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Ebner F, Hartkopf A, Veselinovic K, Schochter F, Janni W, Lukac S, Dayan D. A Comparison of ChatGPT and Multidisciplinary Team Meeting Treatment Recommendations in 10 Consecutive Cervical Cancer Patients. Cureus 2024; 16:e67458. [PMID: 39310414 PMCID: PMC11415775 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67458] [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] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The preparation of multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings can be time-consuming. In addition to the clinical data being available digitally in subsystems, the preparation of more complex cases requires literature research. Several expert systems have been developed to support this process. However, the interaction with these systems has to be trained. Current development enables linguistic interaction with such artificial intelligence (AI) systems. To the best of our knowledge, these have not been tested as premedical screening tools for MDT. Methods This is a retrospective consecutive case series of 10 cervical cancer cases comparing the medical recommendations of the MDT and artificial intelligence (AI) on a low level (i.e., surgery, systemic treatment, and radiotherapy). Results The clinical cases ranged from primary diagnosis via suspected recurrence to palliative settings. The AI repeatedly stated that medical professionals need to be consulted before treatment decisions. The AI answers ranged from no agreement to overachievement by mentioning treatment options for preexisting risk factors (such as obesity). In standard cases, the AI answer matched well with the expert recommendations. In some cases, the AI answers were contrary to our treatment recommendation. Conclusion The interaction with current language AIs is temptingly easy, and the replies are very understandable. Despite the AI warning regarding medical recommendations in the majority of our cases, there was a good match with the MDT recommendations. However, in some cases, the medical evidence behind the answers was missing or in the worst case fictional. In our case series, the AI did not meet the requirements to support a clinical MDT meeting by prescreening the therapeutic options. However, it did exceed the expectations regarding the risk factors of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Ebner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alb-Donau Klinikum (ADK), Ehingen, DEU
| | - Andreas Hartkopf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, DEU
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Janni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, DEU
| | - Stefan Lukac
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulm, Ulm, DEU
| | - Davut Dayan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, DEU
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Powell-Jackson T, King JJC, Makungu C, Quaife M, Goodman C. Management Practices and Quality of Care: Evidence from the Private Health Care Sector in Tanzania. ECONOMIC JOURNAL (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 134:436-456. [PMID: 38077853 PMCID: PMC10702364 DOI: 10.1093/ej/uead075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
We measure the adoption of management practices in over 220 private for-profit and non-profit health facilities in 64 districts across Tanzania and link these data to process quality-of-care metrics, assessed using undercover standardised patients and clinical observations. We find that better managed health facilities are more likely to provide correct treatment in accordance with national treatment guidelines, adhere to a checklist of essential questions and examinations, and comply with infection prevention and control practices. Moving from the 10th to the 90th percentile in the management practice score is associated with a 48% increase in correct treatment. We then leverage a large-scale field experiment of an internationally recognised management support intervention in which health facilities are assessed against comprehensive standards, given an individually tailored quality improvement plan and supported through training and mentoring visits. We find zero to small effects on management scores, suggesting that improving management practices in this setting may be challenging.
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Massele A, Rogers AM, Gabriel D, Mayanda A, Magoma S, Cook A, Chigome A, Lorenzetti G, Meyer JC, Moore CE, Godman B, Minzi O. A Narrative Review of Recent Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Ambulatory Care in Tanzania: Findings and Implications. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2195. [PMID: 38138298 PMCID: PMC10745081 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: There are concerns with the current prescribing practices of antibiotics in ambulatory care in Tanzania, including both the public and private sectors. These concerns need to be addressed as part of the national action plan (NAP) of Tanzania to reduce rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates. Issues and concerns include high rates of prescribing of antibiotics for essentially self-limiting conditions. Consequently, there is a need to address this. As a result, the aims of this narrative review were to comprehensively summarize antibiotic utilization patterns particularly in ambulatory care and their rationale in Tanzania and to suggest ways forward to improve future prescribing practices. Materials and Methods: We undertook a narrative review of recently published studies and subsequently documented potential activities to improve future prescribing practices. Potential activities included instigating quality indicators and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Results: Published studies have shown that antibiotics are being excessively prescribed in ambulatory care in Tanzania, in up to 95% to 96.3% of presenting cases depending on the sector. This is despite concerns with their appropriateness. High rates of antibiotic prescribing are not helped by variable adherence to current treatment guidelines. There have also been concerns with extensive prescribing of 'Watch' antibiotics in the private sector. Overall, the majority of antibiotics prescribed across the sectors, albeit inappropriately, were typically from the 'Access' group of antibiotics in the AWaRe (Access/Watch/Reserve) classification rather than 'Watch' antibiotics to limit AMR. The inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in ambulatory care is linked to current knowledge regarding antibiotics, AMR, and ASPs among both prescribers and patients. Recommended activities for the future include improved education for all groups, the instigation of updated quality indicators, and the regular monitoring of prescribing practices against agreed-upon guidelines and indicators. Education for healthcare professionals on ASPs should start at undergraduate level and continue post qualification. Community advocacy on the rational use of antibiotics should also include social media activities to dispel misinformation. Conclusion: The quality of current prescribing practices of antibiotics in ambulatory care is sub-optimal in Tanzania. This needs to be urgently addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Massele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania
| | - Anastasia Martin Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Deogratias Gabriel
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Ashura Mayanda
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Sarah Magoma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Dodoma, Dodoma P.O. Box 582, Tanzania;
| | - Aislinn Cook
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Audrey Chigome
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
| | - Giulia Lorenzetti
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
| | - Catrin E. Moore
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Omary Minzi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65013, Tanzania;
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George J, Jack S, Gauld R, Colbourn T, Stokes T. Impact of health system governance on healthcare quality in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073669. [PMID: 38081664 PMCID: PMC10729209 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073669] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improving healthcare quality in low-/middle-income countries (LMICs) is a critical step in the pathway to Universal Health Coverage and health-related sustainable development goals. This study aimed to map the available evidence on the impacts of health system governance interventions on the quality of healthcare services in LMICs. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of the literature. The search strategy used a combination of keywords and phrases relevant to health system governance, quality of healthcare and LMICs. Studies published in English until August 2023, with no start date limitation, were searched on PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and ProQuest. Additional publications were identified by snowballing. The effects reported by the studies on processes of care and quality impacts were reviewed. RESULTS The findings from 201 primary studies were grouped under (1) leadership, (2) system design, (3) accountability and transparency, (4) financing, (5) private sector partnerships, (6) information and monitoring; (7) participation and engagement and (8) regulation. CONCLUSIONS We identified a stronger evidence base linking improved quality of care with health financing, private sector partnerships and community participation and engagement strategies. The evidence related to leadership, system design, information and monitoring, and accountability and transparency is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joby George
- Department of General Practice & Rural Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Susan Jack
- Te Whatu Ora - Southern, National Public Health Service, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robin Gauld
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Otago Business School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Tim Stokes
- Department of General Practice & Rural Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Boone CE, Gertler PJ, Barasa GM, Gruber J, Kwan A. Can a private sector engagement intervention that prioritizes pro-poor strategies improve healthcare access and quality? A randomized field experiment in Kenya. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:1006-1016. [PMID: 37602984 PMCID: PMC11020211 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad076] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Private sector engagement in health reform has been suggested to help reduce healthcare inequities in sub-Saharan Africa, where populations with the most need seek the least care. We study the effects of African Health Markets for Equity (AHME), a cluster randomized controlled trial carried out in Kenya from 2012 to 2020 at 199 private health clinics. AHME included four clinic-level interventions: social health insurance, social franchising, SafeCare quality-of-care certification programme and business support. This paper evaluates whether AHME increased the capacity of private health clinics to serve poor clients while maintaining or enhancing the quality of care provided. At endline, clinics that received AHME were 14.5 percentage points (pp) more likely to be empanelled with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), served 51% more NHIF clients and served more clients from the middle three quintiles of the wealth distribution compared to control clinics. Comparing individuals living in households near AHME treatment and control clinics (N = 8241), AHME led to a 6.7-pp increase in the probability of holding any health insurance on average. We did not find any additional effect of AHME on insurance holding among poor households. We measured quality of care using a standardized patient (SP) experiment (N = 596 SP-provider interactions) where recruited and trained SPs were randomized to present as either 'not poor', and able to afford all services provided, or 'poor' by telling the provider they could only afford ∼300 Kenyan Shillings (US$3) in fees. We found that poor SPs received lower levels of both correct and unnecessary services, and AHME did not affect this. More work must be done to ensure that clients of all wealth levels receive high-quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Boone
- Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, 5807 S. Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Paul J Gertler
- Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley, 2220 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Joshua Gruber
- Center for Effective Global Action, University of California Berkeley, Giannini Hall, 251 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ada Kwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
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Kwan A. Implementing Quality of Care Measures: Lessons from a Standardized Patient Study in Seven Provinces of China. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:818-820. [PMID: 35483013 PMCID: PMC9137004 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.306858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ada Kwan
- Ada Kwan is with the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
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King J, Powell-Jackson T, Hargreaves J, Makungu C, Goodman C. Pushy Patients Or Pushy Providers? Effect Of Patient Knowledge On Antibiotic Prescribing In Tanzania. Health Aff (Millwood) 2022; 41:911-920. [PMID: 35666967 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious threats to global health, but little progress has been made in reversing its spread. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance, and rates are high and growing in lower- and middle-income countries. Antibiotics are thought to be subject to supplier-induced demand, whereby providers prescribe them to patients who do not know they are unnecessary. We conducted a randomized field experiment in 227 private health facilities in Tanzania, with standardized patients presenting uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Standardized patients were randomly assigned to express knowledge (informed) or not (uninformed) that antibiotics were not required to treat them. There was a very high rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescription, with 86.0 percent of informed standardized patients and 94.8 percent of uninformed standardized patients prescribed an antibiotic, for an adjusted difference of 7.8 percentage points between the groups. This small effect suggests that broader health systems factors are at play and that interventions should be aimed at systems, health facilities, and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica King
- Jessica King , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - James Hargreaves
- James Hargreaves, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Christina Makungu
- Christina Makungu, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Roder-DeWan S, Yahya T. Stepwise accreditation in Tanzania: no impact on process quality. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:e1185-e1186. [PMID: 34363767 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Talhiya Yahya
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
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