WHO e-Pocketbook of Hospital Care for Children 1.3

The WHO e-Pocketbook serves as a vital resource for healthcare professionals involved in the management of hospitalized children, offering evidence-based clinical guidelines that reflect current best practices. This digital adaptation builds on the foundation established by the traditional Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children, often referred to as the Blue Pocketbook.

Aimed primarily at physicians, nurses, and allied health workers, the e-Pocketbook addresses major contributors to childhood morbidity and mortality in developing nations. Key areas of focus include:

• Neonatal conditions such as low birth weight, prematurity, sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, and congenital anomalies
• Pneumonia and respiratory issues including bronchiolitis, asthma, and tuberculosis
• Diarrhea, both acute and chronic
• Fever with emphasis on diseases like malaria, meningitis, septicaemia, and rheumatic fever
• Severe acute malnutrition
• HIV/AIDS management
• Surgical complications including trauma and burns

The application offers comprehensive guidance covering all necessary stages of patient management for pediatric cases. These stages encompass Triage and Emergency treatment, thorough History and Examination practices, Laboratory investigations, Supportive care and Monitoring strategies, as well as Discharge planning and Follow-up protocols.

Importantly, the WHO e-Pocketbook enables offline access to its extensive guidelines and ensures regular updates to maintain relevance in clinical practice. This tool has been collaboratively developed by esteemed organizations including the World Health Organization, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, the University of Melbourne, and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.