 2.7 patients and 1 registered nurse per 5.0 high care patients. Fifty six children died during admission; 34 (60.7%) were HIV-infected. Pneumonia was the main cause of death in both HIV-infected and uninfected children.
Conclusion: Despite the existence of prevention of mother-to-child transmission intervention and paediatric antiretroviral treatment programmes throughout the Western Cape, HIV infection and TB continues to contribute substantially to the general paediatric workload at the hospital. Work associated with specific nurse functions should be quantified so that patient-nurse ratios may be optimised.
Authors' affiliations
Margaret Weakley, Red Cross Children's Hospital
Annie Vries, Red Cross Children's Hospital
Kirsten L Reichmuth, Red Cross Children's Hospital
Vashini Pillay, University of Cape Town
Brian Stephen Eley, Red Cross Children's Hospital
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Article History
Date published: 2009-08-26
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