1
|
Quang Vo LN, Forse RJ, Tran J, Dam T, Driscoll J, Codlin AJ, Creswell J, Sidney-Annerstedt K, Van Truong V, Thi Minh HD, Huu LN, Nguyen HB, Nguyen NV. Economic evaluation of a community health worker model for tuberculosis care in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam: a mixed-methods Social Return on Investment Analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:945. [PMID: 37231468 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15841-2] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is extensive evidence for the cost-effectiveness of programmatic and additional tuberculosis (TB) interventions, but no studies have employed the social return on investment (SROI) methodology. We conducted a SROI analysis to measure the benefits of a community health worker (CHW) model for active TB case finding and patient-centered care. METHODS This mixed-method study took place alongside a TB intervention implemented in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, between October-2017 - September-2019. The valuation encompassed beneficiary, health system and societal perspectives over a 5-year time-horizon. We conducted a rapid literature review, two focus group discussions and 14 in-depth interviews to identify and validate pertinent stakeholders and material value drivers. We compiled quantitative data from the TB program's and the intervention's surveillance systems, ecological databases, scientific publications, project accounts and 11 beneficiary surveys. We mapped, quantified and monetized value drivers to derive a crude financial benefit, which was adjusted for four counterfactuals. We calculated a SROI based on the net present value (NPV) of benefits and investments using a discounted cash flow model with a discount rate of 3.5%. A scenario analysis assessed SROI at varying discount rates of 0-10%. RESULTS The mathematical model yielded NPVs of US$235,511 in investments and US$8,497,183 in benefits. This suggested a return of US$36.08 for each dollar invested, ranging from US$31.66-US39.00 for varying discount rate scenarios. CONCLUSIONS The evaluated CHW-based TB intervention generated substantial individual and societal benefits. The SROI methodology may be an alternative for the economic evaluation of healthcare interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luan Nguyen Quang Vo
- Friends for International TB Relief, 6th Floor, 1/21 Le Van Luong St., Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
| | - Rachel Jeanette Forse
- Friends for International TB Relief, 6th Floor, 1/21 Le Van Luong St., Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Jacqueline Tran
- Friends for International TB Relief, 6th Floor, 1/21 Le Van Luong St., Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Thu Dam
- Friends for International TB Relief, 6th Floor, 1/21 Le Van Luong St., Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Jenny Driscoll
- Friends for International TB Relief, 6th Floor, 1/21 Le Van Luong St., Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Andrew James Codlin
- Friends for International TB Relief, 6th Floor, 1/21 Le Van Luong St., Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | | | - Kristi Sidney-Annerstedt
- Department of Global Public Health, WHO Collaboration Centre on Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shaweno D, Trauer JM, Doan TN, Denholm JT, McBryde ES. Geospatial clustering and modelling provide policy guidance to distribute funding for active TB case finding in Ethiopia. Epidemics 2021; 36:100470. [PMID: 34052666 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2021.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) exhibits considerable spatial heterogeneity, occurring in clusters that may act as hubs of community transmission. We evaluated the impact of an intervention targeting spatial TB hotspots in a rural region of Ethiopia. To evaluate the impact of targeted active case finding (ACF), we used a spatially structured mathematical model that has previously been described. From model equilibrium, we simulated the impact of a hotspot-targeted strategy (HTS) on TB incidence ten years from intervention commencement and the associated cost-effectiveness. HTS was also compared with an untargeted strategy (UTS). We used logistic cost-coverage analysis to estimate cost-effectiveness of interventions. At a community screening coverage level of 95 % in a hotspot region, which corresponds to screening 20 % of the total population, HTS would reduce overall TB incidence by 52 % compared with baseline. For UTS to achieve an equivalent effect, it would be necessary to screen more than 80 % of the total population. Compared to the existing passive case detection strategy, the HTS at a CDR of 75 percent in hotspot regions is expected to avert 1,023 new TB cases over ten years saving USD 170 per averted case. Similarly, at the same CDR, the UTS will detect 1316 cases over the same period saving USD 3 per averted TB case. The incremental-cost effectiveness-ratio (ICER) of UTS compared with HTS is USD 582 per averted case corresponding to 293 more TB cases averted at an additional cost of USD 170,700. Where regional TB program spending was capped at current levels, maximum gains in incidence reduction were seen when the regional budget was shared between hotspots and non-hotspot regions in the ratio of 40% : 60%. Our analysis suggests that a spatially targeted strategy is efficient and cost-saving, with the potential for significant reduction in overall TB burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debebe Shaweno
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 300 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3050, Australia; Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia; Department of Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, United Kingdom.
| | - James M Trauer
- Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Tan N Doan
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 300 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3050, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Douglas, Townsville, QLD, 4814, Australia
| | - Justin T Denholm
- Victorian Tuberculosis Program at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma S McBryde
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 300 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3050, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Douglas, Townsville, QLD, 4814, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cunnama L, Gomez GB, Siapka M, Herzel B, Hill J, Kairu A, Levin C, Okello D, DeCormier Plosky W, Garcia Baena I, Sweeney S, Vassall A, Sinanovic E. A Systematic Review of Methodological Variation in Healthcare Provider Perspective Tuberculosis Costing Papers Conducted in Low- and Middle-Income Settings, Using An Intervention-Standardised Unit Cost Typology. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2020; 38:819-837. [PMID: 32363543 PMCID: PMC7437656 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for easily accessible tuberculosis unit cost data, as well as an understanding of the variability of methods used and reporting standards of that data. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to descriptively review papers reporting tuberculosis unit costs from a healthcare provider perspective looking at methodological variation; to assess quality using a study quality rating system and machine learning to investigate the indicators of reporting quality; and to identify the data gaps to inform standardised tuberculosis unit cost collection and consistent principles for reporting going forward. METHODS We searched grey and published literature in five sources and eight databases, respectively, using search terms linked to cost, tuberculosis and tuberculosis health services including tuberculosis treatment and prevention. For inclusion, the papers needed to contain empirical unit cost estimates for tuberculosis interventions from low- and middle-income countries, with reference years between 1990 and 2018. A total of 21,691 papers were found and screened in a phased manner. Data were extracted from the eligible papers into a detailed Microsoft Excel tool, extensively cleaned and analysed with R software (R Project, Vienna, Austria) using the user interface of RStudio. A study quality rating was applied to the reviewed papers based on the inclusion or omission of a selection of variables and their relative importance. Following this, machine learning using a recursive partitioning method was utilised to construct a classification tree to assess the reporting quality. RESULTS This systematic review included 103 provider perspective papers with 627 unit costs (costs not presented here) for tuberculosis interventions among a total of 140 variables. The interventions covered were active, passive and intensified case finding; tuberculosis treatment; above-service costs; and tuberculosis prevention. Passive case finding is the detection of tuberculosis cases where individuals self-identify at health facilities; active case finding is detection of cases of those not in health facilities, such as through outreach; and intensified case finding is detection of cases in high-risk populations. There was heterogeneity in some of the reported methods used such cost allocation, amortisation and the use of top-down, bottom-up or mixed approaches to the costing. Uncertainty checking through sensitivity analysis was only reported on by half of the papers (54%), while purposive and convenience sampling was reported by 72% of papers. Machine learning indicated that reporting on 'Intervention' (in particular), 'Urbanicity' and 'Site Sampling', were the most likely indicators of quality of reporting. The largest data gap identified was for tuberculosis vaccination cost data, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in particular. There is a gap in available unit costs for 12 of 30 high tuberculosis burden countries, as well as for the interventions of above-service costs, tuberculosis prevention, and active and intensified case finding. CONCLUSION Variability in the methods and reporting used makes comparison difficult and makes it hard for decision makers to know which unit costs they can trust. The study quality rating system used in this review as well as the classification tree enable focus on specific reporting aspects that should improve variability and increase confidence in unit costs. Researchers should endeavour to be explicit and transparent in how they cost interventions following the principles as laid out in the Global Health Cost Consortium's Reference Case for Estimating the Costs of Global Health Services and Interventions, which in turn will lead to repeatability, comparability and enhanced learning from others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Cunnama
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Gabriela B Gomez
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mariana Siapka
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ben Herzel
- Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Hill
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Angela Kairu
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carol Levin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dickson Okello
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Inés Garcia Baena
- TB Monitoring and Evaluation (TME), Global TB Programme, The World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sedona Sweeney
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Edina Sinanovic
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Seidman G, Atun R. Does task shifting yield cost savings and improve efficiency for health systems? A systematic review of evidence from low-income and middle-income countries. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2017; 15:29. [PMID: 28407810 PMCID: PMC5390445 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-017-0200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Task shifting has become an increasingly popular way to increase access to health services, especially in low-resource settings. Research has demonstrated that task shifting, including the use of community health workers (CHWs) to deliver care, can improve population health. This systematic review investigates whether task shifting in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) results in efficiency improvements by achieving cost savings. METHODS Using the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Health Economic Evaluation Database on March 22, 2016. We included any original peer-review articles that demonstrated cost impact of a task shifting program in an LMIC. RESULTS We identified 794 articles, of which 34 were included in our study. We found that substantial evidence exists for achieving cost savings and efficiency improvements from task shifting activities related to tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and additional evidence exists for the potential to achieve cost savings from activities related to malaria, NCDs, NTDs, childhood illness, and other disease areas, especially at the primary health care and community levels. CONCLUSIONS Task shifting presents a viable option for health system cost savings in LMICs. Going forward, program planners should carefully consider whether task shifting can improve population health and health systems efficiency in their countries, and researchers should investigate whether task shifting can also achieve cost savings for activities related to emerging global health priorities and health systems strengthening activities such as supply chain management or monitoring and evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Seidman
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 United States of America
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vaughan K, Kok MC, Witter S, Dieleman M. Costs and cost-effectiveness of community health workers: evidence from a literature review. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2015; 13:71. [PMID: 26329455 PMCID: PMC4557864 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-015-0070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to synthesize and critically review evidence on costs and cost-effectiveness of community health worker (CHW) programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform policy dialogue around their role in health systems. METHODS From a larger systematic review on effectiveness and factors influencing performance of close-to-community providers, complemented by a supplementary search in PubMed, we did an exploratory review of a subset of papers (32 published primary studies and 4 reviews from the period January 2003-July 2015) about the costs and cost-effectiveness of CHWs. Studies were assessed using a data extraction matrix including methodological approach and findings. RESULTS Existing evidence suggests that, compared with standard care, using CHWs in health programmes can be a cost-effective intervention in LMICs, particularly for tuberculosis, but also - although evidence is weaker - in other areas such as reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) and malaria. CONCLUSION Notwithstanding important caveats about the heterogeneity of the studies and their methodological limitations, findings reinforce the hypothesis that CHWs may represent, in some settings, a cost-effective approach for the delivery of essential health services. The less conclusive evidence about the cost-effectiveness of CHWs in other areas may reflect that these areas have been evaluated less (and less rigorously) than others, rather than an actual difference in cost-effectiveness in the various service delivery areas or interventions. Methodologically, areas for further development include how to properly assess costs from a societal perspective rather than just through the lens of the cost to government and accounting for non-tangible costs and non-health benefits commonly associated with CHWs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Vaughan
- Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), P.O. Box 95001, 1090 HA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Maryse C Kok
- Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), P.O. Box 95001, 1090 HA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Marjolein Dieleman
- Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), P.O. Box 95001, 1090 HA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
PROBLEM Village health workers (VHWs) promote health and provide basic health care in areas of the world where basic health knowledge and health professionals are scarce. The 1960s-1980s saw a dramatic increase in the training of VHWs in resource-limited environments. Politics changed, disillusionment set in, and enthusiasm waned. Recently, increased pressures on health resources have led to the resurgence of VHWs. Until the shortage of health professionals is alleviated, the need for VHWs to extend the reach of scientifically verified health care into remote and conflict areas will remain acute. This need provides a compelling reason to pursue research concerning VHWs. Village health workers are usually trained by professional nurses and refer patients to them, so nursing is positioned to lead this important research. METHODS The author developed the concept of the VHW using Meleis's Integrated Approach. Meleis's approach was chosen because it is appropriate for undeveloped concepts, emphasizes exploration and discovery, and can begin with clinical practice, taking advantage of the author's experience with VHWs. RESULTS The resultant concept definition, with antecedents and consequences, provides a foundation other nurse researchers can build upon. Existing research concerning VHWs was reviewed and gaps suitable for future nursing research were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda L L Benskin
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gavaza P, Rascati KL, Oladapo AO, Khoza S. The state of health economic research in South Africa: a systematic review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2012; 30:925-40. [PMID: 22809450 DOI: 10.2165/11589450-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Economic factors are a limiting factor toward the implementation of many health programmes and interventions. Economic evaluation has a great potential to contribute toward cost-effective healthcare delivery in South Africa. Little is known about the characteristics and quality of health economic (including pharmacoeconomic) research in South Africa. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS This study assessed the state of health economic (including pharmacoeconomic) research in South Africa. PUBMED, MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, EconLit and PsycINFO databases were searched to identify health economic articles pertaining to South Africa published between 1 January 1977 and 30 April 2010. The searches used the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and text words alone and in combination: 'costs', 'health' and 'South Africa'. Our study included only original economic studies/analyses that pertained to South Africa, addressed a health-related topic, and had a statement or word in the title, abstract or keywords that indicated that an economic (including cost) analysis had been conducted. The study only included complete peer-reviewed publications (e.g. abstracts were excluded) that were reported in the English language. Two reviewers independently scored each article in the final sample using the data collection form designed for the study. RESULTS In total, 108 studies investigating a wide variety of diseases were included in the study. These articles were published in 39 different journals mostly based outside of South Africa between 1977 and 2010. On average, each article was written by three authors. Most first authors had medical/clinical training and resided in South Africa at the time of publication of their study. Based on a 1-10 scale, with 10 indicating the highest quality, the mean quality score for all studies was 7.59 (SD 1.42) and half of the articles were of good quality (score 8-10) The quality of studies was related to the country in which the journal publishing the article was based (outside South Africa = higher); current residence of the primary author (outside South Africa = higher); method of economic analysis (economic evaluations higher than cost studies); type of data used (secondary higher than primary); primary training of the first author (health economics/pharmacoeconomics = higher); type of medical function (diagnosis = higher); study perspective (societal = higher); primary health intervention (pharmaceuticals = higher); study design (modelling = higher); number of authors (more = higher); and year of publication (more recent = higher) [p ≤ 0.05]. CONCLUSION Half of the articles were of poor or fair quality. Measures are needed to promote the commissioning of more and better quality health economic and pharmacoeconomic studies in South Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gavaza
- Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Oakwood, VA 24631, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Joseph JK, Rigodon J, Cancedda C, Haidar M, Lesia N, Ramanagoela L, Furin J. Lay health workers and HIV care in rural Lesotho: a report from the field. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2012; 26:141-7. [PMID: 22304374 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2011.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lay health workers (LHWs) are individuals who participate in a variety of health services, even though they have no formal professional training. They have been used in a variety of settings, especially where health care needs outstrip available human resources. Lesotho faces a severe human resource shortage as it attempts to manage its HIV pandemic, with more than 25% of the population infected with HIV. This article reports on a program that provided HIV services in seven rural clinics in Lesotho. LHWs played an important role in the provision of HIV services that ranged from translation, adherence counseling, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV and patient triage, to medication distribution and laboratory specimen processing. Training the LHWs was part of the clinic physicians' responsibilities and thus required no additional funding beyond regular clinic operations. This lent sustainability to the training of the LHWs. This paper describes the recruitment, training, activities, and perceptions of the LHW work between June 2006 and December 2008. LHWs participated successfully in the care of thousands of people with HIV in Lesotho and their experience can serve as a model for other countries facing the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Keith Joseph
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khoza-Shangase K. Highly active antiretroviral therapy: Does it Sound toxic? J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2011; 3:142-53. [PMID: 21430965 PMCID: PMC3053512 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.76494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/31/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The main objective of the current study is to monitor the auditory status in a group of adults with AIDS, receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) (3TC -lamivudine, D4T – stavudine, and efavirenz) in a hospital outpatient clinic in Gauteng. A total sample of 54 adults (between the ages of 18 and 50 years) in the experimental group and 16 in the control group were assessed prospectively following a repeated measures design. All participants were assessed at baseline at three months, and at six months into the treatment. Materials and Methods The participants underwent case history interviews and medical record reviews, otoscopy, and tympanometry, as well as conventional pure tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission testing. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results On audiological monitoring, statistically significant changes (P<0.05) were established, only in the experimental group, for pure tone audiometry — with clinically significant changes found at high frequencies. Statistically significant changes with clinically significant changes were obtained for distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in the experimental group, particularly at high frequencies — implying subclinical hearing function changes; while lack of statistically significant changes with no clinically significant changes were found in the control group. The subclinical hearing changes in the experimental group were also evident in the findings of the subclinical hearing loss group, who, although they had normal pure tone function after six months of follow up, presented with clinical changes on DPOAEs at 6 and 8 kHz. Conclusions Findings highlight the need for closer monitoring of the effects of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on hearing, through the use of more sensitive tools of assessment when conducting drug trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katijah Khoza-Shangase
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dick J, Clarke M, van Zyl H, Daniels K. Primary health care nurses implement and evaluate a community outreach approach to health care in the South African agricultural sector. Int Nurs Rev 2007; 54:383-90. [PMID: 17958668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1466-7657.2007.00566.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection and effective case management of tuberculosis (TB) among a high-risk group of materially poor farm workers in an area of the Cape Winelands, South Africa, presents special challenges to the health community, where resource constraints lead to service reduction. In order to address this problem, local nurses established a collaborative partnership between permanent farm workers and their families, their employers, selected non-governmental organizations and the public health sector. In consultation with stakeholders, they developed an intervention primarily focusing on having peer selected trained lay health workers (LHWs) on farms, mentored and managed by nurses. PURPOSE To describe the complex process of implementation and evaluation of the LHW project, and provide a summary of a number of discrete studies evaluating the effectiveness, cost implications, and the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders of the intervention. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative research methods conducted within the context of a pragmatic unblinded community cluster randomized control trial were used. Emphasis was placed on an iterative participatory interaction between the researchers and key stakeholders. RESULTS The intervention contributed to significantly better successful treatment completion rates among adult new smear-positive TB cases. The process implemented proved cost-effective and was pivotal in initiating a community-based social development programme. CONCLUSIONS The use of peer-selected LHWs within a wider programme of integrated care designed to merge technical biomedical approaches to disease management with more holistic social development activities, appears essential to meet the complex health needs in conjunction with public health of the rural poor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Dick
- Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Tygerberg, South Africa.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|