Evaluating a new system for treating malnourished children in Chad
Cluster-Randomized Trial of the Implementation of the Responses to Illness Severity Quantification System (RISQ) in Children With Acute Malnutrition Six to Fifty-nine Months of Age in Ngouri, Chad
This study is testing a new system to see if it can help reduce deaths and improve care for malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months in Chad compared to the usual treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Months to 59 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ngouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT06123390 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to assess the impact of the Responses to Illness Severity Quantification (RISQ) system on mortality and care processes for children aged 6 to 59 months suffering from acute malnutrition in Ngouri, Chad. It is a 12-month cluster randomized trial comparing the RISQ system to usual care within the OptiMA nutrition program. The RISQ system includes a severity score, documentation form, recommendations, and an implementation package designed to improve clinical decision-making. The trial will measure all-cause mortality and the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing care for these vulnerable children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 to 59 months who are acutely malnourished and enrolled in the OptiMA program.
Not a fit: Patients who are allergic to milk, peanuts, or ready-to-use therapeutic food, or those not residing in the study areas may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce mortality rates among acutely malnourished children in Chad.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar clinical decision support systems, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Children: 1. age: 6 to 59 months at enrolment on the day of their admission/re-admission to the OptiMA program 2. written consent to participate Front line staff providing care to patients enrolled in the Optima program: \[1\] Registered Nurses \[2\] Medical Doctors Exclusion Criteria: Children: 1. Children allergic to milk, peanuts and/or ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) 2. Children not residing in one of the study areas.
Where this trial is running
Ngouri
- Ngouri — Ngouri, Chad (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christopher Parshuram, MD, PhD — The Hospital for Sick Children
- Study coordinator: Nancy M Dale, PhD
- Email: nancy-m.dale@sickkids.ca
- Phone: 416-813-6486
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.