Improving nighttime access to pediatric care in Ghana
Pilot Implementation of a Nighttime Telemedicine and Medication Delivery Service to Increase Access to Pre-emergency Pediatric Care in Ghana
This study tests a new telemedicine service that helps parents in Ghana get nighttime medical care and medications for their young children with urgent health issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1365 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Accra, Accra Metropolitan District) |
| Trial ID | NCT05506683 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This initiative implements a telemedicine and medication delivery service called MotoMeds to enhance access to pediatric care during nighttime hours in Ghana. The program targets children under 10 years old with acute medical issues, providing a streamlined process where parents can call for assistance, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) can conduct assessments and deliver medications directly to households. The study aims to evaluate the clinical safety and operational feasibility of this service in urban areas like Accra and Tamale. By addressing barriers to care during nighttime, the project seeks to prevent the progression of treatable conditions such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this initiative are children aged 10 years or younger who are experiencing acute medical problems.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 10 years or do not have an acute medical issue may not benefit from this service.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce mortality rates among young children by ensuring timely access to essential medical care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous implementations of similar telemedicine services in other regions, such as Haiti, have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Child Participant Inclusion Criteria: * Child ≤ 10 years * Has an acute medical problem * Provides written assent (if 10 years and receives a household visit) Child Participant Exclusion Criteria: * Child \> 10 years * Child does not have an acute medical problem * Medical problem involves physical trauma or mental health * Refusal of written assent (if 10 years and receives a household visit) Parent/Guardian Participant Inclusion Criteria: * Calls MotoMeds during operating hours * Parent/guardian of a patient participant meeting inclusion criteria * Adult (18 years or older) * Provides written consent (household visit) or a waiver of documentation of consent (no household visit) Parent/Guardian Participant Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * No written consent or waiver of documentation of consent * Corresponding child does not meet inclusion criteria
Where this trial is running
Accra, Accra Metropolitan District
- National Ambulance Service — Accra, Accra Metropolitan District, Ghana (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Torben K Becker, MD, PhD — University of Florida
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.