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Tsai PL, Ghahari S. Immigrants' Experience of Health Care Access in Canada: A Recent Scoping Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:712-727. [PMID: 36870008 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01461-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Existing literature has reported inequities in access to Canadian health care services among immigrants. The aim of this scoping review was (a) to explore research regarding Canadian immigrants' unique experiences in accessing healthcare, and (b) to provide suggestions for future research and programming considering the identified immigrant-specific service gaps in health care. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, following the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework. The review's findings suggest unmet health care access needs specific to immigrants in Canada, with the most common access barriers including communication, socioeconomic, and cultural barriers. The scoping review expands on the immigrant health care experiences and accessibility factors through a thematic analysis. Findings suggest that developing community-based programming, improving training for health care providers in culturally competent care, and policies that address the social determinants of health can improve health care accessibility among immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ling Tsai
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen's University, 94 University Ave, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Setareh Ghahari
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, 31 George St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Chevrier C, Diaz MH, Rueda ZV, Balakumar S, Haworth-Brockman M, Marin DM, Oliver A, Plourde P, Keynan Y. Introduction of short course treatment for latent tuberculosis infection at a primary care facility for refugees in Winnipeg, Canada: A mixed methods evaluation. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1064136. [PMID: 36726628 PMCID: PMC9885188 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1064136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) End TB strategy document 'Toward tuberculosis elimination: an action framework for low incidence countries'-like Canada- identifies screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) for groups at increased risk for TB disease as a priority, including newcomers from endemic countries. In 2015, the clients-centered model offered at a primary care facility for refugees, BridgeCare Clinic, Winnipeg, Canada was evaluated. The model included LTBI screening, assessment, and treatment, and originally offered 9-months of isoniazid as treatment. This mixed methods evaluation investigates LTBI program outcomes since the introduction of two short-course treatment regimens: 4-months of rifampin, and 3-months of isoniazid and rifapentine. Methods This study combined a retrospective analysis of program administrative data with structured interviews of clinic staff. We included LTBI treatment eligibility, the treatment regimen offered, treatment initiation, and completed treatment from January 1, 2015 to August 6, 2020. Results Seven hundred and one people were screened, and infection rates varied from 34.1% in 2015 to 53.3% in 2020. Most people living with LTBI came from high TB burden countries in Africa and South-East Asia WHO regions and were younger than 45 years old. Treatment eligibility increased 9% (75% in 2015 to 86% in 2016-2020) and most people diagnosed with LTBI took the short course treatments offered. There was an increase of 14.5% in treatment initiation (75.6 vs. 90.1%), and an increase of 8% in treatment completion (82.4 vs. 90.4%) after short-course regimens were introduced. The final model showed that the treatment regimen tends to affect the frequency of treatment completion, but there are other factors that influence this outcome, in this population. With the new treatments, BridgeCare Clinic achieved the 90% of treatment coverage, and the 90% treatment completion rate targets recommended in the End TB Strategy. Qualitative interviews with clinic staff further affirm the higher acceptability of the new treatments. Conclusion While these results are limited to government-sponsored refugees in Winnipeg, they highlight the acceptability and value of short-course LTBI treatment as a possibility for reaching End TB targets in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudyne Chevrier
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mariana Herrera Diaz
- Maestría en Epidemiología, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Zulma Vanessa Rueda
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Shivoan Balakumar
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Margaret Haworth-Brockman
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Diana Marcela Marin
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Afsaneh Oliver
- BridgeCare Refugee Health Clinic, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Pierre Plourde
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Yoav Keynan
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Gray AT, Surey J, Esmail H, Story A, Harris M. "It's too hard" - the management of latent TB in under-served populations in the UK: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1464. [PMID: 36457026 PMCID: PMC9715280 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08855-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND UK national guidance recommends systematic screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in under-served populations, including people experiencing homelessness and people who use drugs. This is not routinely implemented in the UK, and the reasons for this policy-practice mismatch remain underexplored. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 healthcare professionals from across the UK. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling and snowballing, identifying individuals with excellent knowledge of their regions practice and policy of LTBI management. The interviews were conducted online, and were audio recorded, with transcripts thematically analysed using a two-stage inductive coding process to explore perceived barriers and enablers to LTBI screening. RESULTS Most participants had previous experience managing LTBI in under-served populations, but none were conducting systematic screening as per national guidance. We identified service provision challenges and low prioritisation of LTBI as the key explanatory themes driving this policy-practice mismatch. Lack of resource, and the complexity of clinical decision making were two key service level barriers. System and service inertia, and lack of cost effectiveness evidence led to LTBI being deprioritised. Service integration and promotion of WHO targets for TB elimination were highlighted as potential solutions. CONCLUSION Integrating LTBI testing and treatment with existing health services for under-served populations could improve feasibility and efficacy. Promotion of UK TB elimination goals and generation of regional evidence to support commissioning for LTBI care is vital. Without such a multi-pronged approach inertia is likely to persist and the zeitgeist will remain: "it's too hard".
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Thorburn Gray
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Julian Surey
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hanif Esmail
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alistair Story
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Campbell JI, Menzies D. Testing and Scaling Interventions to Improve the Tuberculosis Infection Care Cascade. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2022; 11:S94-S100. [PMID: 36314552 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piac070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) preventive therapy (TPT) is increasingly recognized as the key to eliminating tuberculosis globally and is particularly critical for children with TB infection or who are in close contact with individuals with infectious TB. But many barriers currently impede successful scale-up to provide TPT to those at high risk of TB disease. The cascade of care in TB infection (and the related contact management cascade) is a conceptual framework to evaluate and improve the care of persons who are potential candidates for TPT. This review summarizes recent literature on barriers and solutions in the TB infection care cascade, focusing on children in both high- and low-burden settings, and drawing from studies on children and adults. Identifying and closing gaps in the care cascade will require the implementation of tools that are new (e.g. computer-assisted radiography) and old (e.g. efficient contact tracing), and will be aided by innovative implementation study designs, quality improvement methods, and shared clinical practice with primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey I Campbell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dick Menzies
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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James R, Theron G, Cobelens F, Engel N. Framing the Detection of Incipient Tuberculosis Infection: a qualitative study of political prioritization. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:445-453. [PMID: 35156273 PMCID: PMC9306665 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective Incipient Tuberculosis (ITB) refers to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection that is likely to progress to active disease in the absence of treatment, but without clinical signs, symptoms, radiographic or microbiological evidence of disease. Biomarker‐based tests to diagnose incipient TB hold promise for better prediction and, through TB preventive therapy, prevention of disease. This study explored current and future framing and prioritisation of ITB. Methods Twenty‐two interviews across eight countries were conducted. A modified Shiffman & Smith Framework, containing four categories—Ideas, Issue Characteristics, Actor Power, and Political Contexts—was used to analyse the current landscape and potential for prioritisation of diagnosis and treatment of ITB. Results Latent TB policy implementation has been slow due to technical, logistical and financial challenges, and because it has been framed in a manner non‐conducive to gaining political priority. Framing ITB testing as ‘early detection’ rather than ‘prediction’, and its management as ‘treatment’ rather than ‘preventive therapy’, may help raise its importance in policies, and its acceptance among actors. Conclusion Consensus surrounding the framing of ITB will be crucial for the successful adoption of ITB diagnostics and treatment. When designing ITB tools and policies, it will be important to address challenges that pertain to latent TB policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary James
- Department of Health Ethics & Society Maastricht University The Netherlands
| | - Grant Theron
- Clinical Mycobacteriology and Epidemiology Group Stellenbosch University South Africa
| | - Frank Cobelens
- Department of Global Health and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development Amsterdam University Medical Centers The Netherlands
| | - Nora Engel
- Department of Health Ethics & Society Maastricht University The Netherlands
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Hannah A, Dick M. Identifying gaps in the quality of latent tuberculosis infection care. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2020; 18:100142. [PMID: 31956699 PMCID: PMC6957813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2020.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) occurs after transmission and acquisition of infection, when the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria lie dormant in a person. Nearly one-quarter of the world's population is estimated to have LTBI, yet few studies have been published assessing the quality of LTBI services globally. This paper reviews issues to providing patient-centered LTBI services and offers an example framework to formally assess the quality of LTBI patient care. By applying the LTBI cascade of care model, TB programmes can evaluate the gaps and barriers to high-quality care and develop locally-driven solutions to improve LTBI services. Quality care for LTBI must address some of the key challenges to services including: (1) low prioritization of LTBI; (2) gaps in healthcare provider knowledge about testing and treatment; and (3) patient concerns about side effects of preventive treatment regimens. TB programmes need to ensure that these issues are addressed in a patient-centered manner, with clear communication and ongoing evaluation of the quality of LTBI services. Quality LTBI care must be a central focus, particularly identifying and engaging more household contacts in preventive treatment, in order to halt the progression to active disease thereby stopping TB transmission globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alsdurf Hannah
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Menzies Dick
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, 5252 Boulevaerd de Maisonneuve, Room 3D.58, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit (RECRU), McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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