A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in Southeast Asia was performed on 41 studies out of the initially identified 14 089 records. The pooled prevalence of overall HAIs was 9.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.2%-10.8%), whereas the pooled incidence density of HAI was 20 cases per 1000 intensive care unit-days. The pooled incidence density of ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line-associated bloodstream infection, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection was 14.7 per 1000 ventilator-days (95% CI, 11.7-17.7), 4.7 per 1000 catheter-days (95% CI, 2.9-6.5), and 8.9 per 1000 catheter-days (95% CI, 6.2-11.7), respectively. The pooled incidence of surgical site infection was 7.8% (95% CI, 6.3%-9.3%). The attributed mortality and excess length of stay in hospitals of infected patients ranged from 7% to 46% and 5 to 21 days, respectively.

OBJECTIVE To analyze available evidence on the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures (TCSs) in reducing the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic search of both randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized (non-RCT) studies was performed on PubMed Medline, OVID, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, without restrictions in language and publication type. Random-effects models were utilized and pooled estimates were reported as the relative risk (RR) ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Tests for heterogeneity as well as meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 29 studies (22 RCTs, 7 non-RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall RR of acquiring an SSI was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.55-0.77; I2=42.4%, P=.01) in favor of TCS use. The pooled RR was particularly lower for the abdominal surgery group (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41-0.77) and was robust to sensitivity analysis. Meta-regression analysis revealed that study design, in part, may explain heterogeneity (P=.03). The pooled RR subgroup meta-analyses for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61-0.89) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.42-0.66), respectively, both of which favored the use of TCSs. CONCLUSION The random-effects meta-analysis based on RCTs suggests that TCSs reduced the risk of SSI by 26% among patients undergoing surgery. This effect was particularly evident among those who underwent abdominal surgery.

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Parent satisfaction is vital in improving the delivery of paediatric health care. However, there are no linguistically appropriate instruments that measure parent satisfaction among Filipino parents of children receiving occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology services. This study aimed to provide preliminary information about the reliability of the Filipino version of the Parent Satisfaction Scale (F-PSS). Research procedures included forward-and backward-translation of the PSS, cognitive interview, and data collection for reliability. These were conducted on primary caregivers of children who were receiving therapy services in a local clinic. Internal consistency and reproducibility of the translated tool were determined. Internal consistency was measured using an ordinal a value based on a polychoric correlation matrix, reproducibility using Randolph's k, and standard error of measurement (SEM). Data analysis showed an ordinal a value of 0.96, k values ranging from 0.56 to 0.72, and a standard error of measurement of 0.11. In summary, the F-PSS has excellent internal consistency, moderate to substantial agreement after repeated measures, and excellent absolute reliability for determining parent satisfaction in paediatric health care. Supplementary studies on its validity are needed to further ascertain its clinical utility.

Purpose: The ability to maintain standing balance with a moving base of support and while making rapid postural adjustments is important for independence in various functional activities. Clinical tests and measures have not addressed this ability in children with disability. This pilot study examined the feasibility and reliability of the Four Square Step Test (FSST) as a test of dynamic balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Four children with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale levels I-II) were tested on the FSST by 3 assessors on the first occasion (interrater reliability) and repeat-tested by 1 assessor after 2 weeks (test-retest reliability). Six children with typical development (TD) were tested on a separate occasion to explore any between-group difference in performance. Results: The FSST was easy to setup, required no specialized equipment, could be completed in 5 minutes, and might be carried out by clinicians with limited experience in pediatric therapy. It demonstrated excellent interrater reliability (ICC = 0.832) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.979) in children with CP. Compared with FSST times for children with TD (mean = 9.12 ± 2.67 seconds), times for children with CP (mean = 18.38 ± 9.02 seconds) were significantly slower (p = 0.019, Mann-Whitney U = -2.345). Conclusions and Recommendations: The pilot study provides initial evidence on the potential usefulness of the FSST as a test of dynamic standing balance in children with CP. This warrants further investigation of the clinimetric properties of the FSST using an adequate sample size.

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