Integrated Management of Childhood Illness in Outpatient Department of a University Hospi

Background and Aim: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a very simple tool based on evidence. It not only simplifies the approach to managing the child, but also considering him as whole at the same time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the WHO/UNICEF algorithm for IMCI between the ages of 1 week to 14 years.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective observation, 66 children presenting to the Outpatient department of Taleghani Medical center were assessed and classified as per IMCI algorithm, the final diagnoses made and treatment instituted on this basis. The study was carried out in August 2006. 
Results: The study group consisted of 39(59%) girls and 27(41%) boys. Seventeen (25.8%) cases were less than 2 months and about two-third (44; 66.7%) were less than 5 years old. Only 5 patients (7.5%) showed evidence of malnutrition. Diarrhea was the most frequent (25.8%) complaint. Forty-three patients presented with other illnesses not included in IMCI classification. Majority of the mothers (90%) had not received advice on how to care their sick children at home. 
Conclusion: Data suggests the need for a complementary introduction of community-based IMCI programs with a wider range of disease classification. Improving the communication with the mothers on the care required at home is also recommended.