Explore the vast range of titles available.

ObjectiveTo describe the lessons learnt during the promotion of a new approach to the care of critically ill patients in TanzaniaEssential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC).DesignA descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of structured interviews.Setting and participantsThe study was conducted in Tanzania, involving 11 policymakers, researchers and senior clinicians who participated in the promotion of EECC in the country.FindingsFive inter-related themes emerged from the promotion of EECC in Tanzania: (1) early and close collaboration with the government and stakeholders; (2) conduct research and use evidence; (3) prioritise advocacy and address misconceptions about EECC; (4) leverage events and embed activities in other health system interventions; and (5) employ a multifaceted implementation strategy. The themes map to the normalisation process theory domains of coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring.ConclusionThe integration of EECC into Tanzania’s health policy is a result of a multidisciplinary collaboration including government and partners that has used evidence, advocacy and context and included multifaceted implementation strategies. The lessons from Tanzania’s experience provide guidance for adoption in similar settings to improve critical care systems, foster access to care and optimal outcomes for all critically ill patients.

The primary aims of this study were to investigate if exposure to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) was associated with lower rates of perinatal mortality (primary outcome) and other adverse perinatal outcomes (i.e., stillbirth, early neonatal mortality, APGAR score of < 7 at 5 mins, neonatal sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome) in preterm infants in hospitals in Tanzania. We also examine factors associated with administration of ACS among women at risk of preterm delivery. A hospital-based prospective chart review study was undertaken in four hospitals located in Nyamagana and Sengerema districts, Tanzania. The study population included all stillborn and live born preterm infants delivered between 24 to 34 weeks of gestation between July 2019 to February 2020. A total 1125 preterm infants were delivered by 1008 women (895 singletons, 230 multiple). Sociodemographic and medical data were recorded from participants' medical records. Three hundred and fifty-six (35.3%) women were administered at least one dose of ACS between 24 to 34 weeks' gestation and 385 (34.2%) infants were exposed to ACS. Infants exposed to ACS had a lower rate of perinatal mortality (13.77%) compared to those who were not exposed (28.38%). Multivariate analysis indicated that infants exposed to ACS were less likely to die during perinatal period, aRR 0.34 (95%CI 0.26-0.44). Only one-third of the sample was provided with ACS. Administration of ACS was associated with maternal education, attending antenatal care more than 3 times, method used to assess gestational age, maternal infection, exposure to maternal antibiotics, delivery mode and level of health facility. ACS significantly reduced the risk in perinatal mortality among infants born preterm in a limited resource setting. However, only about one-third of eligible women were provided with ACS, indicating low usage of ACS. Numerous factors were associated with low usage of ACS in this setting.