Guidelines
195 entriesSpeciality / institutional guidelines
- Circular 30 January 2025: Revised Guidance on TB Preventative Therapy (TPT) in PregnancyThe National Guidelines on the Treatment of Tuberculosis Infection (TPT Guidelines) of 2023, include offering Isoniazid (IPT) to pregnant women (PW) who are found to be eligible for TB Preventative Therapy. This included PW living with HIV (PWLHIV) and contacts of TB cases. Click here to access the circular.→
- Circular 31 January 2025: Erratum to the Published Primary Healthcare (PHC) and Adult Hospital Level (AHL) Standard Treatment GuidelinesPlease note the following corrections to the Primary Healthcare Chapter 10: Infections and related conditions and the Adult Hospital Level (AHL) Chapter 9: Systemic and Healthcare-associated Infections. These amendments will be reflected in the final editions of the PHC 2024, 8 th Edition and the AHL 2024, 6 th Editions once published. Click here to access the circular.→
- Circular 31 March 2026: Erratum to the Adult Hospital Level STGs and EML Chapter 2 Blood and Blood Forming OrgansPlease note the following correction (in the attached document) to the Adult Hospital Level (AHL) Chapter 2: Blood and Blood Forming Organs. This amendment will be reflected in the updated edition of the AHL 2024, 6th Edition once published. For the AHL Chapter 2, the recommended methylprednisolone ester for intravenous injection in the management of Acute Immune Thrombocytopenia has been correct→
- Circular 31 March 2026: Interruption in the Supply of Paracetamol 500mg Tablets 20s from Innovata PharmaceuticalsInnovata Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd here in after referred to as Innovata, was awarded Paracetamol; 500mg; Tablet; 20 Tablets on contracts HP09-2023SD. Innovata is currently facing supply challenges impacting the availability the item. The supplier has indicated that they will not be able supply the item until the end of the tender. Please refer to the table below for details the affected item, pr→
- Circular 31 May 2024: Restored supply of Benzathine Benzylpenicillin injectionCircular: Restored supply of benzathine benzylpenicillin injection The Primary Health (PHC), Adult Hospital and Paediatric Hospital Level Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and Essential Medicine List (EML) currently recommend benzathine benzylpenicillin injection for various indications. Historical global shortages of benzathine benzylpenicillin led to the STGs being previously amended to→
- Circular 6 February 2026: Availability of New Antiretroviral Products - Paediatric Abacavir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (60mg/30mg/5mg)The South African Government is committed to providing simplified antiretroviral treatment (ART) options to all patients, including children. This is done to ensure access to treatment for children with different needs with the aim of achieving and sustaining optimal viral suppression while avoiding complex treatment regimens, high pill burdens, and caregiver fatigue. This circular serves to→
- Circular 7 March 2025: Essential Drugs Programme Communication Platform on WhatsAppThe Essential Drugs Programme (EDP) communicates information around updates on medicinerelated matters, circulars on alternatives, upcoming webinars, call for stakeholder comment, generally via email and through the National Health Insurance website. The EDP has recently created a WhatsApp Communities group, called EDP Communications, on which there are 4 groups that those interested may join: ST→
- Circular August 2024: Emicizumab clinical criteria for accessAccess to be in line with clinical criteria described below, at authorised hospital sites, prescribed by a Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee (PTC) authorised prescriber (preferably by clinical haemotologist). Indication Regimen Monitoring Indication Severe haemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors, in patients where emicizumab therapy would be cost-neutral or cost-saving compared to the u→
- Circular August 2024: Emicizumab for prophylaxis in the management of patients with Haemophilia A with Factor VIII inhibitorsDate: March 2023 (updated November 2023, March 2024, and August 2024) NOTE: Efficacy and safety evidence was presented to the National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) in March 2023. It was proposed by the Tertiary and Quaternary Hospital Level Expert Review Committee (and agreed to by the NEMLC) that a cost-effectiveness analysis be conducted. Scoping document for cost-effectiveness an→
- Cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19Cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19→
- Clinical AssessmentThis booklet is intended as a practical guide to patient care for registrars, medical officers, interns and medical students attached to the gynaecology units at the University of the Witwatersrand Academic Hospitals. Anyone can use it.→
- Clinical DiagnosisExamination Imaging The diagnosis relies chiefly on clinical assessment and laboratory tests indicating allergic sensitisation. Clinical assessment should include a thorough history recording duration, seasonality and severity of symptoms, and examination. 7 Nasal and non-nasal symptoms can occur. 7,25,26 Symptoms of AR (which may be prolonged after allergen exposure) include the following: Nasal→
- Clinical GuidelinesGeneral PBM measures Red cells Non-transfusion interventions to reduce RCC transfusions Platelets Plasma Cryoprecipitate Tranexamic acid Coagulation testing and monitoring Administration Ethics General PBM measures Refer to Table 1 . Red cells Refer to Table 2 . General critical care patients The need for red blood cell transfusions in the critically ill patient is a balance between the potential→
- Clinical Guidelines: Patient Blood ManagementGeneral PBM statements and measures PBM measures for patients expected to bleed significantly during surgery General PBM statements and measures 1.1 All patients should have their Hb concentration measured before listing for major elective surgery. 1.2 Patients who are anaemic (Hb <13g/dL) should be investigated before elective surgery and treated appropriately, and elective non-urgent surgery→
- Clinical Management of COVID-19Interim Guidance 27 May 2020→
- Clinical Management of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Disease, Version 5This guideline outlines the clinical management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 Disease as per the National Department of Health. Version 5. Published 24 August 2020→
- Clinical Monitoring of People on TreatmentEducation and counselling of eligible individuals Follow-up visits Adverse events Drug-drug interactions Treatment interruption and discontinuation Education and counselling of eligible individuals Education and counselling at treatment initiation should cover the following: what is TB exposure and infection? who is eligible for TPT? benefits of TB preventive treatment risks of TB preventive trea→
- Clinical PresentationsSoft tissue infection Clinical features Impetigo Discrete purulent lesions with an associated crusty exudate over the top Cellulitis Diffuse spreading pyogenic infection of the skin and superficial subcutaneous tissues Abscess Localised purulent infection, with a well demarcated purulent collection BCG adenitis Right sided axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenitis secondary to BCG immunisation at→
- Clinical management and considerations for treatment of influenzaClinical management and considerations for treatment of influenza Influenza is detectable in approximately 7% of children aged < 5y years hospitalised with pneumonia and 9% of individuals aged ≥5 years hospitalized with pneumonia in South Africa. [33, 34] . During the influenza season this increases to approximately 20-40% of all people hospitalised for pneumonia. For this reason, influenza mu→
- Clinical presentation and risk factors for influenzaClinical presentation and risk factors for influenza Infection with influenza viruses can give rise to a wide range of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe illness and death depending on the characteristics of both the virus and the infected person. In the majority of people, influenza is an uncomplicated illness that is characterised by sudden onset of const→
- Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)→
- Co-administration of COVID-19 and Other Vaccines - National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Circular 3 of 2022TO: HEADS OF PROVINCIAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS DISTRICT, HOSPITAL AND PHC MANAGERS COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAMME MANAGERS COVID-19 VACCINATION SITE MANAGERS COVID-19 VACCINATORS NATIONAL COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAMME CIRCULAR 3 OF 2022 CO-ADMINISTRATION OF COVID-19 AND OTHER VACCINES COVID-19 vaccines are effective, and provide protection against COVID-19 infection. Likewise, prevention of other commun→
- Co-treatment of HIV and Active TB in Neonates, Infants, Children, Adolescents and AdultsClick here to open the above PDF Click here for Medical Indications to Defer ART Click here for Integrated Visit Schedule for Clients on ART and Drug-Sensitive TB Treatment Click here for Drug Dosing Chart Click here for Helplines Click here for Abbreviations 2023 ART Clinical Guidelines for the Management of HIV in Adults, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, Adolescents, Children, Infants and Neon→
- Coagulation, Laboratory and MonitoringLaboratory Tests RCC testing Laboratory tests Consensus Grade 12.1 aPPT, PT and INR have little relevance in acute ongoing haemorrhage. Yes N/A Traditional tests such as aPPT, PT and INR have been standardised for the monitoring of anticoagulants and are designed to diagnose and manage factor deficiencies such as haemophilia. Standardisation within laboratories has made the results v→
- Colistin Dosing Guidance – AdultsDivision of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences→
- Collecting Blood SpecimensManagement guidelines for students, interns and registrars on a variety of routine and emergency situations in our neonatal service at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital. Published in 2014.→
- Colposcopy & Associated Ablative ProceduresThis booklet is intended as a practical guide to patient care for registrars, medical officers, interns and medical students attached to the gynaecology units at the University of the Witwatersrand Academic Hospitals. Anyone can use it.→
- ComaComa→
- Common Infusions in PaediatricsCommon infusions in paediatrics→
- Common prescribed drug dosage for childrenCommon prescribed drug dosage for children→
- Communicating with EMS for Paediatric & Neonatal TransfersProtocol for communicating with EMS for paediatric & neonatal transfers in the Western Cape→
- CommunicationGeneral principles and management of cancer pain in adults→
- Communication and Advance Care PlanningEssential communication with patients and families with ESKD Advance Healthcare Planning Essential communication with patients and families with ESKD Compassionate and effective communication is key to developing a working and trustful relationship between patients, families and healthcare professionals. It requires knowledge about what, with whom and when difficult conversations should be had. A→
- Community Acquired PneumoniaInfection Community acquired pneumonia Brief outline/clinical setting Criteria for CAP: A new pulmonary infiltrate (within 24 h of admission) associated with at least one of the following: 1. A new or increased cough with/without sputum production 2. Fever (>37.8° C ) or hypothermia (<35.6° C), 3. Leukocytosis, a left shift, or leukopenia based on local normal values. Provided there was no→
- Community Acquired Pneumonia in AdultsCommunity acquired pneumonia in adults→
- Community Acquired Pneumonia in ChildrenGuideline on Community Acquired Pneumonia in Children→
- Community Acquired S.aureus BacteraemiaInfection Community acquired S.aureus bacteraemia Brief outline/clinical setting S. aureus is a leading cause of bacteraemia, infective endocarditis, osteoarticular, skin and soft tissue and pleuropulmonary infections. Aetiologies/organisms S.aureus Optimal antimicrobial selection Cloxacillin 2g IVI bolus, then 2g IVI 6hrly as extended infusion where possible. If infusion is not possible, dosing→
- Community Acquired Sepsis of Unknown OriginInfection Community acquired sepsis of unknown origin Brief outline/clinical setting Non-neutropenic adult with a clinical syndrome of sepsis where a source has not/cannot be identified Patient has signs of organ dysfunction and requires admission Aetiologies/organisms S.aureus, E.coli, K.pneumoniae, E.cloacae, Proteus spp, Enterococcus spp, S.pneumoniae, N.meningitidis , anaerobic organisms unco→
- Community Acquired non-S.aureus Bacteraemia HIV Infected Adults Not on ARV’sInfection Community acquired non-S.aureus bacteraemia HIV INFECTED ADULTS NOT ON ARV’s Brief outline/clinical setting Non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteraemia occurs commonly in immunocompromised patients and is an AIDS-defining condition. Aetiologies/organisms Salmonella enterica Optimal antimicrobial selection Ceftriaxone 1g IVI BD Duration tailor therapy according to culture results. Total duratio→
- Community Acquired non-S.aureus Bacteraemia Intra-abdominal SourceInfection Community acquired non-S.aureus bacteraemia INTRA-ABDOMINAL SOURCE Brief outline/clinical setting Community acquired sepsis, suspected primary peritonitis, or intra-abdominal or biliary tract source Aetiologies/organisms Enterobacterales , Enterococcus spp . Optimal antimicrobial selection Amoxicillin- clavulanate 1.2g IVI 8hrly Duration Maximum 72 hrs- culture results should available→
- Community Acquired non-S.aureus Bacteraemia Suspected PneumoniaInfection Community acquired non-S.aureus bacteraemia SUSPECTED PNEUMONIA Brief outline/clinical setting Community acquired sepsis, suspected pneumonia as source Aetiologies/organisms S.pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacilli (such as Klebsiella pneumoniae), Influenza virus, SARS CoV2 Optimal antimicrobial selection - Outpatient- Amoxicillin 1g 8hly PO→
- Community Acquired non-S.aureus Bacteraemia Urinary SourceInfection Community acquired non-S.aureus bacteraemia URINARY SOURCE Brief outline/clinical setting Urosepsis is the clinical evidence of severe infection of the urogenital tract with features consistent with systemic inflammation. Culture mandatory: Asymptomatic bacteriuria should not be treated except in pregnancy. Urosepsis in patients from long-term care facilities are NOT regarded as communi→
- Comorbidities Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)Mineral Bone Disorder May manifest with hyperparathyroidism and associated with radiological signs of active bone disease or with adynamic bone disease with growth failure. Main factors associated with hyperparathyroidism include: high serum phosphate level, low serum calcium level and metabolic acidosis. For the more information on the comorbidities and the management of comorbidities see. 6-8 C→
- Comparative Table of Selected Intravenous Fluids (MMOL/L)Management guidelines for students, interns and registrars on a variety of routine and emergency situations in our neonatal service at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital. Published in 2014.→
- Complex Pain and Bleeding in a Pregnant PatientComplex pain & bleeding in a pregnant patient→
- Complicated UTIInfection Complicated UTI Brief outline/clinical setting defined as symptomatic cystitis in men, patients with structural abnormalities of the urinary tract (UT) or indwelling catheters and pregnant women, or conditions leading to an immunocompromised state, e.g. HIV, diabetes. Important to submit urine for MC&S prior to starting therapy Aetiologies/organisms Enterobacterales: E. coli, K. pne→
- Complications of Hysterectomy and LaparotomyThis booklet is intended as a practical guide to patient care for registrars, medical officers, interns and medical students attached to the gynaecology units at the University of the Witwatersrand Academic Hospitals. Anyone can use it.→
- Composition of Some Infant Milk Formulas (Per 100ml)Management guidelines for students, interns and registrars on a variety of routine and emergency situations in our neonatal service at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital. Published in 2014.→
- ConclusionConclusion→
- ConclusionThe development of guidelines and recommendations for PSA screening has been challenging. The authors have had to strike a balance and make recommendations applicable to both a well-resourced private sector and an under-resourced public sector. Epidemiological data showing the burden of disease, especially the rates of advanced disease in the coloured and black SA populations, [3,4,37-40] suggest→