NCT07629154 · University of British Columbia
Smart Discharges for Older Children
What this study is about
This study is an observational multi-country group of participants study that aims to build algorithms that can identify children between 5 and 16 years of age admitted for proven or suspected sepsis who are at risk of mortality after they are discharged in East Africa.
View original scientific description
This study is an observational multi-country cohort study that aims to build algorithms that can identify children between 5 and 16 years of age admitted for proven or suspected sepsis who are at risk of mortality after they are discharged in East Africa. In low- and middle-income countries, about 5% of children discharged after hospitalization for sepsis will die in the weeks after returning home. Doctors and parents are often unaware of this period of vulnerability and are poorly equipped to identify or handle this critical situation. This project builds on past work that developed and evaluated models and the Smart Discharges program to predict, during hospitalization, an individual child's risk of recurrent illness and mortality, as well as to provide additional post-discharge support to at-risk children. Participants will be enrolled from facilities once they are admitted, collecting clinical and social variables. They will then be followed until 6 months post-discharge to understand what happens to them after they return home. This data will be evaluated to identify which variables collected at facilities can be predictive of mortality and recurrent illness after discharge.
Interventions
OTHER
No Intervention: Observational Cohort
This is a non-interventional study
Primary outcome measures
Number of children who die post-discharge
Time frame: Discharge until 6 months post-discharge
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 0 and 16 years admitted to pediatric ward of hospital for proven or suspected infection
- Provide informed consent
- Ability to provide contact information (phone number or address) for phone or in-person follow-up
Exclusion criteria
- Child lives outside of the catchment area of a study site
- Admitted for elective procedures, trauma, or short-term observation
- Language barriers
Where
- San Francisco, California
- Ithaca, New York
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
University of California, San Francisco, World Alliance for Lung and Intensive Care Medicine in Uganda, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations