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Song J, Wang X, Wang B, Ge Y, Bi L, Jing F, Jin H, Li T, Gu B, Wang L, Hao J, Zhao Y, Liu J, Zhang H, Li X, Li J, Ma W, Wang J, Normand SLT, Herrin J, Armitage J, Krumholz HM, Zheng X. Learning implementation of a guideline based decision support system to improve hypertension treatment in primary care in China: pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2024; 386:e079143. [PMID: 39043397 PMCID: PMC11265211 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-079143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) in improving the use of guideline accordant antihypertensive treatment in primary care settings in China. DESIGN Pragmatic, open label, cluster randomised trial. SETTING 94 primary care practices in four urban regions of China between August 2019 and July 2022: Luoyang (central China), Jining (east China), and Shenzhen (south China, including two regions). PARTICIPANTS 94 practices were randomised (46 to CDSS, 48 to usual care). 12 137 participants with hypertension who used up to two classes of antihypertensives and had a systolic blood pressure <180 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <110 mm Hg were included. INTERVENTIONS Primary care practices were randomised to use an electronic health record based CDSS, which recommended a specific guideline accordant regimen for initiation, titration, or switching of antihypertensive (the intervention), or to use the same electronic health record without CDSS and provide treatment as usual (control). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of hypertension related visits during which an appropriate (guideline accordant) treatment was provided. Secondary outcomes were the average reduction in systolic blood pressure and proportion of participants with controlled blood pressure (<140/90 mm Hg) at the last scheduled follow-up. Safety outcomes were patient reported antihypertensive treatment related events, including syncope, injurious fall, symptomatic hypotension or systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, and bradycardia. RESULTS 5755 participants with 23 113 visits in the intervention group and 6382 participants with 27 868 visits in the control group were included. Mean age was 61 (standard deviation 13) years and 42.5% were women. During a median 11.6 months of follow-up, the proportion of visits at which appropriate treatment was given was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (77.8% (17 975/23 113) v 62.2% (17 328/27 868); absolute difference 15.2 percentage points (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.7 to 19.8); P<0.001; odds ratio 2.17 (95% CI 1.75 to 2.69); P<0.001). Compared with participants in the control group, those in the intervention group had a 1.6 mm Hg (95% CI -2.7 to -0.5) greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (-1.5 mm Hg v 0.3 mm Hg; P=0.006) and a 4.4 percentage point (95% CI -0.7 to 9.5) improvement in blood pressure control rate (69.0% (3415/4952) v 64.6% (3778/5845); P=0.07). Patient reported antihypertensive treatment related adverse effects were rare in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Use of a CDSS in primary care in China improved the provision of guideline accordant antihypertensive treatment and led to a modest reduction in blood pressure. The CDSS offers a promising approach to delivering better care for hypertension, both safely and efficiently. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03636334.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Song
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuling Wang
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yilan Ge
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Bi
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fuyu Jing
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Huijun Jin
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Teng Li
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Gu
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Shenzhen, Fuwai Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lili Wang
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Hao
- Medical Research and Biometrics Centre, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Medical Research and Biometrics Centre, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiamin Liu
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Li
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Shenzhen, Fuwai Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Li
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Hypertension Centre, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiguang Wang
- The Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sharon-Lise T Normand
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeph Herrin
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jane Armitage
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Harlan M Krumholz
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xin Zheng
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Shenzhen, Fuwai Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Coronary Artery Disease Ward 2, Fuwai Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Clinical Trial Centre, Fuwai Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Hinneh T, Boakye H, Metlock F, Ogungbe O, Kruahong S, Byiringiro S, Dennison Himmelfarb C, Commodore-Mensah Y. Effectiveness of team-based care interventions in improving blood pressure outcomes among adults with hypertension in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080987. [PMID: 39019631 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effectiveness of team-based care interventions in improving blood pressure (BP) outcomes among adults with hypertension in Africa. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCE PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, HINARI and African Index Medicus databases were searched from inception to March 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and pre-post study designs published in English language focusing on (1) Adults diagnosed with hypertension, (2) Team-based care hypertension interventions led by non-physician healthcare providers (HCPs) and (3) Studies conducted in Africa. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We extracted study characteristics, the nature of team-based care interventions, team members involved and other reported secondary outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute assessment tool for pre-post studies. Findings were summarised and presented narratively including data from pre-post studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model for only RCT studies. Overall certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool for only the primary outcome (systolic BP). RESULTS Of the 3375 records screened, 33 studies (16 RCTs and 17 pre-post studies) were included and 11 RCTs were in the meta-analysis. The overall mean effect of team-based care interventions on systolic BP reduction was -3.91 mm Hg (95% CI -5.68 to -2.15, I² = 0.0%). Systolic BP reduction in team-based care interventions involving community health workers was -4.43 mm Hg (95% CI -5.69 to -3.17, I² = 0.00%) and nurses -3.75 mm Hg (95% CI -10.62 to 3.12, I² = 42.0%). Based on the GRADE assessment, we judged the overall certainty of evidence low for systolic BP reduction suggesting that team-based care intervention may result in a small reduction in systolic BP. CONCLUSION Evidence from this review supports the implementation of team-based care interventions across the continuum of care to improve awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension in Africa. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023398900.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hinneh
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hosea Boakye
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Faith Metlock
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Suratsawadee Kruahong
- Faculty of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Department of Surgical Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Samuel Byiringiro
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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3
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Babu AS, Bhat V, Jose P, Padickaparambil S, Padmakumar R, Jeemon P. Challenges and solutions to implementing cardiac rehabilitation in a low- and middle-income country. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39009570 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2024.2379836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains greatly underutilized, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). It is therefore important to explore factors that contribute to this, as perceived by health-care professionals (HCPs). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews that enrolled 18 HCPs (i.e. six each of physicians, physiotherapists, and nurses; mean experience in CR: 17.9 ± 11.8 yrs) working in cardiovascular care, and CR across private and government hospitals (both teaching and non-teaching) in India. RESULTS The main challenges were related to lack of referrals, perceived lack of benefit from CR, poor infrastructure within hospitals and health systems, and differences in practice. The perceived inadequacies were lack of competencies in CR, limited task sharing strategies, and ineffective utilization of existing human resources. Devising strategies to improve awareness and competencies, facilitating task sharing, and remodeling holistic care with an active CR component may be beneficial to facilitate greater implementation of CR in India. CONCLUSIONS Challenges, inadequacies, and solutions to implementing CR have been explored by involving various HCPs commonly involved in delivering CR across different health systems in a LMIC. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ctri.nic.in with identifier CTRI/2020/07/026807.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Samuel Babu
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Vibha Bhat
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Prinu Jose
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sebastian Padickaparambil
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramachandran Padmakumar
- Department of Cardiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India
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4
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Irshad HA, Shariq SF, Khan MAA, Shaikh T, Kakar WG, Shakir M, Hankinson TC, Enam SA. Delay in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Brain Tumors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01274. [PMID: 38984834 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Vague symptoms and a lack of pathognomonic features hinder the timely diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors (PBTs). However, patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) must also bear the brunt of a multitude of additional factors contributing to diagnostic delays and subsequently affecting survival. Therefore, this study aims to assess these factors and quantify the durations associated with diagnostic delays for PBTs in LMICs. METHODS A systematic review of extant literature regarding children from LMICs diagnosed with brain tumors was conducted. Articles published before June 2023 were identified using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model through R Statistical Software. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. RESULTS A total of 40 studies including 2483 patients with PBT from 21 LMICs were identified. Overall, nonspecific symptoms (62.5%) and socioeconomic status (45.0%) were the most frequently reported factors contributing to diagnostic delays. Potential sources of patient-associated delay included lack of parental awareness (45.0%) and financial constraints (42.5%). Factors contributing to health care system delays included misdiagnoses (42.5%) and improper referrals (32.5%). A pooled mean prediagnostic symptomatic interval was calculated to be 230.77 days (127.58-333.96), the patient-associated delay was 146.02 days (16.47-275.57), and the health care system delay was 225.05 days (-64.79 to 514.89). CONCLUSION A multitude of factors contribute to diagnostic delays in LMICs. The disproportionate effect of these factors is demonstrated by the long interval between symptom onset and the definitive diagnosis of PBTs in LMICs, when compared with high-income countries. While evidence-based policy recommendations may improve the pace of diagnosis, policy makers will need to be cognizant of the unique challenges patients and health care systems face in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Taha Shaikh
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Shakir
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Todd C Hankinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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5
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Jones DW. A Pathway to Better Blood Pressure Control. JAMA Cardiol 2024:2820166. [PMID: 38888898 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Jones
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
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Guo X, Ouyang N, Sun G, Zhang N, Li Z, Zhang X, Li G, Wang C, Qiao L, Zhou Y, Chen Z, Shi C, Liu S, Miao W, Geng D, Zhang P, Sun Y. Multifaceted Intensive Blood Pressure Control Model in Older and Younger Individuals With Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Cardiol 2024:2820165. [PMID: 38888905 PMCID: PMC11195599 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Importance The sustainable effectiveness and safety of a nonphysician community health care practitioner-led intensive blood pressure intervention on cardiovascular disease have not, to the authors' knowledge, been studied, especially in the older adult population. Objective To evaluate such a multifaceted model with a more stringent blood pressure treatment goal (<130/80 mm Hg) among patients aged 60 years and older with hypertension. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a 48-month follow-up study of the China Rural Hypertension Control Project (CRHCP), an open-cluster randomized clinical trial, conducted from 2018 to 2023. Participants 60 years and older and younger than 60 years with a diagnosis of hypertension from the CRHCP trial were included for analysis. Individuals were recruited from 326 villages in rural China. Interventions The well-trained, nonphysician, community health care practitioner implemented a multifaceted intervention program (eg, initiation or titration of antihypertensive medications) to achieve a blood pressure level of less than 130/80 mm Hg, supervised by primary care physicians. Main Outcomes and Measures Cardiovascular disease (a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure requiring hospitalization, and cardiovascular disease death). Results A total of 22 386 individuals 60 years and older with hypertension and 11 609 individuals younger than 60 years with hypertension were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 63.0 (9.0) years and included 20 825 females (61.3%). Among the older individuals with hypertension, a total of 11 289 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 11 097 to the usual-care group. During a median (IQR) of 4.0 (4.0-4.1) years, there was a significantly lower rate of total cardiovascular disease (1133 [2.7%] vs 1433 [3.5%] per year; hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69-0.81; P < .001) and all-cause mortality (1111 [2.5%] vs 1210 [2.8%] per year; HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.98; P = .01) in the intervention group than in the usual-care group. For patients younger than 60 years, the risk reductions were also significant for total cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.56-0.75; P < .001), stroke (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.55-0.76; P < .001), heart failure (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18-0.87; P = .02), and cardiovascular death (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37-0.77; P < .001), with all interaction P values for age groups greater than .05. In both age categories, the incidences of injurious falls, symptomatic hypotension, syncope, and the results for kidney outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions and Relevance In both the aging and younger general population with hypertension, the nonphysician health care practitioner-led, multifaceted, intensive blood pressure intervention model could effectively and safely reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03527719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Guo
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Nanxiang Ouyang
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guozhe Sun
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Naijin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xingang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guangxiao Li
- Department of Medical Record Management Center, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lixia Qiao
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zihan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chuning Shi
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Songyue Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Miao
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Danxi Geng
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengyu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingxian Sun
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Gerber F, Gupta R, Lejone TI, Tahirsylaj T, Lee T, Sanchez-Samaniego G, Kohler M, Haldemann MI, Raeber F, Chitja M, Mathulise M, Kabi T, Mokaeane M, Maphenchane M, Molulela M, Khomolishoele M, Mota M, Masike S, Bane M, Sematle MP, Makabateng R, Mphunyane M, Phaaroe S, Basler DB, Kindler K, Burkard T, Briel M, Chammartin F, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A. Community-based management of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors by lay village health workers for people with controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure in rural Lesotho: joint protocol for two cluster-randomized trials within the ComBaCaL cohort study (ComBaCaL aHT Twic 1 and ComBaCaL aHT TwiC 2). Trials 2024; 25:365. [PMID: 38845045 PMCID: PMC11157768 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arterial hypertension (aHT) is a major cause for premature morbidity and mortality. Control rates remain poor, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Task-shifting to lay village health workers (VHWs) and the use of digital clinical decision support systems may help to overcome the current aHT care cascade gaps. However, evidence on the effectiveness of comprehensive VHW-led aHT care models, in which VHWs provide antihypertensive drug treatment and manage cardiovascular risk factors is scarce. METHODS Using the trials within the cohort (TwiCs) design, we are assessing the effectiveness of VHW-led aHT and cardiovascular risk management in two 1:1 cluster-randomized trials nested within the Community-Based chronic disease Care Lesotho (ComBaCaL) cohort study (NCT05596773). The ComBaCaL cohort study is maintained by trained VHWs and includes the consenting inhabitants of 103 randomly selected villages in rural Lesotho. After community-based aHT screening, adult, non-pregnant ComBaCaL cohort participants with uncontrolled aHT (blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg) are enrolled in the aHT TwiC 1 and those with controlled aHT (BP < 140/90 mmHg) in the aHT TwiC 2. In intervention villages, VHWs offer lifestyle counseling, basic guideline-directed antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet treatment supported by a tablet-based decision support application to eligible participants. In control villages, participants are referred to a health facility for therapeutic management. The primary endpoint for both TwiCs is the proportion of participants with controlled BP levels (< 140/90 mmHg) 12 months after enrolment. We hypothesize that the intervention is superior regarding BP control rates in participants with uncontrolled BP (aHT TwiC 1) and non-inferior in participants with controlled BP at baseline (aHT TwiC 2). DISCUSSION The TwiCs were launched on September 08, 2023. On May 20, 2024, 697 and 750 participants were enrolled in TwiC 1 and TwiC 2. To our knowledge, these TwiCs are the first trials to assess task-shifting of aHT care to VHWs at the community level, including the prescription of basic antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet medication in Africa. The ComBaCaL cohort and nested TwiCs are operating within the routine VHW program and countries with similar community health worker programs may benefit from the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05684055. Registered on January 04, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Gerber
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | | | - Thabo Ishmael Lejone
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thesar Tahirsylaj
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tristan Lee
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giuliana Sanchez-Samaniego
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maurus Kohler
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Inés Haldemann
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Raeber
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dave Brian Basler
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Kindler
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thilo Burkard
- Medical Outpatient Department and Hypertension Clinic, ESH Hypertension Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Briel
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Frédérique Chammartin
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Choi D, Im HB, Choi SJ, Han D. Safety classification of herbal medicine use among hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1321523. [PMID: 38881876 PMCID: PMC11176523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1321523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The use of herbal medicines (HMs) for the treatment of hypertension (HTN) is increasing globally, but research on the potential adverse effects and safety of HMs in HTN patients is limited. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the global prevalence of HM usage among HTN patients and assess the safety of identified herbs based on current scientific evidence. Methods The PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases were searched for cross-sectional studies on the use of HM among HTN patients. Our review includes studies published in English up to the year 2023. After extracting and appraising the data from the studies, a meta-analysis was conducted using the Stata version 16.0 to estimate the pooled prevalence of HM use in patients with HTN (PROSPERO: CRD42023405537). The safety classification of the identified HM was done based on the existing scientific literature. Results This study analyzed 37 cross-sectional studies from 21 countries and found that 37.8% of HTN patients used HM to manage their health. The prevalence of HM use varied significantly based on publication year and geographical region. Among the 71 identified herbs, Allium sativum L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., and Olea europaea L. were the most commonly used. However, four herbs were identified as contraindicated, 50 herbs required caution, and only 11 herbs were considered safe for use. Conclusion The study highlights the potential risks of toxicities and adverse effects associated with HM use in the treatment of HTN. Ensuring patient safety involves using safe HMs in appropriate doses and avoiding contraindicated HMs. Future research should focus on identifying commonly used herbs, especially in resource-limited countries with poor HTN management, and additional clinical research is required to assess the toxicity and safety of commonly used HMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dain Choi
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyea Bin Im
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jeung Choi
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwoon Han
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Adejumo OA, Mutagaywa R, Akumiah FK, Akintunde AA. Task Sharing and Task Shifting (TSTS) in the Management of Africans with Hypertension: A Call For Action-Possibilities and Its Challenges. Glob Heart 2024; 19:22. [PMID: 38404613 PMCID: PMC10885825 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality globally and one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diagnosis, awareness, and optimal treatment rates are suboptimal, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with attendant high health consequences and grave socioeconomic impact. There is an enormous gap between disease burden and physician-patient ratios that needs to be bridged. Task sharing and task shifting (TSTS) provide a viable temporary solution. However, sociocultural, demographic, and economic factors influence the effective uptake of such interventions. This review discusses the dynamics of TSTS in the African context looking at challenges, feasibility, and approach to adopt it in the management of hypertension in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reuben Mutagaywa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
- Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute, Tanzania
| | - Florence Koryo Akumiah
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana
- National Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle Bu, Ghana
| | - Adeseye Abiodun Akintunde
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
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Johnson LCM, Khan SH, Ali MK, Galaviz KI, Waseem F, Ordóñez CE, Siedner MJ, Nyatela A, Marconi VC, Lalla-Edward ST. Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Integrated HIV and Hypertension Care in South Africa. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3885096. [PMID: 38352385 PMCID: PMC10862953 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3885096/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Background The burden of hypertension among people with HIV is high, particularly in low-and middle-income countries, yet gaps in hypertension screening and care in these settings persist. The objective of this study was to identify facilitators of and barriers to hypertension screening, treatment, and management among people with HIV seeking treatment in primary care clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, data were collected via interviews (n = 53) with people with HIV and hypertension and clinic managers and focus group discussions (n = 9) with clinic staff. A qualitative framework analysis approach guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework was used to identify and compare determinants of hypertension care across different stakeholder groups. Results Data from clinic staff and managers generated three themes characterizing facilitators of and barriers to the adoption and implementation of hypertension screening and treatment: 1) clinics have limited structural and operational capacity to support the implementation of integrated care models, 2) education and training on chronic care guidelines is inconsistent and often lacking across clinics, and 3) clinicians have the goal of enhancing chronic care within their clinics but first need to advocate for health system characteristics that will sustainably support integrated care. Patient data generated three themes characterizing existing facilitators of and barriers to clinic attendance and chronic disease self-management: 1) the threat of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality as a motivator for lifestyle change, 2) the emotional toll of clinic's logistical, staff, and resource challenges, and 3) hypertension self-management as a patchwork of informational and support sources. The main barriers to hypertension screening, treatment, and management were related to environmental resources and context (i.e., lack of enabling resources and siloed flow of clinic operations) the patients' knowledge and emotions (i.e., lack of awareness about hypertension risk, fear, and frustration). Clinical actors and patients differed in perceived need to prioritize HIV versus hypertension care. Conclusions The convergence of multi-stakeholder data regarding barriers to hypertension screening, treatment, and management highlight key areas for improvement, where tailored implementation strategies may address challenges recognized by each stakeholder group.
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Garg S, Dewangan M, Nanda P, Sahu A, Xalxo L, Bebarta KK, Gupta V, Quereishi MJ, Sahu AK, Tandan P. Impact of community health workers on improving identification and primary care of hypertension among the urban poor - findings from Chhattisgarh state of India. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:272. [PMID: 38093191 PMCID: PMC10717607 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major health problem globally and in India. Around 60% of people with hypertension in India are not aware that they have the condition. Less than 30% of individuals with hypertension are on treatment. Existing studies have indicated that community health workers (CHWs) can play a useful role in expanding the care for hypertension. Evaluations are needed to study the impact when an intervention is implemented by the government in its existing large-scale CHW programme to improve the identification, regular follow-up and medication adherence for hypertension. METHODS Chhattisgarh state implemented a pilot intervention to improve screening and follow-up for hypertension by equipping Mitanin-CHWs to measure blood pressure (BP). The study design involved an intervention-group and a comparison-group of urban slum population. The survey covered 5974 individuals (30-79 years age) in intervention-group and 5131 in comparison-group. Multivariate analysis was conducted to find out the effect of intervention on the desired outcomes. RESULTS In intervention-group, 80.2% of the individuals (30-79 years age) had been screened for hypertension whereas the proportion was 37.9% in comparison-group. For 47.0% of individuals in intervention-group, Mitanin CHW was the provider who measured BP for the first time. Around 16.3% of individuals in intervention-group and 9.5% in comparison-group had been diagnosed with hypertension. Around 85.9% of hypertension cases in intervention-group and 77.0% in comparison-group were on treatment. BP had been measured in preceding 30 days for 81.8% of hypertension-cases in intervention-group and 64.3% in comparison-group. Around 70.3% of hypertension-cases in intervention-group and 55.1% in comparison-group had taken their complete medication for last seven days. Multivariate analysis showed that CHW intervention was associated significantly with improvements in all the desired outcomes. CONCLUSION Equipping the CHWs to measure BP was effective in increasing the screening and identification of hypertension, regular measurement of BP of individuals with hypertension and the adherence to medication. This shows the potential if the one-million strong work-force of Accredited-Social-Health-Activists (ASHA) CHWs in India gets equipped for this role. Governments need to provide a stronger policy push to get this materialised.
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Grants
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
- PIP 2022 National Health Mission, India
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Garg
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India.
| | | | - Prabodh Nanda
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - Ashu Sahu
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - Lalita Xalxo
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | | | - Vishnu Gupta
- State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | | | - Anand Kumar Sahu
- State Programme Management Unit, National Health Mission, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - Pradeep Tandan
- State Programme Management Unit, National Health Mission, Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
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Chauhan V, Dumka N, Hannah E, Ahmed T, Kotwal A. Mid-level health providers (MLHPs) in delivering and improving access to primary health care services - a narrative review. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100146. [PMID: 38515797 PMCID: PMC10953921 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Background For primary healthcare systems to bring care closer to the communities, the availability of appropriate human resources is crucial. The primary care workforce in the world is expanding to include non-physician health workers (NPHWs) to increase its capacity. Also, NPHWs as mid-level health providers (MLHPs) are currently being employed in high- and low-income countries to assist doctors and specialists to make up for the scarcity of health professionals. Given the wide prevalence in the deployment of NPHWs as mid-level health providers, this article collates recent evidence on the role of MLHPs in improving access to primary healthcare services, and their enablers and barriers in integrating them in primary care teams. The article also presents gaps in evidence and recommendations for the way forward. Methods A systematic search of contemporary literature published from January 2012 to September 2022 was undertaken using two bibliographic databases (PubMed and Cochrane) and hand searching the reference list of retrieved papers. Duplicates, papers older than ten years, and whose focus was not on primary healthcare were excluded. The papers finalised for appraisal were scrutinised for key themes and their summaries were collated for analysis. The papers comprised of twenty-four quantitative, twenty-three qualitative, and nine mixed approach study designs (n = 56) due to which a narrative approach was conducted as per guidelines. Results The review identified and presents the following themes - task shifting and its effectiveness in service delivery, quality of care, enablers and barriers of NPHWs in primary health care in both HIC and LMIC settings. Conclusion Task-shifting interventions need effective engagement and constant coordination with relevant stakeholders. For this, policymakers, public health researchers, healthcare professionals of all cadres and community members need to be involved across all stages of introduction and absorption of the cadre into the primary healthcare delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Chauhan
- National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India
| | - Neha Dumka
- National Health Systems Resource Centre, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India
| | - Erin Hannah
- National Health Systems Resource Centre, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India
| | - Tarannum Ahmed
- National Health Systems Resource Centre, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India
| | - Atul Kotwal
- National Health Systems Resource Centre, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India
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Chukwu OA, Nnogo CC, Essue B. Task shifting to nonphysician health workers for improving access to care and treatment for cancer in low- and middle-income countries- a systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:1511-1519. [PMID: 37659923 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a complex global health issue overburdening health systems especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This burden is becoming more severe and complex as the global shortage of cancer care workforce persists. Since task shifting offers an alternative to address workforce shortages, a systematic review with the following research question was carried out: What is the scope of roles and tasks shifted to nonphysician health workers in improving access to cancer control services? The aim of this review is to critically identify, appraise and present evidence on how task shifting could be integrated and scaled to expand access to quality cancer control services in LMICs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to critically identify, appraise and present evidence on how task shifting could be integrated and scaled to expand access to quality cancer control services in LMICs. METHODS Four databases were searched - CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and SCOPUS from inception to October 15, 2022, and included all studies that reported task shifting of cancer control services to nonphysician health workers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines was followed to report the review process. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment scale. The studies were summarized using narrative synthesis. A meta-analysis could not be carried out because the review only assessed the scope of roles that were shifted to nonphysician health workers and because of the heterogeneity in the characteristics of the studies included in the review. RESULTS The search identified 170 articles out of which 16 were included in the review. Three studies were randomized controlled trials, four were cluster randomized trials, while 9 were cross-sectional. Tasks were shifted to primary healthcare workers, nurses, and community health workers. Tasks shifted included screening, patient education, and diagnostic procedures. Evidence from the studies showed that the quality and effectiveness of tasks performed were comparable, and in some cases, better than usual care. CONCLUSIONS Findings showed that tasks in certain areas of cancer control services such as screening, education, and diagnosis can be shifted to nonphysician health workers and that it could be effective in improving access to certain cancer control services. Therefore, this review has shown that task shifting could be an effective strategy in addressing current workforce shortages in cancer care and that there is a need to examine the care required along the cancer continuum to better understand which interventions can most effectively be shifted to more advanced health professionals such as pharmacists to improve access to cancer control services in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otuto Amarauche Chukwu
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | | | - Beverley Essue
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
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Moran AE, Gupta R. Implementation of Global Hearts Hypertension Control Programs in 32 Low- and Middle-Income Countries: JACC International. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023; 82:1868-1884. [PMID: 37734459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Resolve to Save Lives partnered with country governments and other stakeholders to design, test, and scale up the WHO HEARTS hypertension services package in 32 low- and middle-income countries. Facility-based HEARTS performance indicators included number of patients enrolled, number treated and with blood pressure controlled, number who missed a scheduled follow-up visit, and number lost to follow-up. By 2022, HEARTS hypertension control programs treated 12.2 million patients in 165,000 primary care facilities. Hypertension control was 38% (median 48%; range 5%-86%). In 4 HEARTS countries using the same digital health information system, facility-based control improved from 18% at baseline to 46% in 48 months. At the population level, median estimated population-based hypertension control was 11.0% of all hypertension patients (range 2.0%-34.7%). The Global Hearts experience of implementing WHO HEARTS demonstrates the feasibility of controlling hypertension in low- and middle-income country primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Moran
- Resolve to Save Lives, New York, New York, USA; Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Reena Gupta
- Resolve to Save Lives, New York, New York, USA; University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Das H, Sachdeva A, Kumar H, Krishna A, Moran AE, Pathni AK, Sharma B, Singh BP, Ranjan M, Deo S. Outcomes of a hypertension care program based on task-sharing with private pharmacies: a retrospective study from two blocks in rural India. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:1033-1039. [PMID: 37208524 PMCID: PMC10632126 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-023-00837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Low density of formal care providers in rural India results in restricted and delayed access to standardized management of hypertension. Task-sharing with pharmacies, typically the first point of contact for rural populations, can bridge the gap in access to formal care and improve health outcomes. In this study, we implemented a hypertension care program involving task-sharing with twenty private pharmacies between November 2020 and April 2021 in two blocks of Bihar, India. Pharmacists conducted free hypertension screening, and a trained physician offered free consultations at the pharmacy. We calculated the number of subjects screened, initiated on treatment (enrolled) and the change in blood pressure using the data collected through the program application. Of the 3403 subjects screened at pharmacies, 1415 either reported having a history of hypertension or had elevated blood pressure during screening. Of these, 371 (26.22%) were enrolled in the program. Of these, 129 (34.8%) made at least one follow-up visit. For these subjects, the adjusted average difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the screening and follow-up visits was -11.53 (-16.95 to -6.11, 95% CI) and -4.68 (-8.53 to -0.82, 95% CI) mmHg, respectively. The adjusted odds of blood pressure being under control in this group during follow-up visits compared to screening visit was 7.07 (1.29 to 12.85, 95% CI). Task-sharing with private pharmacies can lead to early detection and improved control of blood pressure in a resource-constrained setting. Additional strategies to increase patient screening and retention rates are needed to ensure sustained health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanshu Das
- Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India.
- Yale School of Management, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Andrew E Moran
- Resolve to Save Lives, New York, NY, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarang Deo
- Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India
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Chan KY, Srivastava N, Wang Z, Xia X, Huang Z, Poon AN, Reidpath DD. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of hypertension interventions in faith-based organisation settings. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04075. [PMID: 37830137 PMCID: PMC10570758 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension is the global, leading cause of mortality and is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Community-based partnerships can provide cost-saving ways of delivering effective blood pressure (BP) interventions to people in resource-poor settings. Faith-based organisations (FBOs) prove important potential health partners, given their reach and community standing. This potential is especially strong in hard-to-reach, socio-economically marginalised communities. This systematic review explores the state of the evidence of FBO-based interventions on BP management, with a focus on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs (C-RCTs). Methods Seven academic databases (English = 5, Chinese = 2) and grey literature were searched for C-/RCTs of community-based interventions in FBO settings. Only studies with pre- and post-intervention BP measures were kept for analysis. Random effects models were developed using restricted maximum likelihood estimation (REML) to estimate the population average mean change and 95% confidence interval (CI) of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). The overall heterogeneity was assessed by successively adding studies and recording changes in heterogeneity. Prediction intervals were generated to capture the spread of the pooled effect across study settings. Results Of the 19 055 titles identified, only 11 studies of fair to good quality were kept for meta-analysis. Non-significant, average mean differences between baseline and follow-up for the intervention and control groups were found for both SBP (0.78 mm of mercury (mmHg) (95% CI = 2.11-0.55)) and DBP (-0.20 mm Hg (95% CI = -1.16 to 0.75)). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in SBP of -6.23 mm Hg (95% CI = -11.21 to -1.25) for populations with mean baseline SBP of ≥140 mm Hg. Conclusions The results support the potential of FBO-based interventions in lowering SBP in clinically hypertensive populations. However, the limited evidence was concentrated primarily in Christian communities in the US More research is needed to understand the implications of such interventions in producing clinically meaningful long-term effects in a variety of settings. Further research can illuminate factors that affect success and potential expansion to sites outside the US as well as non-Christian FBOs. Current evidence is inadequate to evaluate the potential of FBO-based interventions in preventing hypertension in non-hypertensive populations. Intervention effects in non-hypertensive population might be better reflected through intermediate outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Yee Chan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Noori Srivastava
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- China Development Research Foundation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Xia
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zhangziyue Huang
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Adrienne N Poon
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Daniel D Reidpath
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
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Verdecchia P, Grossmann E, Whelton P. 2023 ESH Guidelines. What are the main recommendations? Eur J Intern Med 2023; 116:1-7. [PMID: 37537030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Verdecchia
- Fondazione Umbra Cuore e Ipertensione-ONLUS and Department of Cardiology, Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ehud Grossmann
- The Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 699780, Israel
| | - Paul Whelton
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Adejumo OA, Ogundele OA, Mamven M, Otubogun FM, Junaid OA, Okoye OC, Oyedepo DS, Osunbor OA, Ngoka SC, Enikuomehin AC, Okonkwo KC, Akinbodewa AA, Lawal OM, Yusuf S, Okaka EI, Odu J, Agogo E, Osi K, Nwude I, Odili AN. Physicians' perception of task sharing with non-physician health care workers in the management of uncomplicated hypertension in Nigeria: A mixed method study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291541. [PMID: 37756324 PMCID: PMC10529560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Task sharing and task shifting (TSTS) in the management of hypertension is an important strategy to reduce the burden of hypertension in low-and middle-income countries like Nigeria where there is shortage of physicians below the World Health Organization's recommendations on doctor-patient ratio. The cooperation of physicians is critical to the success of this strategy. We assessed physicians' perception of TSTS with non-physician health workers in the management of hypertension and sought recommendations to facilitate the implementation of TSTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an explanatory sequential mixed method study. TSTS perception was assessed quantitatively using a 12-item questionnaire with each item assigned a score on a 5-point Likert scale. The maximum obtainable score was 60 points and those with ≥42 points were classified as having a good perception of TSTS. Twenty physicians were subsequently interviewed for in-depth exploration of their perception of TSTS. RESULTS A total of 1250 physicians participated in the quantitative aspect of the study. Among the participants, 56.6% had good perception of TSTS in the management of hypertension while about two-thirds (67.5%) agreed that TSTS program in the management of hypertension could be successfully implemented in Nigeria. Male gender (p = 0.019) and working in clinical settings (p = 0.039) were associated with good perception. Twenty physicians participated in the qualitative part of the study. Qualitative analysis showed that TSTS will improve overall care and outcomes of patients with hypertension, reduce physicians' workload, improve their productivity, but may encourage inter-professional rivalry. Wide consultation with stakeholders, adequate monitoring and evaluation will facilitate successful implementation of TSTS in Nigeria. CONCLUSION This study showed that more than half of the physicians have good perception of TSTS in hypertension management while about two-thirds agreed that it could be successfully implemented in Nigeria. This study provides the needed evidence for increased advocacy for the implementation of TSTS in the management of hypertension in Nigeria. This will consequently result in improved patient care and outcomes and effective utilization of available health care personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manmak Mamven
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stanley Chidozie Ngoka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Shamsuddeen Yusuf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria
| | | | - Joseph Odu
- Resolve to Save Lives Organization, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Agogo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Kufor Osi
- Resolve to Save Lives Organization, Nigeria
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Ba MF, Bassoum O, Camara MD, Faye A. Predictors of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding according to the Cox regression model: survey of mothers of children aged 6-12 months, Thiès, Senegal. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:12. [PMID: 38035156 PMCID: PMC10683180 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.12.39603] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction even though exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to six months is recognised as essential infant care, it is still insufficiently practiced. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of EBF cessation in Thiès. Methods this was a survival analysis of data collected using a cross-sectional procedure. Data collection took place from 2nd December 2019 to 21st January 2020. The study population consisted of mothers of children aged 6 to 12 months residing in Thiès and seen at the reference health centre of the Thiès Health District during infant vaccination sessions. The number of subjects was 400 mothers recruited using a systematic survey, with a sampling interval equal to two. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview. Predictive factors were identified using the Cox regression model. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) are calculated. Results the average age of the mothers was 27.08 ± 6.34 years. The proportion of mothers who breastfed their child within one hour of birth was 29.25%. The proportion of those who practiced EBF was 41.50%. The incidence density of EBF cessation was 14 person-months per 100 breastfeeding mothers. The median duration of EBF was 5 months. Lack of advice on EBF during antenatal care (AHR=1.42; 95% CI =1.08-1.85), sources of information other than health professionals (AHR =1.51; 95% CI =1.05-2.19), late initiation of EBF, i.e. breastfeeding beyond 24 hours after birth (AHR =1.53; 95% CI =1.02-2.28) and low level of knowledge about EBF (AHR =1.46; 95% CI =1.11-1.92) were significantly associated with early termination of EBF. Conclusion the promotion of EBF for up to six months will necessarily involve the promotion of prenatal consultations during which professionals should raise awareness among future mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouhamadou Faly Ba
- Institute of Health and Development, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Oumar Bassoum
- Institute of Health and Development, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Maty Diagne Camara
- Institute of Health and Development, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Adama Faye
- Institute of Health and Development, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
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20
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Mbouamba Yankam B, Adeagbo O, Amu H, Dowou RK, Nyamen BGM, Ubechu SC, Félix PG, Nkfusai NC, Badru O, Bain LE. Task shifting and task sharing in the health sector in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence, success indicators, challenges, and opportunities. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:11. [PMID: 38035152 PMCID: PMC10683172 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.11.40984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This review explores task shifting and task sharing in sub-Saharan African healthcare to address workforce shortages and cost-effectiveness. Task shifting allocates tasks logically, while task sharing involves more workers taking on specific duties. Challenges include supply chain issues, pay inadequacy, and weak supervision. Guidelines and success measures are lacking. Initiating these practices requires evaluating factors and ensuring sustainability. Task shifting saves costs but needs training and support. Task sharing boosts efficiency, enabling skilled clinicians to contribute effectively. To advance task shifting and sharing in the region, further research is needed to scale up effective initiatives. Clear success indicators, monitoring, evaluation, and learning plans, along with exploration of sustainability and appropriateness dimensions, are crucial elements to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Mbouamba Yankam
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Oluwafemi Adeagbo
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Hubert Amu
- Department of Population and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Robert Kokou Dowou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Science, Hohoe, Ghana
| | | | - Samuel Chinonso Ubechu
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Ngwayu Claude Nkfusai
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Oluwaseun Badru
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Luchuo Engelbert Bain
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
- International Development Research Centre, IDRC, Ottawa, Canada
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21
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Truppa C, Alonso B, Clezy K, Deglise C, Dromer C, Garelli S, Jimenez C, Kanapathipillai R, Khalife M, Repetto E. Antimicrobial stewardship in primary health care programs in humanitarian settings: the time to act is now. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:89. [PMID: 37667372 PMCID: PMC10476422 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01301-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile and conflict-affected settings bear a disproportionate burden of antimicrobial resistance, due to the compounding effects of weak health policies, disrupted medical supply chains, and lack of knowledge and awareness about antibiotic stewardship both among health care providers and health service users. Until now, humanitarian organizations intervening in these contexts have confronted the threat of complex multidrug resistant infections mainly in their surgical projects at the secondary and tertiary levels of care, but there has been limited focus on ensuring the implementation of adequate antimicrobial stewardship in primary health care, which is known to be setting where the highest proportion of antibiotics are prescribed. In this paper, we present the experience of two humanitarian organizations, Médecins sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in responding to antimicrobial resistance in their medical interventions, and we draw from their experience to formulate practical recommendations to include antimicrobial stewardship among the standards of primary health care service delivery in conflict settings. We believe that expanding the focus of humanitarian interventions in unstable and fragile contexts to include antimicrobial stewardship in primary care will strengthen the global response to antimicrobial resistance and will decrease its burden where it is posing the highest toll in terms of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Truppa
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland.
- CRIMEDIM Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
| | | | - Kate Clezy
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carole Dromer
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Garelli
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Ernestina Repetto
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Clinique Hospitalière Universitaire Saint Pierre, Bruxelles, Belgium
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22
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Watson ED, Moosa S, Janse Van Rensburg DC, Schwellnus M, Lambert EV, Stoutenberg M. Task-Shifting: Can Community Health Workers Be Part of the Solution to an Inactive Nation? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6675. [PMID: 37681815 PMCID: PMC10487434 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: In low-to-middle income countries (LMICs), there is a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) placing strain on the facilities and human resources of healthcare systems. Prevention strategies that include lifestyle behavior counseling have become increasingly important. We propose a potential solution to the growing burden of NCDs through an expansion of the role for community health workers (CHWs) in prescribing and promoting physical activity in public health settings. This discussion paper provides a theoretical model for task-shifting of assessment, screening, counseling, and prescription of physical activity to CHWs. Five proposed tasks are presented within a larger model of service delivery and provide a platform for a structured, standardized, physical activity prevention strategy aimed at NCDs using CHWs as an integral part of reducing the burden of NCDs in LMICs. However, for effective implementation as part of national NCD plans, it is essential that CHWs received standardized, ongoing training and supervision on physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors to optimally impact community health in low resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle D. Watson
- Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- Department of Exercise Science, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Shabir Moosa
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Dina C. Janse Van Rensburg
- Section Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Martin Schwellnus
- Section Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Estelle V. Lambert
- UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Division of Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Division of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Mark Stoutenberg
- Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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23
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Adejumo O, Ogundele O, Mamven M, Oyedepo D, Ntaji M, Mohammed A, Bello Lawal AT, Onyebuchi OS, Akakuru OK, Lawal OM, Akinbodewa AA, Akinbode AO, Enikuomehin AC, Ngoka S, Lade-Ige TS. Assessment of hypertension service availability in some primary health centres in Nigeria: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073833. [PMID: 37553197 PMCID: PMC10414086 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Strengthening primary health centre (PHC) systems is a potentially effective strategy to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, a low/middle-income country with limited resources. The aim of this study was to assess hypertension service availability in some PHCs in Nigeria and seek recommendations that could facilitate improved services from PHC workers. DESIGN Explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. SETTINGS PHCs in the six geopolitical zones and Federal Capital City of Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS Eighteen PHC workers and 305 PHC facilities. METHOD Hypertension service availability and readiness were assessed in PHCs across Nigeria using a pro forma adapted from the WHO Service Readiness and Assessment tool. Eighteen workers in the PHCs were subsequently interviewed for in-depth exploration of hypertension service availability and readiness. FINDINGS Among the 305 health facilities assessed, 96 (31.5%) were in urban, 94 (30.8%) in semiurban and 115 (37.7%) in rural local government areas. Majority of the health facilities (43.0%) were manned by community extension workers. Only 1.6% and 19.7% of the health facilities had physicians and pharmacy technicians, respectively. About 22.3% of the providers had training in hypertension in the last 1 year. All the PHCs lacked adequate supply of essential antihypertensive medications. The identified deficiencies were less common in the urban PHCs compared with others. Qualitative analysis showed that the personnel, essential facilities and medicines required to provide hypertension services in the PHCs were inadequate. Suggested recommendations to successfully provide these services were provision of performance-based incentives; adequate staffing and training; supportive supervision of staff; provision of adequate equipment and essential medicines for hypertension management; provision of conducive environment for clients; and community engagement and participation. CONCLUSION Majority of the PHCs are currently not adequately equipped to provide hypertension services. Addressing identified gaps and using suggestions provided will guarantee successful provision of effective services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseyi Adejumo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Olorunfemi Ogundele
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Manmak Mamven
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Dapo Oyedepo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria
| | - Maureen Ntaji
- Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Alkali Mohammed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Ogbonnaya Kingsley Akakuru
- Department of Logistics and Essential Drugs, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Olutoyin Morenike Lawal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Akeem Opeyemi Akinbode
- Department of Family Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Keffi, Keffi State, Nigeria
| | | | - Stanley Ngoka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
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24
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Nagraj S, Kennedy S, Jha V, Norton R, Hinton L, Billot L, Rajan E, Mohammed Abdul A, Phalswal A, Arora V, Praveen D, Hirst J. A Mobile Clinical Decision Support System for High-Risk Pregnant Women in Rural India (SMARThealth Pregnancy): Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e44362. [PMID: 37471135 PMCID: PMC10401191 DOI: 10.2196/44362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in India. Early identification is crucial to reducing deaths. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) carry independent risks for future CVD, and antenatal care is a window to screen and counsel high-risk women. In rural India, community health workers (CHWs) deliver antenatal and postnatal care. We developed a complex intervention (SMARThealth Pregnancy) involving mobile clinical decision support for CHWs and evaluated it in a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT). OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to co-design a theory-informed intervention for CHWs to screen, refer, and counsel pregnant women at high risk of future CVD in rural India and evaluate its feasibility and acceptability. METHODS In phase 1, we used qualitative methods to explore community priorities for high-risk pregnant women in rural areas of 2 diverse states in India. In phase 2, informed by behavior change theory and human-centered design, we used these qualitative data to develop the intervention components and implementation strategies for SMARThealth Pregnancy in an iterative process with end users. In phase 3, using mixed methods, we evaluated the intervention in a cRCT with an embedded qualitative substudy across 4 primary health centres: 2 in Jhajjar district, Haryana, and 2 in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. RESULTS SMARThealth Pregnancy embedded a total of 15 behavior change techniques and included (1) community awareness programs; (2) targeted training, including point-of-care blood pressure and hemoglobin measurement; and (3) mobile clinical decision support for CHWs to screen women in their homes. The intervention focused on 3 priority conditions: anemia, HDP, and GDM. The evaluation involved a total of 200 pregnant women, equally randomized to intervention or enhanced standard care (control). Recruitment was completed within 5 months, with minimal loss to follow-up (4/200, 2%) at 6 weeks postpartum. A total of 4 primary care doctors and 54 CHWs in the intervention clusters took part in the study. Fidelity to intervention practices was 100% prepandemic. Over half the study population was affected by moderate to severe anemia at baseline. The prevalence of HDP (2.5%) and GDM (2%) was low in our study population. Results suggest a possible improvement in mean hemoglobin (anemia) in the intervention group, although an adequately powered trial is needed. The model of home-based care was feasible and acceptable for pregnant or postpartum women and CHWs, who perceived improvements in quality of care, self-efficacy, and professional recognition. CONCLUSIONS SMARThealth Pregnancy is an innovative model of home-based care for high-risk pregnant women during the transitions between antenatal and postnatal care and adult health services. The use of theory and co-design during intervention development facilitated acceptability of the intervention and implementation strategies. Our experience has informed the decision to initiate a larger-scale cRCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03968952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03968952. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.3389/fgwh.2021.620759.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobhana Nagraj
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Health Systems Collaborative, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Global Surgery Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vivekananda Jha
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Robyn Norton
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Lisa Hinton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Billot
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Eldho Rajan
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Anita Phalswal
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Varun Arora
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Rohtak, India
| | - Devarsetty Praveen
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Jane Hirst
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Jeemon P, Bahuleyan CG, Chandgalu Javaregowda D, Punnoose E, Rajendiran G, Unni G, Abdullakutty J, Balakrishnan J, Joseph J, Gnanaraj JP, Sreedharan M, Pillai MR, KR N, Thomas P, Sebastian P, Daniel R, Edakutty R, Ahmad S, Mattummal S, Thomas SC, Joseph S, Pisharody S, Chacko S, Syam N, Nair T, Nanjappa V, Ganesan V, George V, Ganapathi S, Harikrishnan S. Team based collaborative care model, facilitated by mHealth enabled and trained nurses, for management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in India (TIME-HF): design and rationale of a parallel group, open label, multi-centric cluster randomised controlled trial. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:197. [PMID: 37795133 PMCID: PMC10545985 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19196.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating condition associated with enormous public health burden. Management of HF is complex as it requires care-coordination with different cadres of health care providers. We propose to develop a team based collaborative care model (CCM), facilitated by trained nurses, for management of HF with the support of mHealth and evaluate its acceptability and effectiveness in Indian setting. Methods: The proposed study will use mixed-methods research. Formative qualitative research will identify barriers and facilitators for implementing CCM for the management of HF. Subsequently, a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving 22 centres (tertiary-care hospitals) and more than 1500 HF patients will be conducted to assess the efficacy of the CCM in improving the overall survival as well as days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) at two-years (CTRI/2021/11/037797). The DAOH will be calculated by subtracting days in hospital and days from death until end of study follow-up from the total follow-up time. Poisson regression with a robust variance estimate and an offset term to account for clustering will be employed in the analyses of DAOH. A rate ratio and its 95% confidence interval (CI) will be estimated. The scalability of the proposed intervention model will be assessed through economic analyses (cost-effectiveness) and the acceptability of the intervention at both the provider and patient level will be understood through both qualitative and quantitative process evaluation methods. Potential Impact: The TIME-HF trial will provide evidence on whether a CCM with mHealth support is effective in improving the clinical outcomes of HF with reduced ejection fraction in India. The findings may change the practice of management of HF in low and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | | | | | - Eapen Punnoose
- Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, Kerala, India
| | | | - Govindan Unni
- Jubilee Mission medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India
| | | | | | | | - Justin Paul Gnanaraj
- Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Madhu Sreedharan
- NIMS Heart Foundation, NIMS Medicity, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Neenumol KR
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | | | | | - Rachel Daniel
- NS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Kollam, Kerala, India
| | | | - Sajan Ahmad
- St Gregorios Memorial Mission Hospital, Parumala, Kerala, India
| | | | - Sunu C Thomas
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Stigi Joseph
- Little Flower Hospital and Research Centre, Angamaly, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
| | - Sunil Pisharody
- EMS Memorial Cooperative Hospital and Research Centre Ltd, Malappuram, Kerala, India
| | - Susanna Chacko
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - N Syam
- Government District Hospital, Kollam, Kerala, India
| | - Tiny Nair
- PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Veena Nanjappa
- Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | - Sanjay Ganapathi
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
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26
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Kumurenzi A, Richardson J, Thabane L, Kagwiza J, Urimubenshi G, Hamilton L, Bosch J, Jesus T. Effectiveness of interventions by non-professional community-level workers or family caregivers to improve outcomes for physical impairments or disabilities in low resource settings: systematic review of task-sharing strategies. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:48. [PMID: 37344907 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-resource settings, access to basic rehabilitation could be supplemented by community-level interventions provided by community health workers, health volunteers, or family caregivers. Yet, it is unclear whether basic physical rehabilitation interventions delivered to adults by non-professional alternative resources in the community, under task-shifting or task-sharing approaches, are effective as those delivered by skilled rehabilitation professionals. We aim to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of community-level rehabilitation interventions delivered by non-professional community-level workers or informal caregivers to improve health outcomes for persons with physical impairments or disabilities. METHODS We performed a systematic review with a PROSPERO registration. Eight databases were searched for (PubMed, CINAHL, Global Health, PDQ Evidence, Scopus, ProQuest, CENTRAL, and Web of Science), supplemented by snowballing and key-informant recommendations, with no time restrictions, applied. Controlled and non-controlled experiments were included if reporting the effects of interventions on mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), quality of life, or social participation outcomes. Two independent investigators performed the eligibility decisions, data extraction, risk of bias, and assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. RESULTS Ten studies (five randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) involving 2149 participants were included. Most common targeted stroke survivors (n = 8); family caregivers were most frequently used to deliver the intervention (n = 4); and the intervention was usually provided in homes (n = 7), with training initiated in the hospital (n = 4). Of the four RCTs delivered by family caregivers, one demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mobility (effect size: 0.3; confidence interval [CI] 121.81-122.19; [p = 0.04]) and another one in ADLs (effect size: 0.4; CI 25.92-35.08; [p = 0.03]). Of the five non-RCT studies by community health workers or volunteers, one demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mobility (effect size: 0.3; CI 10.143-16.857; [p < 0.05]), while two demonstrated improved statistically significant improvement in ADLs (effect size: 0.2; CI 180.202-184.789 [p = 0.001]; 0.4; CI - 7.643-18.643; [p = 0.026]). However, the quality of evidence, based on GRADE criteria, was rated as low to very low. CONCLUSIONS While task-sharing is a possible strategy to meet basic rehabilitation needs in low-resource settings, the current evidence on the effectiveness of delivering rehabilitation interventions by non-professional community-level workers and informal caregivers is inconclusive. We can use the data and experiences from existing studies to better design studies and improve the implementation of interventions. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022319130.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kumurenzi
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Julie Richardson
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Biostatistics Unit, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jeanne Kagwiza
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Gerard Urimubenshi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Leah Hamilton
- Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jackie Bosch
- Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Tiago Jesus
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States of America
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27
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Singh K, Joshi A, Venkateshmurthy NS, Rahul R, Huffman MD, Tandon N, Prabhakaran D. A Delphi Study to Prioritize Evidence-Based Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease Care in India. GLOBAL IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 3:1-12. [PMID: 37363377 PMCID: PMC10240122 DOI: 10.1007/s43477-023-00087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Providing quality cardiovascular disease (CVD) care in low resource setting requires understanding of priority and effective interventions. This study aimed to identify and prioritize evidence-based quality improvement strategies for CVD care in India using a modified two-round Delphi process in which, we asked 46 experts (clinicians, researchers, program implementers and policy makers) to rate 25 proven CVD care strategies grouped into: (1) patient support, (2) information communication technology (ICT) for health, (3) group problem solving, (4) training, and (5) multicomponent strategy on a scale of 1 (highest/best)-5 (lowest/worst) on priority, relative advantage, and feasibility. Subsequently, we convened an expert consensus panel of 32 members to deliberate and achieve consensus regarding the prioritized set of strategies for CVD care. The Delphi study found that group problem solving strategies achieved the best score for priority (1.80) but fared poorly on feasibility (2.88). Compared to others, multicomponent strategies were rated favorably across all domains (priority = 1.84, relative advantage = 1.94, and feasibility = 2.40). The ICT for health strategies achieved the worst scores for priority = 2.01, relative advantage = 2.31, and feasibility = 2.85. Training and patient support strategies scored moderately across all domains. The expert panel narrowed the selection of a multicomponent strategy consisting of (1) electronic health records with clinical decision-support system, (2) non-physician health worker facilitated care, (3) patient education materials, (4) text-message based reminders for healthy lifestyle, and (5) audit and feedback report for providers. Future research will evaluate the real-world feasibility and effectiveness of the multicomponent strategy in patients with CVD in a low- and middle-income country setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43477-023-00087-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Singh
- Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, Haryana 122002 India
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Mark D. Huffman
- Washington University, Saint Louis, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nikhil Tandon
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dorairaj Prabhakaran
- Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, Haryana 122002 India
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India
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Krishna A, Murali S, Moran AE, Saxena A, Gill SS, Hering D, Kaur P. Understanding the Role of Staff Nurses in Hypertension Management in Primary Care Facilities in India: A Time-Motion Study. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E39. [PMID: 37200503 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.220232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION India is facing a shortage of staff nurses; thus, a better understanding of nurses' workloads is essential for improving and implementing noncommunicable disease (NCD) control strategies. We estimated the proportion of time spent by staff nurses on hypertension and other NCD activities in primary care facilities in 2 states in India. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in 6 purposively selected primary care facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh during July through September 2021. We used a standardized stopwatch to collect data for time spent on direct hypertension activities (measuring blood pressure, counseling, recording blood pressure measurement, and other NCD-related activities), indirect hypertension activities (data management, patient follow-up calls), and non-NCD activities. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the median time spent on activities between facilities using paper-based records and the Simple mobile device-based app (open-source software). RESULTS Six staff nurses were observed for 213 person-hours. Nurses spent 111 person-hours (52%; 95% CI, 45%-59%) on direct hypertension activities and 30 person-hours (14%; 95% CI, 10%-19%) on indirect hypertension activities. The time spent on blood pressure measurement (34 minutes) and documentation (35 minutes) was the maximum time on any given day. Facilities that used paper records spent more median time (39 [IQR, 26-62] minutes) for indirect hypertension activities than those using the Simple app (15 [IQR, 11-19] minutes; P < .001). CONCLUSION Our study found that hypertension activities required more than half of nurses' time in India's primary care facilities. Digital systems can help to reduce the time spent on indirect hypertension activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Krishna
- Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, Ayapakkam, Chennai - 600077
- Resolve to Save Lives, New Delhi, India
| | - Sharan Murali
- Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, India
| | - Andrew E Moran
- Resolve to Save Lives, New York, New York
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Ashish Saxena
- Directorate of Health Services, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, India
| | - Sandeep Singh Gill
- Department of Health and Family Welfare Punjab, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
| | - Dagmara Hering
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Prabhdeep Kaur
- Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, India
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Okpechi IG, Chukwuonye II, Ekrikpo U, Noubiap JJ, Raji YR, Adeshina Y, Ajayi S, Barday Z, Chetty M, Davidson B, Effa E, Fagbemi S, George C, Kengne AP, Jones ESW, Liman H, Makusidi M, Muhammad H, Mbah I, Ndlovu K, Ngaruiya G, Okwuonu C, Samuel-Okpechi U, Tannor EK, Ulasi I, Umar Z, Wearne N, Bello AK. Task shifting roles, interventions and outcomes for kidney and cardiovascular health service delivery among African populations: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:446. [PMID: 37147670 PMCID: PMC10163711 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09416-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human resources for health (HRH) shortages are a major limitation to equitable access to healthcare. African countries have the most severe shortage of HRH in the world despite rising communicable and non-communicable disease (NCD) burden. Task shifting provides an opportunity to fill the gaps in HRH shortage in Africa. The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate task shifting roles, interventions and outcomes for addressing kidney and cardiovascular (CV) health problems in African populations. METHODS We conducted this scoping review to answer the question: "what are the roles, interventions and outcomes of task shifting strategies for CV and kidney health in Africa?" Eligible studies were selected after searching MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, and Africa journal online (AJOL). We analyzed the data descriptively. RESULTS Thirty-three studies, conducted in 10 African countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda) were eligible for inclusion. There were few randomized controlled trials (n = 6; 18.2%), and tasks were mostly shifted for hypertension (n = 27; 81.8%) than for diabetes (n = 16; 48.5%). More tasks were shifted to nurses (n = 19; 57.6%) than pharmacists (n = 6; 18.2%) or community health workers (n = 5; 15.2%). Across all studies, the most common role played by HRH in task shifting was for treatment and adherence (n = 28; 84.9%) followed by screening and detection (n = 24; 72.7%), education and counselling (n = 24; 72.7%), and triage (n = 13; 39.4%). Improved blood pressure levels were reported in 78.6%, 66.7%, and 80.0% for hypertension-related task shifting roles to nurses, pharmacists, and CHWs, respectively. Improved glycaemic indices were reported as 66.7%, 50.0%, and 66.7% for diabetes-related task shifting roles to nurses, pharmacists, and CHWs, respectively. CONCLUSION Despite the numerus HRH challenges that are present in Africa for CV and kidney health, this study suggests that task shifting initiatives can improve process of care measures (access and efficiency) as well as identification, awareness and treatment of CV and kidney disease in the region. The impact of task shifting on long-term outcomes of kidney and CV diseases and the sustainability of NCD programs based on task shifting remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechi G Okpechi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ijezie I Chukwuonye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Udeme Ekrikpo
- Division of Nephrology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibo State, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Jean Jacques Noubiap
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yemi R Raji
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Yusuf Adeshina
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Ajayi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Zunaid Barday
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Malini Chetty
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bianca Davidson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel Effa
- Department of Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Stephen Fagbemi
- Department of Epidemiology, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Cindy George
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South Africa Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre P Kengne
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South Africa Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Erika S W Jones
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hamidu Liman
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mohammad Makusidi
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Hadiza Muhammad
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Mbah
- Dept of Medicine College of Med and Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Kwazi Ndlovu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Chimezie Okwuonu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
| | | | - Elliot K Tannor
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ifeoma Ulasi
- Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Zulkifilu Umar
- Department of Epidemiology, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Nicola Wearne
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aminu K Bello
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Gong E, Yang B, Chen X, Li Y, Li Z, Bettger JP, Oldenburg B, Dong D, Si L, Yan LL. An economic evaluation of a primary care-based technology-enabled intervention for stroke secondary prevention and management in rural China: a study protocol. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1145562. [PMID: 37200779 PMCID: PMC10185851 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1145562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Secondary prevention of stroke is a leading challenge globally and only a few strategies have been tested to be effective in supporting stroke survivors. The system-integrated and technology-enabled model of care (SINEMA) intervention, a primary care-based and technology-enabled model of care, has been proven effective in strengthening the secondary prevention of stroke in rural China. The aim of this protocol is to outline the methods for the cost-effectiveness evaluation of the SINEMA intervention to better understand its potential economic benefits. Methods The economic evaluation will be a nested study based on the SINEMA trial; a cluster-randomized controlled trial implemented in 50 villages in rural China. The effectiveness of the intervention will be estimated using quality-adjusted life years for the cost-utility analysis and reduction in systolic blood pressure for the cost-effectiveness analysis. Health resource and service use and program costs will be identified, measured, and valued at the individual level based on medication use, hospital visits, and inpatients' records. The economic evaluation will be conducted from the perspective of the healthcare system. Conclusion The economic evaluation will be used to establish the value of the SINEMA intervention in the Chinese rural setting, which has great potential to be adapted and implemented in other resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enying Gong
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bolu Yang
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhan Li
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
| | - Zixiao Li
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Janet Prvu Bettger
- College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brian Oldenburg
- Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dejin Dong
- Xingtai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Lei Si
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Lijing L. Yan
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Ningbo Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
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Yenit MK, Kolbe-Alexander TL, Gelaye KA, Gezie LD, Tesema GA, Abebe SM, Azale T, Shitu K, Gyawali P. An Evaluation of Community Health Workers' Knowledge, Attitude and Personal Lifestyle Behaviour in Non-Communicable Disease Health Promotion and Their Association with Self-Efficacy and NCD-Risk Perception. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095642. [PMID: 37174162 PMCID: PMC10178727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Community health workers, also known as health extension workers (HEWs), play an important role in health promotion. This study evaluates HEWs' knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy for non-communicable diseases (NCD) health promotion. HEWs (n = 203) completed a structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, behaviour, self-efficacy and NCD risk perception. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between self-efficacy and NCD risk perception with knowledge (high, medium, low), attitude (favourable/unfavourable) and physical activity (sufficient/insufficient). HEWs with higher self-efficacy were more likely to have high NCD knowledge (AOR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.21. 4.07), favourable attitude towards NCD health promotion (AOR: 6.27; 95% CI: 3.11. 12.61) and were more physically active (AOR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.08. 4.74) than those with lower self-efficacy. HEWs with higher NCD susceptibility (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.04. 3.47) and perceived severity (AOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.46, 4.93) had higher odds of NCD knowledge than their counterparts. Moreover, sufficient physical activity was influenced by HEWs' perceived NCD susceptibility and perceived benefits of lifestyle change. Therefore, HEWs need to adopt healthy lifestyle choices to become effective role models for the community. Our findings highlight the need to include a healthy lifestyle when training HEWs, which might increase self-efficacy for NCD health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melaku Kindie Yenit
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Tracy L Kolbe-Alexander
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Kassahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Lemma Derseh Gezie
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Mekonnen Abebe
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Telake Azale
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Behavior, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Kegnie Shitu
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Behavior, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Prajwal Gyawali
- Centre for Health Research, School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
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Akter K, Kuddus A, Jeny T, Nahar T, Shaha S, Ahmed N, King C, Pires M, Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Azad K, Fottrell E, Morrison J. Stakeholder perceptions on scaling-up community-led interventions for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:719. [PMID: 37081438 PMCID: PMC10116471 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engaging communities is an important component of multisectoral action to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted research with non-communicable disease stakeholders in Bangladesh to understand how a community-led intervention which was shown to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in rural Bangladesh could be scaled-up. METHODS We purposively sampled any actor who could have an interest in the intervention, or that could affect or be affected by the intervention. We interviewed central level stakeholders from donor agencies, national health policy levels, public, non-governmental, and research sectors to identify scale-up mechanisms. We interviewed community health workers, policy makers, and non-governmental stakeholders, to explore the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the suggested mechanisms. We discussed scale-up options in focus groups with community members who had attended a community-led intervention. We iteratively developed our data collection tools based on our analysis and re-interviewed some participants. We analysed the data deductively using a stakeholder analysis framework, and inductively from codes identified in the data. RESULTS Despite interest in addressing NCDs, there was a lack of a clear community engagement strategy at the government level, and most interventions have been implemented by non-governmental organisations. Many felt the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should lead on community engagement, and NCD screening and referral has been added to the responsibilities of community health workers and health volunteers. Yet there remains a focus on reproductive health and NCD diagnosis and referral instead of prevention at the community level. There is potential to engage health volunteers in community-led interventions, but their present focus on engaging women for reproductive health does not fit with community needs for NCD prevention. CONCLUSIONS Research highlighted the need for a preventative community engagement strategy to address NCDs, and the potential to utilise existing cadres to scale-up community-led interventions. It will be important to work with key stakeholders to address gender issues and ensure flexibility and responsiveness to community concerns. We indicate areas for further implementation research to develop scaled-up models of community-led interventions to address NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohenour Akter
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Kuddus
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnova Jeny
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tasmin Nahar
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sanjit Shaha
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Naveed Ahmed
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Carina King
- Karolinska Institutet, K9 Global Folkhälsa, K9 GPH Stålsby Lundborg Alfvén, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Malini Pires
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Kishwar Azad
- Diabetic Association of Bangladesh - Centre for Health Research and Implementation (BADAS-CHRI), BIRDEM, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Edward Fottrell
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Joanna Morrison
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Kate MP, Samuel C, Singh S, Jain M, Kamra D, Singh GB, Sharma M, Pandian JD. Community health volunteer for blood pressure control in rural people with stroke in India: Pilot randomised trial. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107107. [PMID: 37003249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that an Accredited social health activist (ASHA), a community health volunteer in a task-sharing model can help in sustained control of systolic blood pressure (BP) in rural people with Stroke and hypertension at 6 months follow up. METHODS In this randomized trial two rural areas (Pakhowal and Sidhwan bet) with 70 and 94 villages respectively were screened for people with stroke and hypertension. They were assigned to either ASHA-assisted BP control in addition to standard-of-care (Pakhowal-intervention Group) or standard-of-care alone (Sidhwan bet- Control Group). Assessors blinded to intervention conducted the baseline and 6 months follow-up visits to measure risk factors in both the rural areas. RESULTS A total of 140 people with stroke with mean age of 63.7 ± 11.5 years and 44.3% females were randomised. The baseline systolic BP was higher in the intervention group (n = 65,173.5 ± 22.9 mmHg) compared to the control group (n = 75,163 ± 18.7 mmHg, p = 0.004). The follow-up systolic BP was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group 145 ± 17.2 mmHg and 166.6 ± 25.7 mmHg respectively (p < 0.0001). According to the intention-to-treat analysis a total of 69.2% of patients in the intervention group achieved systolic BP control compared to 18.9% in the control group patients (OR 9, 95% CI 3.9-20.3; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Task sharing with ASHA a community health volunteer can improve BP control in rural people with stroke and hypertension. They can also help in the adoption of healthy behaviour. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ctri.nic.in, CTRI/2018/09/015709.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Pundlik Kate
- Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 7-132C Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G2E3, Canada.
| | - Clarence Samuel
- Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Shavinder Singh
- Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Maneeta Jain
- Senior Consultant, Healthcare Financing, National Health Systems Resource Centre, India
| | - Deepshikha Kamra
- Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - G B Singh
- State Programme Officer, National Programme for Prevention of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) Programme, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh, India
| | - Meenakshi Sharma
- Scientist-G, Program Officer: Cardiovascular Diseases and Neurology, Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Jeyaraj Durai Pandian
- Professor of Neurology and Principal, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India; School of Nursing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom; NIHR Global Health Research Group on Improving stroke care in India, United Kingdom
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Carrillo-Larco RM, Guzman-Vilca WC, Xu X, Bernabe-Ortiz A. Mean systolic blood pressure above the control threshold in people with treated uncontrolled hypertension: a pooled, cross-sectional analysis of 55 national health surveys. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 57:101833. [PMID: 36793480 PMCID: PMC9923190 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypertension care cascade has been characterized worldwide, yet it has not been quantified how far above the blood pressure control threshold people with uncontrolled treated hypertension are. We summarized the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP; mmHg) in people treated for hypertension but SBP not <130/80. METHODS We did a cross-sectional analysis of 55 WHO STEPS Surveys (n = 10,658), comprising six world regions (Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific); we only included the most recent survey by country regardless of when it was conducted. Adults, men and women, aged between 25 and 69 years, with self-reported hypertension receiving antihypertensive medication and whose blood pressure was >130/80 mmHg were included. We quantified the mean SBP overall and by socio-demographic (sex, age, urban/rural location, education) and cardiometabolic (current smoking, self-reported diabetes) risk factors. FINDINGS The lowest SBP was observed in Kuwait (146.6; 95% CI: 143.8-149.4 mmHg) and the highest in Libya (171.9; 95% CI: 167.8-176.0 mmHg). In 29 countries, the SBP was higher in men, and SBP tended to be higher in older groups except in six countries. In 17 countries, the SBP was higher in rural than in urban sites, for example in Turkmenistan the SBP was 162.3 (95% CI: 158.4-166.2) mmHg in rural versus 151.6 (95% CI: 148.7-154.4) mmHg in urban areas. In 25 countries, the SBP was higher in adults with no education, for example in Benin the SBP in people without formal education was 175.3 (95% CI: 168.8-181.9) mmHg versus 156.4 (95% CI: 148.8-164.0) mmHg in people with higher education. INTERPRETATION Stronger interventions to improve and secure access to effective management are needed in most countries and specific groups, to reach hypertension control in people with hypertension already receiving antihypertensive medication. FUNDING The Wellcome Trust International Training Fellowship (214185/Z/18/Z).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Universidad Continental, Lima, Peru
- Corresponding author. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Wilmer Cristobal Guzman-Vilca
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine “Alberto Hurtado”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina Cayetano Heredia (SOCEMCH), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, and Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Antonio Bernabe-Ortiz
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
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Marklund M, Cherukupalli R, Pathak P, Neupane D, Krishna A, Wu JH, Neal B, Kaur P, Moran AE, Appel LJ, Matsushita K. Hypertension treatment capacity in India by increased workforce, greater task-sharing, and extended prescription period: a modelling study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2023; 10:100124. [PMID: 37383361 PMCID: PMC10306017 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The worldwide control rate for hypertension is dismal. An inadequate number of physicians to treat patients with hypertension is one key obstacle. Innovative health system approaches such as delegation of basic tasks to non-physician health workers (task-sharing) might alleviate this problem. Massive scale up of population-wide hypertension management is especially important for low- and middle-income countries such as India. Methods Using constrained optimization models, we estimated the hypertension treatment capacity and salary costs of staff involved in hypertension care within the public health system of India and simulated the potential effects of (1) an increased workforce, (2) greater task-sharing among health workers, and (3) extended average prescription periods that reduce treatment visit frequency (e.g., quarterly instead of monthly). Findings Currently, only an estimated 8% (95% uncertainty interval 7%-10%) of ∼245 million adults with hypertension can be treated by physician-led services in the Indian public health system (assuming the current number of health workers, no greater task-sharing, and monthly visits for prescriptions). Without task-sharing and with continued monthly visits for prescriptions, the least costly workforce expansion to treat 70% of adults with hypertension would require ∼1.6 (1.0-2.5) million additional staff (all non-physicians), with ∼INR 200 billion (≈USD 2.7 billion) in additional annual salary costs. Implementing task-sharing among health workers (without increasing the overall time on hypertension care) or allowing a 3-month prescription period was estimated to allow the current workforce to treat ∼25% of patients. Joint implementation of task-sharing and a longer prescription period could treat ∼70% of patients with hypertension in India. Interpretation The combination of greater task-sharing and extended prescription periods could substantially increase the hypertension treatment capacity in India without any expansion of the current workforce in the public health system. By contrast, workforce expansion alone would require considerable, additional human and financial resources. Funding Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, was funded by grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and Gates Philanthropy Partners (funded with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Marklund
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Priya Pathak
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dinesh Neupane
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jason H.Y. Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Prabhdeep Kaur
- National Institute of Epidemiology, The Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Andrew E. Moran
- Resolve to Save Lives, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lawrence J. Appel
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Ajisegiri WS, Abimbola S, Tesema AG, Odusanya OO, Peiris D, Joshi R. "We just have to help": Community health workers' informal task-shifting and task-sharing practices for hypertension and diabetes care in Nigeria. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1038062. [PMID: 36778542 PMCID: PMC9909193 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1038062] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nigeria's skilled health professional health workforce density is insufficient to achieve its national targets for non-communicable diseases (NCD) which include 25% reduction in the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, particularly at the primary health care (PHC) level. This places a great demand on community health workers (CHWs) who constitute the majority of PHC workers. Traditionally, CHWs are mainly involved in infectious diseases programmes, and maternal and child health services. Their involvement with prevention and control of NCDs has been minimal. With government prioritization of PHC for combating the rising NCD burden, strengthening CHWs' skills and competencies for NCD care delivery is crucial. Methods We conducted a mixed methods study to explore the roles and practices of CHWs in the delivery of hypertension and diabetes care at PHC facilities in four states (two each in northern and southern regions) in Nigeria. We reviewed the National Standing Orders that guide CHWs' practices at the PHC facilities and administered a survey to 76 CHWs and conducted 13 focus groups (90 participants), and in-depth individual interviews with 13 CHWs and 7 other local and state government stakeholders. Results Overall, we found that despite capacity constraints, CHWs frequently delivered services beyond the scope of practice stipulated in the National Standing Orders. Such informal task-shifting practices were primarily motivated by a need to serve the community. Discussion While these practices may partially support health system functions and address unmet need, they may also lead to variable care quality and safety. Several factors could mitigate these adverse impacts and strengthen CHW roles in the health system. These include a stronger enabling policy environment to support NCD task-sharing, investment in continuous capacity building for CHWs, improved guidelines that can be implemented at the point of care, and improved coordination processes between PHC and higher-level facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whenayon Simeon Ajisegiri
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Seye Abimbola
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Olumuyiwa O. Odusanya
- Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Nigeria
| | - David Peiris
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rohina Joshi
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
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Londoño Agudelo E, Battaglioli T, Díaz Piñera A, Rodríguez Salvá A, Smekens T, Achiong Estupiñán F, Carbonell García I, Van der Stuyft P. Effectiveness of a provider and patient-focused intervention to improve hypertension management and control in the primary health care setting in Cuba: a controlled before-after study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:10. [PMID: 36641434 PMCID: PMC9840256 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation research to improve hypertension control is scarce in Latin America. We assessed the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at primary care practitioners and hypertensive patients in a setting that provides integrated care through an accessible network of family practices. METHODS We conducted in Cardenas and Santiago, Cuba, a controlled before-after study in 122 family practices, which are staffed with a doctor and a nurse. The intervention comprised a control arm (usual care), an arm with a component targeting providers (hypertension management workshops), and an arm with, on top of the latter, a component targeting patients (hypertension schools). To evaluate the effect, we undertook a baseline survey before the intervention and an endline survey sixteen months after its start. In each survey, we randomly included 1400 hypertensive patients. Controlled hypertension, defined as a mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure below 140 and 90 mmHg, respectively, was the primary endpoint assessed. We performed linear and logistic regression with a Generalized Estimating Equations approach to determine if the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension changed following the intervention. RESULTS Seventy-three doctors, including substitutes, and 54 nurses from the 61 intervention family practices attended the provider workshops, and 3308 patients -51.6% of the eligible ones- participated in the hypertension schools. Adherence to anti-hypertensive medication improved from 42% at baseline to 63% at the endline in the intervention arms. Under the provider intervention, the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension increased by 18.9%, from 48.7% at baseline to 67.6% at endline. However, adding the component that targeted hypertensive patients did not augment the effect. Compared to patients in the control arm, the adjusted OR of having controlled hypertension was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.73-3.22) in the provider and 2.00 (95% CI, 1.68-2.37) in the provider plus patient intervention arm. CONCLUSIONS The intervention's patient component remains to be fine-tuned. Still, we demonstrate that it is feasible to substantially improve hypertension outcomes by intervention at the primary care level, despite an already relatively high control rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Londoño Agudelo
- grid.412881.60000 0000 8882 5269Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Grupo de Epidemiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 62 #52-59, Medellín, Colombia ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University. Campus UZ-Ghent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium ,grid.11505.300000 0001 2153 5088Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, St. Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.411140.10000 0001 0812 5789Facultad de Medicina, Universidad CES, Calle 10A #22-04, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Tullia Battaglioli
- grid.11505.300000 0001 2153 5088Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, St. Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Addys Díaz Piñera
- grid.493388.d0000 0004 0461 1191Centro de Epidemiología y Salud Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología (INHEM), Infanta No. 1158 e/ Llinás y Clavel, Centro Habana, 10300 La Habana, Cuba
| | - Armando Rodríguez Salvá
- grid.493388.d0000 0004 0461 1191Centro de Epidemiología y Salud Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología (INHEM), Infanta No. 1158 e/ Llinás y Clavel, Centro Habana, 10300 La Habana, Cuba
| | - Tom Smekens
- grid.11505.300000 0001 2153 5088Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, St. Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Isabel Carbonell García
- Centro Provincial de Higiene y Epidemiología, Calle J No. 1 entre 1ra y 2da Reparto Sueño, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Patrick Van der Stuyft
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University. Campus UZ-Ghent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Shao T, Liang L, Zhou C, Tang Y, Gao W, Tu Y, Yin Y, Malone DC, Tang W. Short-term efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for global population with elevated blood pressure: A network meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1051581. [PMID: 36711409 PMCID: PMC9880179 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1051581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to compare the potential short-term effects of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on prehypertensive people, and provide evidence for intervention models with potential in future community-based management. Methods In this Bayesian network meta-analysis, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of science were screened up to 16 October 2021. Prehypertensive patients (systolic blood pressure, SBP 120-139 mmHg/diastolic blood pressure, DBP 80-89 mmHg) with a follow-up period longer than 4 weeks were targeted. Sixteen NPIs were identified during the scope review and categorized into five groups. Reduction in SBP and DBP was selected as outcome variables and the effect sizes were compared using consistency models among interventions and intervention groups. Grade approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence. Results Thirty-nine studies with 8,279 participants were included. For SBP, strengthen exercises were the most advantageous intervention group when compared with usual care (mean difference = -6.02 mmHg, 95% CI -8.16 to -3.87), and combination exercise, isometric exercise, and aerobic exercise were the three most effective specific interventions. For DBP, relaxation was the most advantageous intervention group when compared with usual care (mean difference = -4.99 mmHg, 95% CI -7.03 to -2.96), and acupuncture, meditation, and combination exercise were the three most effective specific interventions. No inconsistency was found between indirect and direct evidence. However, heterogeneity was detected in some studies. Conclusion NPIs can bring short-term BP reduction benefits for prehypertensive patients, especially exercise and relaxation. NPIs could potentially be included in community-based disease management for prehypertensive population once long-term real-world effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are proven. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=151518, identifier: CRD42020151518.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taihang Shao
- Center for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Leyi Liang
- Center for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengchao Zhou
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yaqian Tang
- Center for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenqing Gao
- Center for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yusi Tu
- Center for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Yin
- Center for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daniel C. Malone
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States,Daniel C. Malone ✉
| | - Wenxi Tang
- Center for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China,Department of Public Affairs Management, School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Wenxi Tang ✉
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Parati G, Goncalves A, Soergel D, Bruno RM, Caiani EG, Gerdts E, Mahfoud F, Mantovani L, McManus RJ, Santalucia P, Kahan T. New perspectives for hypertension management: progress in methodological and technological developments. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2023; 30:48-60. [PMID: 36073370 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is the most common and preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for 20% of deaths worldwide. However, 2/3 of people with hypertension are undiagnosed, untreated, or under treated. A multi-pronged approach is needed to improve hypertension management. Elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood is a predictor of hypertension and CVD in adulthood; therefore, screening and education programmes should start early and continue throughout the lifespan. Home BP monitoring can be used to engage patients and improve BP control rates. Progress in imaging technology allows for the detection of preclinical disease, which may help identify patients who are at greatest risk of CV events. There is a need to optimize the use of current BP control strategies including lifestyle modifications, antihypertensive agents, and devices. Reducing the complexity of pharmacological therapy using single-pill combinations can improve patient adherence and BP control and may reduce physician inertia. Other strategies that can improve patient adherence include education and reassurance to address misconceptions, engaging patients in management decisions, and using digital tools. Strategies to improve physician therapeutic inertia, such as reminders, education, physician-peer visits, and task-sharing may improve BP control rates. Digital health technologies, such as telemonitoring, wearables, and other mobile health platforms, are becoming frequently adopted tools in hypertension management, particularly those that have undergone regulatory approval. Finally, to fight the consequences of hypertension on a global scale, healthcare system approaches to cardiovascular risk factor management are needed. Government policies should promote routine BP screening, salt-, sugar-, and alcohol reduction programmes, encourage physical activity, and target obesity control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Ospedale San Luca, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza (MB), Italy
| | | | - David Soergel
- Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Drug Development, Novartis, Basel, CH 4056, Switzerland
| | - Rosa Maria Bruno
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre (PARCC-INSERM U970) & Université de Paris, Paris 75015, France
| | - Enrico Gianluca Caiani
- Politecnico di Milano, Electronics, Information and Bioengineering Department, Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Milan 20133 & 24-10129, Italy
| | - Eva Gerdts
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen NO-5020, Norway
| | - Felix Mahfoud
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg 66123, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Mantovani
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica Research Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Richard J McManus
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6HD, UK
| | - Paola Santalucia
- Italian Association Against Thrombosis and Cardiovascular Diseases (ALT Onlus), Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Thomas Kahan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE 182 88, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Danderyd University Hospital Corp, Stockholm SE 182 88, Sweden
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Schwalm JD, Walli-Attaei M, Yusuf S. New Approaches Needed to Improve Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2251162. [PMID: 36656588 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.51162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J D Schwalm
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marjan Walli-Attaei
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Salim Yusuf
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Kavita K, Thakur J, Ghai S, Narang T, Kaur R. Nurse-led interventions for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/jncd.jncd_74_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
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Sundararajan R, Alakiu R, Ponticiello M, Birch G, Kisigo G, Okello E, Peck RN. Understanding traditional healer utilisation for hypertension care using the Andersen model: A qualitative study in Mwanza, Tanzania. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2191687. [PMID: 36973183 PMCID: PMC10065353 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2191687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTHypertension disproportionately affects people living in African countries, where there are many challenges to appropriate diagnosis and treatment, and many people with hypertension utilise traditional healers as their primary source of healthcare. In this study, we sought to understand factors driving healer utilisation among people with hypertension. We conducted 52 semi-structured interviews with traditional healers, patients and healthcare providers in the Mwanza region of Tanzania. We used the Andersen model of healthcare utilisation to organise our findings on factors driving utilisation of traditional healers for hypertension care. Traditional healers routinely provide care to hypertensive patients and are a critical component of the healthcare landscape. However, healers also operate independently of the biomedical healthcare system, and biomedical providers may hold negative perceptions of healers. Further, healers were described as preferential by patients due to the convenient locations of their practices and perceived improvement of hypertension symptoms with traditional treatment. Finally, healers expressed a desire for more formal collaboration with biomedicine to improve patient care. Our findings may guide future interventions in Tanzanian communities and elsewhere where traditional healers may act as partners to allopathic providers and patients in the continuum of hypertension care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Sundararajan
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Center for Global Health, New York NY USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New York NY USA
| | - Rinu Alakiu
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY USA
| | | | | | - Godfrey Kisigo
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Robert N. Peck
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Center for Global Health, New York NY USA
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypertension represents the most important cardiovascular risk factor, affecting over 4.06 billion adults worldwide. In this review, we will discuss potential barriers and their solutions to improve prevention, detection, and management of hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS The prevalence of hypertension has been increasing in low- and middle-income countries, requiring new strategies to improve its recognition and proper management. The World Heart Federation (WHF) developed a roadmap for hypertension, advising health system policies and clinical practices as part of its commitment to improving global cardiovascular health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has published in 2021 practical guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults. Identifying potential roadblocks and solutions deserves high priority to improve the detection, management, and control of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina, Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa-CCUL, CAML, Universidade de Lisboa, Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria-CHULN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fausto J Pinto
- Faculdade de Medicina, Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa-CCUL, CAML, Universidade de Lisboa, Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria-CHULN, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Hachem S, Ali S, Al-Omari S, Abi Chahine M, Fahme SA, Mehio Sibai A. "Older people tend to be invisible": a qualitative study exploring the needs and inclusion of older Syrian refugees in the context of compounding crises in host country, Lebanon. Confl Health 2022; 16:61. [PMID: 36403023 PMCID: PMC9675970 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older Syrian refugees in Lebanon are a marginalized population with under-recognized health needs. The inclusivity of this population within the humanitarian response is poorly understood. This study aims to identify the unique needs of older Syrian refugees in the context of recent concurrent crises in Lebanon, and explore the extent to which they are being met and prioritized by local and international aid agencies. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with a snowball sample of 26 stakeholders from 11 organizations operating in the health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene sectors. Data analysis followed principles of thematic analysis. RESULTS Concurrent political, economic, and public health crises in host country promoted income insecurity among older refugees and increased dependency on younger relatives, leading to food insecurity, neglect, and poor health outcomes, including the sequelae of untreated non-communicable diseases. Mental illness was perceived to be exacerbated by Covid-19 related challenges, including social isolation, uncertainty about the future, and additionally due to feelings of guilt related to economic dependence and fundamental exclusion from labor force participation. Despite their vulnerability, older refugees are overlooked by the humanitarian response, which may be related to a lack of data. Pervasive medication shortages in the setting of the economic collapse, as well as inaccessible physical environments and competing interests were all identified as major barriers to care. CONCLUSIONS Older Syrian refugees in Lebanon experience dual vulnerability that is acutely exacerbated in the setting of concurrent crises. Sociopolitical, economic, and cultural barriers promote social exclusion and may confer an increased risk of income and food insecurity in this population, with significant implications for health. Humanitarian aid agencies operating in the context of fragmented, under-resourced health systems are currently unable to sufficiently address multi-faceted needs of this community. We recommend moving away from a donor-dependent model of aid by allocating resources toward strengthening inclusive national health systems that emphasize preventative care. We further call for age-disaggregation of routine data and normalization of data sharing among stakeholders in the academic and public health sectors in order to develop evidence-based initiatives that can meet the needs of this under-served community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hachem
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souad Ali
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah Al-Omari
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Abi Chahine
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sasha Abdallah Fahme
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Abla Mehio Sibai
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Silva BV, Sousa C, Caldeira D, Abreu A, Pinto FJ. Management of arterial hypertension: Challenges and opportunities. Clin Cardiol 2022; 45:1094-1099. [PMID: 36423356 PMCID: PMC9707556 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz V. Silva
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa – CCUL, CAML, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Serviço de CardiologiaHospital Universitário de Santa Maria – CHULNLisboaPortugal
| | - Catarina Sousa
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa – CCUL, CAML, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Serviço de CardiologiaHospital Universitário de Santa Maria – CHULNLisboaPortugal
| | - Daniel Caldeira
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa – CCUL, CAML, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Serviço de CardiologiaHospital Universitário de Santa Maria – CHULNLisboaPortugal
| | - Ana Abreu
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa – CCUL, CAML, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Serviço de CardiologiaHospital Universitário de Santa Maria – CHULNLisboaPortugal
| | - Fausto J. Pinto
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa – CCUL, CAML, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Serviço de CardiologiaHospital Universitário de Santa Maria – CHULNLisboaPortugal
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46
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Smith CE, Metz M, Pierre JL, Rouzier V, Yan LD, Sufra R, Dade E, Preval F, Ariste W, Rivera V, Tymejczyk O, Peck R, Koenig S, Deschamps MM, Pape W, McNairy ML. Comparison of community and clinic-based blood pressure measurements: A cross-sectional study from Haiti. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001064. [PMID: 36285251 PMCID: PMC9592070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension (HTN) is the leading modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor in low and middle-income countries, and accurate and accessible blood pressure (BP) measurement is essential for identifying persons at risk. Given the convenience and increased use of community BP screening programs in low-income settings, we compared community and clinic BP measurements for participants in the Haiti CVD Cohort Study to determine the concordance of these two measurements. Participants were recruited using multistage random sampling from March 2019 to August 2021. HTN was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 140mmHg, diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 90mmHg or taking antihypertensives according to WHO guidelines. Factors associated with concordance versus discordance of community and clinic BP measurements were assessed with multivariable Poisson regressions. Among 2,123 participants, median age was 41 years and 62% were female. Pearson correlation coefficients for clinic versus community SBP and DBP were 0.78 and 0.77, respectively. Using community BP measurements, 36% of participants screened positive for HTN compared with 30% using clinic BPs. The majority of participants had concordant measurements of normotension (59%) or HTN (26%) across both settings, with 4% having isolated elevated clinic BP (≥140/90 in clinic with normal community BP) and 10% with isolated elevated community BP (≥140/90 in community with normal clinic BP). These results underscore community BP measurements as a feasible and accurate way to increase HTN screening and estimate HTN prevalence for vulnerable populations with barriers to clinic access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh E. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Miranda Metz
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jean Lookens Pierre
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Vanessa Rouzier
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Lily D. Yan
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rodney Sufra
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Eliezer Dade
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Fabyola Preval
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Wilson Ariste
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Vanessa Rivera
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Olga Tymejczyk
- City University of New York Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Rob Peck
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Serena Koenig
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marie Marcelle Deschamps
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - William Pape
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Margaret L. McNairy
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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47
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Jaffe MG, DiPette DJ, Campbell NR, Angell SY, Ordunez P. Developing population-based hypertension control programs. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e153. [PMID: 36128474 PMCID: PMC9473451 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension remains the leading cause of cardiovascular disease globally despite the availability of safe and effective treatments. Unfortunately, many barriers exist to controlling hypertension, including a lack of effective screening and awareness, an inability to access treatment and challenges with its management when it is treated. Addressing these barriers is complex and requires engaging in a systematic and sustained approach across communities over time. This analysis aims to describe the key elements needed to create an effective delivery system for hypertension control. A successful system requires political will and supportive leadership at all levels of an organization, including at the point of care delivery (office or clinic), in the health care system, and at regional, state and national levels. Effective screening and outreach systems are necessary to identify individuals not previously diagnosed with hypertension, and a system for follow up and tracking is needed after people are diagnosed. Implementing simple protocols for treating hypertension can reduce confusion among providers and increase treatment efficiency. Ensuring easy access to safe, effective and affordable medications can increase blood pressure control and potentially decrease health care system costs. Task-sharing among members of the health care team can expand the services that are delivered. Finally, monitoring of and reporting on the performance of the health care team are needed to learn from those who are doing well, disseminate ideas to those in need of improvement and identify individual patients who need outreach or additional care. Successful large-scale hypertension programs in different settings share many of these key elements and serve as examples to improve systems of hypertension care delivery throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G. Jaffe
- Department of Endocrinology, The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Donald J. DiPette
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Norman R.C. Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sonia Y. Angell
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Pedro Ordunez
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, D.C., USA
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48
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Michea L, Toro L, Alban N, Contreras D, Morgado P, Paccot M, Escobar MC, Lorca E. [Efficacy of a standardized and simplified strategy for the treatment of high blood pressure in Chile: the HEARTS Initiative in the AmericasEficácia de uma estratégia padronizada e simplificada para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial no Chile: a iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e138. [PMID: 36082021 PMCID: PMC9446543 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia de un protocolo estandarizado y simplificado basado en los pilares técnicos de la Iniciativa HEARTS para el control de pacientes hipertensos del Programa de Salud Cardiovascular en el primer nivel de atención de salud en Chile. Métodos. Estudio observacional longitudinal (cohorte histórica), en 2 centros de salud familiar del primer nivel de atención en Santiago, que comparó el control de presión arterial en adultos hipertensos logrado con el protocolo estandarizado y simplificado, frente al protocolo habitual, según las guías nacionales. Las innovaciones del protocolo estandarizado incluyeron cambios en la coordinación del equipo de salud, inicio de tratamiento farmacológico inmediatamente después de confirmación diagnóstica, tratamiento farmacológico estandarizado con combinación de al menos 2 o 3 fármacos antihipertensivos en un sólo comprimido, en una toma diaria. Se realizó seguimiento por 1 año para evaluar el porcentaje de adherencia al tratamiento y cumplimiento de metas de control de presión arterial (menor a 140/90 mmHg). Resultados. Se evaluaron 1 490 pacientes: 562 que utilizaron el protocolo estandarizado y simplificado y 928 tratados con el protocolo habitual (centros de salud familiar-1: 650, centros de salud familiar -2: 278). A 1 año de seguimiento, los pacientes del grupo del protocolo estandarizado y simplificado tuvieron mayor proporción de cumplimiento de metas de control de presión arterial (65% versus 37% y 41%, p<0,001) y mayor porcentaje de adherencia al tratamiento en comparación con aquellos con el protocolo habitual (71% versus 18% y 23%, p<0,001). Conclusiones. Los resultados muestran que el protocolo estandarizado y simplificado es más efectivo que el protocolo habitual en el control de hipertensión arterial en pacientes en tratamiento en el primer nivel de atención en Chile. Su implementación a nivel nacional podría contribuir a la disminución de eventos cardiovasculares mayores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Michea
- ICBM Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Chile Santiago Chile ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Toro
- Centro de Investigación Clínica Avanzada Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile Santiago Chile Centro de Investigación Clínica Avanzada, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Natali Alban
- Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Suroriente Santiago Chile Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Suroriente, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daisy Contreras
- Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Suroriente Santiago Chile Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Suroriente, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Morgado
- Sociedad Chilena de Hipertensión Santiago Chile Sociedad Chilena de Hipertensión, Santiago, Chile
| | - Melanie Paccot
- División de Prevención y Control de Enfermedades Ministerio de Salud Santiago Chile División de Prevención y Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Cristina Escobar
- Organización Panamericana de la Salud Santiago Chile Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Lorca
- Hospital del Salvador Santiago Chile Hospital del Salvador, Santiago, Chile
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Kumurenzi A, Richardson J, Thabane L, Kagwiza J, Musabyemariya I, Bosch J. Provision and use of physical rehabilitation services for adults with disabilities in Rwanda: A descriptive study. Afr J Disabil 2022; 11:1004. [PMID: 36092478 PMCID: PMC9453115 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v11i0.1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physical rehabilitation interventions address functional deficits caused by impairments that affect someone’s performance. Whilst rehabilitation is important, it is assumed that these services are either minimal or nonexistent in low-resource settings. Our data expand on the data from the Situation Assessment of Rehabilitation in the Republic of Rwanda report to describe rehabilitation services and who access them at public and semiprivate facilities (primarily funded by the private sector). Objectives This article describes the use of the outpatient physical rehabilitation services across nine health facilities, the characteristics of adults attending these health facilities and some of the facilitators and barriers they encounter when attending rehabilitation. Method Data were collected between September and December 2018 from the heads of departments and adult patients attending outpatient rehabilitation services funded by the government, international nongovernmental organisations or faith-based organisations. Results Two hundred and thirteen adults were recruited from nine facilities. There is a sixfold difference in the number of rehabilitation personnel between public and semiprivate hospitals in these facilities’ catchment areas. However, most participants were recruited at public facilities (186 [87%]), primarily with physical disorders. Patients reported that family support (94%) was the most crucial facilitator for attending rehabilitation, whilst transportation cost (96%) was a significant barrier. Conclusion Rehabilitation service availability for Rwandan adults with disabilities is limited. Whilst family support helps patients attend rehabilitation, transportation costs remain a significant barrier to people attending rehabilitation. Strategies to address these issues include developing triage protocols, training community health workers and families. Contribution Data on rehabilitation service provision in Rwanda and most African countries are either non-existent or very limited. These data contain important information regarding the services provided and the people who used them across different health facilities (public versus private) and urban versus rural settings). To improve rehabilitation service provision, we first need to understand the current situation. These data are an important step to better understanding rehabilitation in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kumurenzi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Julie Richardson
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jeanne Kagwiza
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ines Musabyemariya
- Functional Rehabilitation Programme, Humanity and Inclusion, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jackie Bosch
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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50
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Integrating HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment Screening within Primary Healthcare Facilities: A Pilot Training Intervention. Nurs Res Pract 2022; 2022:4495586. [PMID: 35996388 PMCID: PMC9392617 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4495586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (H-NCI) remains a common comorbidity, which may affect several key health outcomes among people with HIV. However, there are shortages of appropriately skilled healthcare workers able to identify and manage H-NCI in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted an exploratory, quasi-experimental, pre- and post-cohort training intervention in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Thirty-four healthcare workers (two general medical doctors, twenty-two nurses, and ten adherence counsellors) from six facilities and a mobile clinic unit attended two, two-hour face-to-face, training sessions. The training included knowledge and skill transfer components. Pre- and post-knowledge questionaries demonstrated an improvement among 82% (n = 28) of the attendees from all three cadres. Knowledge was retained by 88% (n = 30) of the attendees after eight weeks. The H-NCI screening tools were administered with 78% accuracy. After eight weeks, two general medical doctors and eight senior nurses were able to accurately administer the tool. The Primary Healthcare H-NCI training was successful in improving knowledge among primary healthcare workers; however, several healthcare workers experienced challenges with administering such tools.
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