@article{ref1,
title="Feasibility of a cellular telephone follow-up program after injury in sub-saharan africa",
journal="World journal of surgery",
year="2020",
author="Christie, S. Ariane and Mbianyor, M. Agbor and Dissak-Delon, Fanny N. and Tanjong, Mary M. and Chichom-Mefire, Alain and Dicker, Rochelle A. and Juillard, Catherine",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Injury disproportionately affects persons in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Most LMIC lack capacity for routine follow-up care, likely resulting in complications and disability. Cellular telephones may provide a new tool to improve health outcomes. The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility of a mobile health follow-up program after injury in Cameroon. <br><br>METHODS: Between February and October 2017, all injured patients admitted to a regional hospital in Cameroon were asked for mobile phone numbers as part of an existing trauma registry. Patients were contacted 2 weeks after leaving the hospital discharge to participate in a short triage survey. Data on program feasibility and patient condition were collected. <br><br>RESULTS: Of 1180 injured patients who presented for emergency care, 83% provided telephone numbers, 62% were reached, and 48% (565) of all injured patients ultimately participated in telephone follow-up. Successfully contacted patients were reached after an average of 1.76 call attempts (SD 1.91) and median call time was 4.43 min (IQR 3.67-5.36). Five patients (1%) had died from their injuries at the time of follow-up. Among surveyed patients, 27% required ongoing assistance to complete activities of daily living. Nearly, half (47%) of patients reported inability to take medicines or care for their injury as instructed at discharge. Adequate pain control was achieved in only 38% of discharged patients. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Pilot data suggest considerable under treatment of injury in Cameroon. Mobile telephone follow-up demonstrates potential as a feasible tool for screening discharged patients who could benefit from further care.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0364-2313",
doi="10.1007/s00268-020-05529-8",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00268-020-05529-8"
}