Methodological Evaluation of Emergency Care Systems in Senegal: A Randomized Field Trial

Emergency care systems in Senegal are critical for managing acute medical emergencies effectively. However, their efficiency and effectiveness have not been systematically evaluated. A two-arm randomized field trial design was employed. Participants were ECUs randomly assigned to either maintain their existing systems or receive comprehensive training and equipment upgrades. Patient data from both groups were collected over a six-month period using standardised outcome measures. Statistical analyses included logistic regression models for survival rates and linear mixed-effects models for treatment delays. In the intervention group, there was a significant improvement in patient survival rates (OR = 1.52, CI: 1.06 - 2.19) compared to controls. However, the proportion of patients receiving timely interventions remained below optimal levels at 78%. The randomized field trial design provided robust evidence for evaluating ECUs in Senegal, highlighting areas needing improvement such as treatment timeliness and resource allocation. Implementation of comprehensive training programmes for healthcare staff and upgrading infrastructure to meet international standards are recommended to enhance clinical outcomes.