Cost-effective diagnostic checklists for meningitis in resource-limited settings.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Checklists can standardize patient care, reduce errors, and improve health outcomes. For meningitis in resource-limited settings, with high patient loads and limited financial resources, central nervous system diagnostic algorithms may be useful to guide diagnosis and treatment. However, the cost effectiveness of such algorithms is unknown.

Methods

We used decision analysis methodology to evaluate the costs, diagnostic yield, and cost effectiveness of diagnostic strategies for adults with suspected meningitis in resource-limited settings with moderate/high HIV prevalence. We considered 3 strategies: (1) comprehensive "shotgun" approach of utilizing all routine tests; (2) "stepwise" strategy with tests performed in a specific order with additional tuberculosis (TB)

SUBMITTER: Durski KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3683123 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature