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Zary M, Mohamed MS, Kafie C, Chilala CI, Bahukudumbi S, Foster N, Gore G, Fielding KL, Subbaraman R, Schwartzman K. The performance of digital technologies for measuring tuberculosis medication adherence: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e015633. [PMID: 39013639 PMCID: PMC11288144 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015633] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital adherence technologies (DATs), such as phone-based technologies and digital pillboxes, can provide more person-centric approaches to support tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, there are varying estimates of their performance for measuring medication adherence. METHODS We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO-CRD42022313526), which identified relevant published literature and preprints from January 2000 to April 2023 in five databases. Studies reporting quantitative data on the performance of DATs for measuring TB medication adherence against a reference standard, with at least 20 participants, were included. Study characteristics and performance outcomes (eg, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) were extracted. Sensitivity was the proportion correctly classified as adherent by the DAT, among persons deemed adherent by a reference standard. Specificity was the proportion correctly classified as non-adherent by the DAT, among those deemed non-adherent by a reference standard. RESULTS Of 5692 studies identified by our systematic search, 13 met inclusion criteria. These studies investigated medication sleeves with phone calls (branded as '99DOTS'; N=4), digital pillboxes N=5), ingestible sensors (N=2), artificial intelligence-based video-observed therapy (N=1) and multifunctional mobile applications (N=1). All but one involved persons with TB disease. For medication sleeves with phone calls, compared with urine testing, reported sensitivity and specificity were 70%-94% and 0%-61%, respectively. For digital pillboxes, compared with pill counts, reported sensitivity and specificity were 25%-99% and 69%-100%, respectively. For ingestible sensors, the sensitivity of dose detection was ≥95% compared with direct observation. Participant selection was the most frequent potential source of bias. CONCLUSION The limited number of studies available suggests suboptimal and variable performance of DATs for dose monitoring, with significant evidence gaps, notably in real-world programmatic settings. Future research should aim to improve understanding of the relationships of specific technologies, settings and user engagement with DAT performance and should measure and report performance in a more standardised manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Zary
- McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mona Salaheldin Mohamed
- McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cedric Kafie
- McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Shruti Bahukudumbi
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicola Foster
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Genevieve Gore
- McGill Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Ramnath Subbaraman
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Schwartzman
- McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Wei X, Hicks JP, Zhang Z, Haldane V, Pasang P, Li L, Yin T, Zhang B, Li Y, Pan Q, Liu X, Walley J, Hu J. Effectiveness of a comprehensive package based on electronic medication monitors at improving treatment outcomes among tuberculosis patients in Tibet: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2024; 403:913-923. [PMID: 38309280 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02270-5] [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] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO recommends that electronic medication monitors, a form of digital adherence technology, be used as a complement to directly observed treatment (DOT) for tuberculosis, as DOT is inconvenient and costly. However, existing evidence about the effectiveness of these monitors is inconclusive. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive package based on electronic medication monitors among patients with tuberculosis in Tibet Autonomous Region (hereafter Tibet), China. METHODS This multicentre, randomised controlled trial recruited patients from six counties in Shigatse, Tibet. Eligible participants had drug-susceptible tuberculosis and were aged 15 years or older when starting standard tuberculosis treatment. Tuberculosis doctors recruited patients from the public tuberculosis dispensary in each county and the study statistician randomly assigned them to the intervention or control group based on the predetermined randomised allocation sequence. Intervention patients received an electronic medication monitor box. The box included audio medication-adherence reminders and recorded box-opening data, which were transmitted to a cloud-based server and were accessible to health-care providers to allow remote adherence monitoring. A linked smartphone app enabled text, audio, and video communication between patients and health-care providers. Patients were also provided with a free data plan. Patients selected a treatment supporter (often a family member) who was trained to support patients with using the electronic medication monitor and app. Patients in the control group received usual care plus a deactivated electronic medication monitor, which only recorded and transmitted box-opening data that was not made available to health-care providers. The control group also had no access to the app or trained treatment supporters. The primary outcome was a binary indicator of poor monthly adherence, defined as missing 20% or more of planned doses in the treatment month, measured using electronic medication monitor opening data, and verified by counting used medication blister packages during consultations. We recorded other secondary treatment outcomes based on national tuberculosis reporting data. We analysed the primary outcome based on the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered at ISRCTN, 52132803. FINDINGS Between Nov 17, 2018, and April 5, 2021, 278 patients were enrolled into the study. 143 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 135 patients to the control group. Follow-up ended when the final patient completed treatment on Oct 4, 2021. In the intervention group, 87 (10%) of the 854 treatment months showed poor adherence compared with 290 (37%) of the 795 months in the control group. The corresponding adjusted risk difference for the intervention versus control was -29·2 percentage points (95% CI -35·3 to -22·2; p<0·0001). Five of the six secondary treatment outcomes also showed clear improvements, including treatment success, which was found for 133 (94%) of the 142 individuals in the intervention arm and 98 (73%) of the 134 individuals in the control arm, with an adjusted risk difference of 21 percentage points (95% CI 12·4-29·4); p<0·0001. INTERPRETATION The interventions were effective at improving tuberculosis treatment adherence and outcomes, and the trial suggests that a comprehensive package involving electronic medication monitors might positively affect tuberculosis programmes in high-burden and low-resource settings. FUNDING TB REACH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Wei
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Joseph Paul Hicks
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Zhitong Zhang
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria Haldane
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pande Pasang
- Shigatse Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shigatse, China
| | - Linhua Li
- Shigatse Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shigatse, China
| | | | - Bei Zhang
- Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China
| | - Yinlong Li
- Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qiuyu Pan
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Liu
- National Center for tuberculosis control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - John Walley
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jun Hu
- Shigatse Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shigatse, China; Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Musiimenta A, Tumuhimbise W, Atukunda EC, Mugaba AT, Musinguzi N, Muzoora C, Bangsberg D, Davis JL, Haberer JE. The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of real-time monitors and SMS on tuberculosis medication adherence in southwestern Uganda: Findings from a mixed methods pilot randomized controlled trial. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001813. [PMID: 38051699 PMCID: PMC10697590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial among patients initiating treatment for drug-sensitive tuberculosis (TB). Participants received real-time electronic adherence monitors and were randomized (1:1:1) to: (i) daily SMS (reminders to TB patients and notifications to social supporters sent daily for 3 months, then triggered by late or missed dosing for 3 months); (ii) weekly SMS (reminders to TB patients and notifications to social supporters sent weekly for 3 months, then triggered by late or missed dosing for 3 months); or (iii) control (no SMS). Feasibility was mainly verified by the technical function of the intervention at Month 6. The primary outcome was percent adherence as ascertained by the real time monitor. Quantitative feasibility/acceptability data were summarized descriptively. Percentage adherence and adherence patterns were assessed and compared by linear regression models. Qualitative acceptability data was collected through interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Among 63 participants, the median age was 35 years, 75% had no regular income, and 84% were living with HIV. Feasibility was demonstrated as most of the daily [1913/2395 (80%)] and weekly [631/872 (72%)] SMS reminders to TB patients were sent successfully. Also, most of the daily [1577/2395 (66%)] and weekly [740/872 (85%)] SMS notifications to social supporters and adherence data (96%) were sent successfully. Challenges included TB status disclosure, and financial constraints. All patients perceived the intervention to be useful in reminding and motivating them to take medication. Median adherence (IQR) in the daily SMS, weekly SMS, and control arms was 96.1% (84.8, 98.0), 92.5% (80.6, 96.3), and 92.2% (56.3, 97.8), respectively; however, differences between the intervention and control arms were not statistically significant. Real-time monitoring linked to SMS was feasible and acceptable and may have improved TB medication adherence. Larger studies are needed to further assess impact on adherence and clinical outcomes. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT03800888. https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT03800888.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angella Musiimenta
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Aaron T. Mugaba
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Conrad Muzoora
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - J. Lucian Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Joshi V, Joshi NK, Bhardwaj P, Singh K, Ojha D, Jain YK. The Health Impact of mHealth Interventions in India: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Online J Public Health Inform 2023; 15:e50927. [PMID: 38046564 PMCID: PMC10689051 DOI: 10.2196/50927] [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: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Considerable use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions has been seen, and these interventions have beneficial effects on health and health service delivery processes, especially in resource-limited settings. Various functionalities of mobile phones offer a range of opportunities for mHealth interventions. Objective This review aims to assess the health impact of mHealth interventions in India. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies conducted in India, and published between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2021, were considered. A literature search was conducted using a combination of MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms in different databases to identify peer-reviewed publications. Thirteen out of 1350 articles were included for the final review. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool for RCTs and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions tool (for nonrandomized trials), and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan for 3 comparable studies on maternal, neonatal, and child health. Results The meta-analysis showed improved usage of maternal and child health services including iron-folic acid supplementation (odds ratio [OR] 14.30, 95% CI 6.65-30.75), administration of both doses of the tetanus toxoid (OR 2.47, 95% CI 0.22-27.37), and attending 4 or more antenatal check-ups (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.65-5.09). Meta-analysis for studies concerning economic evaluation and chronic diseases could not be performed due to heterogeneity. However, a positive economic impact was observed from a societal perspective (ReMiND [reducing maternal and newborn deaths] and ImTeCHO [Innovative Mobile Technology for Community Health Operation] interventions), and chronic disease interventions showed a positive impact on clinical outcomes, patient and provider satisfaction, app usage, and improvement in health behaviors. Conclusions This review provides a comprehensive overview of mHealth technology in all health sectors in India, analyzing both health and health care usage indicators for interventions focused on maternal and child health and chronic diseases. Trial Registration PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021235315; https://tinyurl.com/yh4tp2j7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Joshi
- Resource Centre Health Technology Assessment All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
| | - Nitin Kumar Joshi
- School of Public Health All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
| | - Pankaj Bhardwaj
- School of Public Health All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Resource Centre Health Technology Assessment All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
| | - Deepika Ojha
- Resource Centre Health Technology Assessment All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
| | - Yogesh Kumar Jain
- School of Public Health All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur Jodhpur India
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Greene B, Bernardo L, Thompson M, Loughead J, Ashare R. Behavioral Economic Strategies to Improve Enrollment Rates in Clinical Research: Embedded Recruitment Pilot Trial. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e47121. [PMID: 37477975 PMCID: PMC10403799 DOI: 10.2196/47121] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 1 in 3 clinical trials end prematurely due to underenrollment. Strategies to enhance recruitment are often implemented without scientific rigor to evaluate efficacy. Evidence-based, cost-effective behavioral economic strategies designed to influence decision-making may be useful to promote clinical trial enrollment. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated 2 behavioral economic strategies to improve enrollment and retention rates across 4 clinical trials: information provision (IP) and contingency management (CM; ie, lottery). IP targets descriptive and injunctive norms about participating in research and CM provides participants incentives to reinforce a target behavior. METHODS A sample of 212 participants was enrolled across 4 clinical trials focused on tobacco use: 2 focused on HIV and 2 focused on neuroimaging. The CM condition included a lottery: for each study visit completed, participants received 5 "draws" from a bowl containing 500 "chips" valued at US $0, US $1, US $5, or US $100. In the IP condition, text messages that targeted injunctive norms about research (eg, "Many find it a rewarding way to advance science and be part of a community") were sent through the Way to Health platform before all study visits. Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 conditions: IP, CM, IP+CM, or standard recruitment (SR). We performed logistic regression, controlling for sex and study, with condition as a between-subject predictor. Outcomes were the percentage of participants who attended a final eligibility visit (primary), met intent-to-treat (ITT) criteria (secondary), and completed the study (secondary). Recruitment was evaluated by the percentage of participants who attended a final eligibility visit, enrollment by ITT status, and retention by the percentage of participants who completed the study. RESULTS Rates of attending the eligibility visit and meeting ITT status were 58.9% (33/56) and 33.9% (19/56) for IP+CM; 45.5% (25/55) and 18.2% (10/55) for IP only; 41.5% (22/53) and 18.9% (10/53) for CM only; and 37.5% (18/48) and 12.5% (6/48) for SR, respectively. In the logistic regression, females were more likely to meet ITT status than males (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-5.7; P=.01). The IP+CM group was twice as likely to attend the final eligibility visit than the SR group (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.2; P=.04). The IP+CM group was also significantly more likely to reach ITT status than the SR condition (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.3-11.1; P=.01). Those who received any active intervention (IP, CM, or IP+CM) had a higher study completion rate (33/53, 63.5%) compared to those who received SR (5/12, 41.7%), but this difference was not significant (P=.26). CONCLUSIONS Combining IP and CM strategies may motivate participants to participate in research and improve recruitment and retention rates. Evidence from this study provides preliminary support for the utility of behavioral economics strategies to improve enrollment and reduce attrition in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Greene
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Leah Bernardo
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Morgan Thompson
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James Loughead
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Ashare
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Jiménez-Chala EA, Durantez-Fernández C, Martín-Conty JL, Mohedano-Moriano A, Martín-Rodríguez F, Polonio-López B. Use of Mobile Applications to Increase Therapeutic Adherence in Adults: A Systematic Review. J Med Syst 2022; 46:87. [PMID: 36272023 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-022-01876-2] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Failure to comply with therapeutic treatments implies negative repercussions for the patient's quality of life, their social environment, and health system. The use of information and communication technologies, especially mobile applications, has favored the increase in global therapeutic adherence figures. The objective of this study is to characterize the use of mobile applications as a strategy to increase therapeutic adherence in adults. A systematic literature review in Web of Science and Scopus was performed following the Preferred Information elements for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis. Information such as: the year of publication, the study population, the medical conditions of the participants, the main characteristics or functionalities of the mobile applications, and the methods or tools used to measure treatment adherence were extracted from each included article. The risk of bias was assessed. Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English from 1996 to May 2021, were included. Chronic diseases have been mostly addressed through interventions with mobile applications. The most reported functions of mobile applications were reminders, educational modules, two-way communication, and games. Tools such as: "Morisky Medication Adherence Scale of eight items"; "Medication adherence questionnaire"; "Self-reported adherence"; among others, were used to evaluate and report the treatment adherence. In conclusion, including treatment interventions using mobile applications in clinical practice has proven to be beneficial to improve therapeutic adherence. However, it is necessary to develop high-quality clinical trials (size and duration) to generalize results and justify their use in conventional health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Alejandra Jiménez-Chala
- Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Research Group Health Care of the Collectives, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Durantez-Fernández
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Talavera de La Reina, Spain
- Technological Innovation Group (ITAS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, Talavera Applied to Health Research de La Reina, Talavera de La Reina, Spain
| | - José Luis Martín-Conty
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Talavera de La Reina, Spain.
- Technological Innovation Group (ITAS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, Talavera Applied to Health Research de La Reina, Talavera de La Reina, Spain.
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Av. Real Fábrica de Sedas, S/N, 45600, Talavera de La Reina, Toledo, Spain.
| | - Alicia Mohedano-Moriano
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Talavera de La Reina, Spain
- Technological Innovation Group (ITAS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, Talavera Applied to Health Research de La Reina, Talavera de La Reina, Spain
| | - Francisco Martín-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Prehospital Early Warning Scoring-System Investigation Group, Valladolid, Spain
- Advanced Life Support, Emergency Medical Services (SACYL), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Begoña Polonio-López
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Talavera de La Reina, Spain
- Technological Innovation Group (ITAS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, Talavera Applied to Health Research de La Reina, Talavera de La Reina, Spain
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Jose NK, Vaz C, Chai PR, Rodrigues R. Acceptability of adherence support via mobile phones for anti-tuberculosis treatment in south India: An exploratory study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37124. [PMID: 35560021 PMCID: PMC9143769 DOI: 10.2196/37124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background India has the greatest burden of tuberculosis (TB). However, over 15% of the people on antitubercular therapy (ATT) in India are nonadherent. Several adherence monitoring techniques deployed in India to enhance ATT adherence have had modest effects. Increased adoption of mobile phones and other technologies pose potential solutions to measuring and intervening in ATT adherence. Several technology-based interventions around ATT adherence have been demonstrated in other countries. Objective The objective of our study was to understand the acceptance of mobile phone adherence supports for ATT using self-administered quantitative measures among patients with TB in South India. Methods This exploratory study was conducted at a TB treatment center (TTC) at a tertiary care center in Thrissur District, Kerala, India. We recruited 100 patients with TB on ATT using convenience sampling after obtaining written informed consent. Trained study staff administered the questionnaire in Malayalam, commonly spoken in Kerala, India. We used frequency, mean, median, and SD or IQR to describe the data. Results Of the 100 participants diagnosed with TB on ATT, 90% used mobile phones routinely, and 84% owned a mobile phone. Ninety-five percent of participants knew how to use the calling function, while 65% of them did not know how to use the SMS function on their mobile phone. Overall, 89% of the participants did not consider mobile phone–based ATT adherence interventions an intrusion in their privacy, and 93% did not fear stigma if the adherence reminder was received by someone else. Most (95%) of the study participants preferred mobile phone reminders instead of directly observed treatment, short-course. Voice calls (n=80, 80%) were the more preferred reminder modality than SMS reminders (n=5, 5%). Conclusions Mobile phones are likely an acceptable platform to deliver ATT adherence interventions among individuals with TB in South India. Preference of voice call reminders may inform the architecture of future adherence interventions surrounding ATT in South India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha K Jose
- Non Communicable Diseases Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Clint Vaz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter R Chai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
- The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rashmi Rodrigues
- Department of Community Health, St John's Medical College, Bangalore, India
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Wal A, Khandai M, Vig H, Srivastava P, Agarwal A, Wadhwani S, Wal P. Evidence-Based Treatment, assisted by Mobile Technology to Deliver, and Evidence-Based Drugs in South Asian Countries. ARCHIVES OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.51847/d5zeajvk6x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Mureyi D, Gwatidzo SD, Matyanga CMJ. Consumers’ access to information about medicine prices and availability as an enabler of last mile medicine access: A scoping review. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ACCESS 2022; 6:27550834221098598. [PMID: 36204520 PMCID: PMC9413504 DOI: 10.1177/27550834221098598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Information about where medicines are in stock and how much they cost facilitates
consumers’ timely access to affordable medicines by enabling price comparisons
and the identification of stockists. Our aims were to: (1) Review how consumer
access to price and availability information is engaged within the Medicine
Access discourse and (2) identify factors associated with the existence of
interventions that provide consumers with medicine availability and price
information. We conducted two scoping reviews. We reviewed 26 medicine access
and pharmaceutical system strengthening frameworks to assess how they
conceptualise information access. We then reviewed four interventions that
provide consumers with availability and price information to identify the
factors associated with these interventions’ existence. We found that in the
medical access discourse, information is mainly cast as helpful to entities that
ensure medicine access for populations. Information as an enabler of medicine
procurement for consumers/households is less emphasised. We then identified the
following eight factors that facilitate consumer access to reliable medicine
price and availability information: the recognition of a medicine access problem
that can be mitigated by consumer access to information; cross-sectoral
collaboration; the willingness of medicine sellers to disclose their inventory
information; having information quality control measures; appropriate incentives
for intervention adoption; enabling legal environments; systems of pooling
information; and access to digital information technology infrastructure. We
recommend that more theoretical and implementation attention ought to be
directed at how medicine price and medicine availability information can empower
individual consumers to make sound purchasing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dudzai Mureyi
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Celia MJ Matyanga
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Sahile Z, Perimal-Lewis L, Arbon P, Maeder AJ. Protocol of a parallel group Randomized Control Trial (RCT) for Mobile-assisted Medication Adherence Support (Ma-MAS) intervention among Tuberculosis patients. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261758. [PMID: 34972128 PMCID: PMC8719740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) medication is a serious threat to TB prevention and control programs, especially in resource-limited settings. The growth of the popularity of mobile phones provides opportunities to address non-adherence, by facilitating direct communication more frequently between healthcare providers and patients through SMS texts and voice phone calls. However, the existing evidence is inconsistent about the effect of SMS interventions on TB treatment adherence. Such interventions are also seldom developed based on appropriate theoretical foundations. Therefore, there is a reason to approach this problem more rigorously, by developing the intervention systematically with evidence-based theory and conducting the trial with strong measurement methods. METHODS This study is a single-blind parallel-group design individual randomized control trial. A total of 186 participants (93 per group) will be individually randomized into one of the two groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio by a computer-generated algorithm. Group one (intervention) participants will receive daily SMS texts and weekly phone calls concerning their daily medication intake and medication refill clinic visit reminder and group two (control) participants will receive the same routine standard treatment care as the intervention group, but no SMS text and phone calls. All participants will be followed for two months of home-based self-administered medication during the continuation phases of the standard treatment period. Urine test for the presence of isoniazid (INH) drug metabolites in urine will be undertaken at the random point at the fourth and eighth weeks of intervention to measure medication adherence. Medication adherence will also be assessed by self-report measurements using the AIDS Clinical Trial Group adherence (ACTG) and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) questionnaires, and clinic appointment attendance registration. Multivariable regression model analysis will be employed to assess the effect of the Ma-MAS intervention at a significance level of P-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. DISCUSSION For this trial, a mobile-assisted medication adherence intervention will first be developed systematically based on the Medical Research Council framework using appropriate behavioural theory and evidence. The trial will then evaluate the effect of SMS texts and phone calls on TB medication adherence. Evidence generated from this trial will be highly valuable for policymakers, program managers, and healthcare providers working in Ethiopia and beyond. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered in the Pan-Africa Clinical Trials Registry with trial number PACTR202002831201865.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekariyas Sahile
- Department of Public Health, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
- Flinders Digital Health Research Centre College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lua Perimal-Lewis
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders Digital Health Research Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Paul Arbon
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Anthony John Maeder
- Flinders Digital Health Research Centre College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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11
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Akamike IC, Okedo-Alex IN, Alo C, Agu AP, Uneke CJ, Ogbonnaya LU. Effect of mobile-phone messaging on patient and health-worker knowledge and adherence to the isoniazid preventive therapy guideline in HIV clinics in Southeast, Nigeria. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1080. [PMID: 34666686 PMCID: PMC8527690 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06759-4] [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: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-infected persons are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis and Isoniazid preventive therapy has been shown to reduce the occurrence of tuberculosis among this group of persons. M-health technology has been reported to increase both knowledge and implementation of various health services including Isoniazid preventive therapy implementation. This study aimed to determine the effect of m-health on health worker knowledge and adherence to isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) guidelines and on patient knowledge and adherence to isoniazid treatment. METHODS This was a quasi-experimental study that was carried out in six health facilities in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. Three health facilities were assigned to each arm (intervention and control arms) and all eligible health workers (total population of 45 and 41 in intervention and control arms respectively) were recruited. Data were also collected from 200 patients (100 per arm). The intervention consisted of mobile phone messages and reminders for health workers on the IPT guideline. Chi-square test was carried out at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS At baseline, 54.5% and 63.4% of health workers in intervention and control arms respectively had good knowledge which improved significantly to 90.2% in the intervention arm after the intervention (χ2 = 14.22, p < 0.0001). At baseline, 61.4% and 90.2% of health workers had good adherence to the guideline in intervention and control arms respectively which also improved in the intervention arm by 28.8% after intervention although not significant(χ2 = 0.37, p = 0.54). More than 50% of the patients in both study arms had poor knowledge, with the intervention arm having a significantly higher proportion of respondents (68.0%) with poor knowledge at baseline (χ2 = 4.71, p = 0.03). The proportion of patients with good knowledge however increased significantly (88.8%) in the intervention arm after intervention (χ2 = 25.65, p < 0.001). Patients had good adherence to IPT in intervention and control arms before (100% and 84.2% respectively) and after (96.6% and 100% respectively) the study. There was no significant difference in adherence among patients in both arms. CONCLUSIONS Health worker knowledge and practice of guidelines as well as patient knowledge improved in the intervention arm in this study. These findings suggest the consideration for the inclusion of mobile phone reminders in the guideline for tuberculosis prevention among HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeyinwa Chizoba Akamike
- Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria. .,African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
| | - Ijeoma Nkem Okedo-Alex
- Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria.,African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chihurumnanya Alo
- Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Adaoha Pearl Agu
- Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria.,African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chigozie Jesse Uneke
- African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Lawrence Ulu Ogbonnaya
- Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria.,African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
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12
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Bermon A, Uribe AF, Pérez-Rivero PF, Prieto-Merino D, Saaibi JF, Silva FA, Canon DI, Castillo-Gonzalez KM, Cáceres-Rivera DI, Guio E, Meneses-Castillo KJ, Castillo-Meza A, Atkins L, Horne R, Murray E, Serrano NC, Free C, Casas JP, Perel P. Efficacy and Safety of Text Messages Targeting Adherence to Cardiovascular Medications in Secondary Prevention: TXT2HEART Colombia Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e25548. [PMID: 34319247 PMCID: PMC8367158 DOI: 10.2196/25548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a prevalence of approximately 100 million patients. There is evidence that antiplatelet agents and antihypertensive medications could reduce the risk of new vascular events in this population; however, treatment adherence is very low. An SMS text messaging intervention was recently developed based on behavior change techniques to increase adherence to pharmacological treatment among patients with a history of ASCVD. Objective This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an SMS text messaging intervention to improve adherence to cardiovascular medications in patients with ASCVD. Methods A randomized controlled clinical trial for patients with a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease, in one center in Colombia was conducted. Patients randomized to the intervention arm were assigned to receive SMS text messages daily for the first 4 weeks, 5 SMS text messages on week 5, 3 SMS text messages each in weeks 6 and 7, and 1 SMS text message weekly from week 8 until week 52. In contrast, patients in the control arm received a monthly SMS text message reminding them of the next study appointment and the importance of the study, requesting information about changes in their phone number, and thanking them for participating in the study. The primary endpoint was the change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, whereas the secondary endpoints were the changes in thromboxane B2 levels, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, medication adherence, cardiac and noncardiac mortality, and hospitalization. Linear regression analyses and bivariate tests were performed. Results Of the 930 randomized patients, 805 (86.5%) completed follow-up and were analyzed for the primary endpoint. There was no evidence that the intervention changed the primary outcome (LDL-C levels; P=.41) or any of the secondary outcomes evaluated (all P>.05). There was also no evidence that the intervention was associated with adverse events. Conclusions In this study, there was no evidence that a behavior modification intervention delivered by SMS text messaging improved LDL-C levels, blood pressure levels, or adherence at 12 months. More research is needed to evaluate whether different SMS text messaging strategies, including personalized messages and different timings, are effective; future studies should include mixed methods to better understand why, for whom, and in which context (eg, health system or social environment) SMS text messaging interventions work (or not) to improve adherence in patients with ASCVD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03098186; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03098186 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028017
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Bermon
- Research Center, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia.,Epidemiology an Biostatistics, Escuela de Graduados, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana Fernanda Uribe
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana - Seccional Bucaramanga, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | | | - David Prieto-Merino
- Epidemiology and Population Health Faculty, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Applied Statistical Methods in Medical Research Group, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose Federico Saaibi
- Departament of Cardiovascular Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Federico Arturo Silva
- Neurovascular Science Group, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Diana Ivonne Canon
- Departament of Cardiology, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Guio
- Metabolism and Genoma Laboratory, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | | | | | - Louise Atkins
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Horne
- University College London School of Pharmacy, London, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Murray
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Norma Cecilia Serrano
- Direction of Research, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Caroline Free
- Epidemiology and Population Health Faculty, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Pablo Casas
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pablo Perel
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Shetty KD, Chen AY, Rose AJ, Liu HH. Effect of the ExactCare medication care management model on adherence, health care utilization, and costs. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2021; 27:574-585. [PMID: 33560167 PMCID: PMC10394188 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.20431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are common in the United States and are associated with greater risk of disease-related complications and higher health care costs. ExactCare has implemented a high-touch approach that includes home visits, comprehensive ongoing medication reviews, patient education, medication reconciliation, medication compliance packaging, and electronic reminders and trackers. OBJECTIVE: To test whether the ExactCare program improves medication adherence and reduces health care utilization and costs. METHODS: Using a national database from a large U.S. insurer, we identified Medicare Advantage plan members in 8 states from 2007 to 2018 who had both medical and prescription drug coverage. The index year for an ExactCare patient was identified using the date of the first prescription filled by ExactCare, with the previous year being the baseline. All patients without a prescription from an ExactCare pharmacy were considered potential comparison patients. To propensity match ExactCare and comparison patients, the probability of ExactCare participation was modeled using a logistic regression based on demographics, state, year, urban status, Medicaid eligibility, low-income subsidies, comorbidities, and baseline utilization and costs. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to generate a difference-in-differences estimate of program effect for the matched pairs as well as patient-level fixed effects, while adjusting for additional time-varying characteristics. Adherence outcomes included the proportion of days covered for oral diabetic medications, antihypertensives, and hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins). Utilization outcomes included emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) admissions, hospitalization days, and SNF days. Cost outcomes included total cost of care, prescription drug cost, hospital inpatient cost, and SNF cost. RESULTS: ExactCare patients (N = 701) were propensity-matched to comparison patients (N = 1,395) using the nearest 1:2 match approach, with an average follow-up period of 6.6 and 5.4 years for ExactCare and comparison patients, respectively. One year of ExactCare participation was associated with statistically significant increases in adherence to statins (8.4 percentage points; P < 0.001) and antihypertensive drugs (4.9 percentage points; P < 0.001), but the increase in adherence for diabetes drugs was not statistically significant. ExactCare participation was associated with statistically significant decreases in SNF admission rates (-67 SNF stays per 1,000 member-years; P = 0.011), inpatient days (-857 days per 1,000 member-years; P = 0.022), and SNF days (-1,801 days per 1,000 member-years; P = 0.002), but not with the rates of ED visits or hospital admissions. Each year of ExactCare participation was associated with increases in prescription drug costs ($30 per-member per month [PMPM]; P = 0.006) and decreases in total costs (-$196 PMPM; P = 0.023) and medical costs (-$226 PMPM; P = 0.008), largely attributable to decreases in hospital inpatient costs (-$119 PMPM; P = 0.001) and SNF costs (-$30 PMPM; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: ExactCare's medication care management model was associated with improved medication adherence and an approximately $2,400 per member per year reduction in total cost of care, representing a 5% reduction in average costs. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by ExactCare Pharmacy under a contract with RAND that grants the study authors sole responsibility for data management, study design, data analysis, manuscript drafting, and the decision to publish. The sponsor had no role in the study design and manuscript drafting. All data analysis was conducted by the study authors. A draft manuscript was reviewed by the sponsor, but the study authors made final decisions regarding the content and study conclusions. Shetty, Chen, and Liu are employed by RAND. Rose has nothing to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam J Rose
- Hebrew University School of Public Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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14
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Louwagie GM, Morojele N, Siddiqi K, Mdege ND, Tumbo J, Omole O, Pitso L, Bachmann MO, Ayo-Yusuf OA. Addressing tobacco smoking and drinking to improve TB treatment outcomes, in South Africa: a feasibility study of the ProLife program. Transl Behav Med 2020; 10:1491-1503. [PMID: 31233146 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol and tobacco use may lead to negative treatment outcomes in tuberculosis (TB) patients, and even more so if they are HIV-infected. We developed and tested the feasibility of a complex behavioral intervention (ProLife) delivered by lay health workers (LHWs) to improve treatment outcomes in TB patients who smoke tobacco and/or drink alcohol, at nine clinics in South Africa. The intervention comprised three brief motivational interviewing (MI) sessions augmented with a short message service (SMS) program, targeting as appropriate: tobacco smoking, harmful or hazardous drinking and medication adherence. Patients received SMSs twice a week. We measured recruitment and retention rates and assessed fidelity to the MI technique (MI Treatment Integrity 4.1 tool). Finally, we explored LHWs' and patients' experiences through interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, respectively. We screened 137 TB patients and identified 14 smokers, 13 alcohol drinkers, and 18 patients with both behaviors. Participants' mean age was 39.8 years, and 82.2% were men. The fidelity assessments pointed to the LHWs' successful application of key MI skills, but failure to reach MI competency thresholds. Nevertheless, most patients rated the MI sessions as helpful, ascribed positive attributes to their counselors, and reported behavioral changes. SMSs were perceived as reinforcing but difficult language and technical delivery problems were identified as problems. The LHWs' interview responses suggested that they (a) grasped the basic MI spirit but failed to understand specific MI techniques due to insufficient training practice; (b) perceived ProLife as having benefitted the patients (as well as themselves); (c) viewed the SMSs favorably; but (d) considered limited space and privacy at the clinics as key challenges. The ProLife program targeting multiple risk behaviors in TB patients is acceptable but LHW training protocol, and changes in wording and delivery of SMS are necessary to improve the intervention. Trial registration: ISRCTN62728852.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goedele M Louwagie
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Research, Postgraduate Studies and Innovation, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Neo Morojele
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Kamran Siddiqi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Noreen D Mdege
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - John Tumbo
- Research, Postgraduate Studies and Innovation, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Olu Omole
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lerato Pitso
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Max O Bachmann
- Department of Public Health and Health Services Research, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Olalekan A Ayo-Yusuf
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Research, Postgraduate Studies and Innovation, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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15
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Ayorinde AA, Williams I, Mannion R, Song F, Skrybant M, Lilford RJ, Chen YF. Publication and related bias in quantitative health services and delivery research: a multimethod study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Bias in the publication and reporting of research findings (referred to as publication and related bias here) poses a major threat in evidence synthesis and evidence-based decision-making. Although this bias has been well documented in clinical research, little is known about its occurrence and magnitude in health services and delivery research.
Objectives
To obtain empirical evidence on publication and related bias in quantitative health services and delivery research; to examine current practice in detecting/mitigating this bias in health services and delivery research systematic reviews; and to explore stakeholders’ perception and experiences concerning such bias.
Methods
The project included five distinct but interrelated work packages. Work package 1 was a systematic review of empirical and methodological studies. Work package 2 involved a survey (meta-epidemiological study) of randomly selected systematic reviews of health services and delivery research topics (n = 200) to evaluate current practice in the assessment of publication and outcome reporting bias during evidence synthesis. Work package 3 included four case studies to explore the applicability of statistical methods for detecting such bias in health services and delivery research. In work package 4 we followed up four cohorts of health services and delivery research studies (total n = 300) to ascertain their publication status, and examined whether publication status was associated with statistical significance or perceived ‘positivity’ of study findings. Work package 5 involved key informant interviews with diverse health services and delivery research stakeholders (n = 24), and a focus group discussion with patient and service user representatives (n = 8).
Results
We identified only four studies that set out to investigate publication and related bias in health services and delivery research in work package 1. Three of these studies focused on health informatics research and one concerned health economics. All four studies reported evidence of the existence of this bias, but had methodological weaknesses. We also identified three health services and delivery research systematic reviews in which findings were compared between published and grey/unpublished literature. These reviews found that the quality and volume of evidence and effect estimates sometimes differed significantly between published and unpublished literature. Work package 2 showed low prevalence of considering/assessing publication (43%) and outcome reporting (17%) bias in health services and delivery research systematic reviews. The prevalence was lower among reviews of associations than among reviews of interventions. The case studies in work package 3 highlighted limitations in current methods for detecting these biases due to heterogeneity and potential confounders. Follow-up of health services and delivery research cohorts in work package 4 showed positive association between publication status and having statistically significant or positive findings. Diverse views concerning publication and related bias and insights into how features of health services and delivery research might influence its occurrence were uncovered through the interviews with health services and delivery research stakeholders and focus group discussion conducted in work package 5.
Conclusions
This study provided prima facie evidence on publication and related bias in quantitative health services and delivery research. This bias does appear to exist, but its prevalence and impact may vary depending on study characteristics, such as study design, and motivation for conducting the evaluation. Emphasis on methodological novelty and focus beyond summative assessments may mitigate/lessen the risk of such bias in health services and delivery research. Methodological and epistemological diversity in health services and delivery research and changing landscape in research publication need to be considered when interpreting the evidence. Collection of further empirical evidence and exploration of optimal health services and delivery research practice are required.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016052333 and CRD42016052366.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 33. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abimbola A Ayorinde
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Iestyn Williams
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Russell Mannion
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fujian Song
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Magdalena Skrybant
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Rabinovich L, Molton JS, Ooi WT, Paton NI, Batra S, Yoong J. Perceptions and Acceptability of Digital Interventions Among Tuberculosis Patients in Cambodia: Qualitative Study of Video-Based Directly Observed Therapy. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e16856. [PMID: 32716309 PMCID: PMC7418013 DOI: 10.2196/16856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the development of effective drugs for treatment, tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death from an infectious disease worldwide. One of the greatest challenges to tuberculosis control is patient adherence to treatment. Recent research has shown that video-based directly observed therapy is a feasible and effective approach to supporting treatment adherence in high-income settings. However, few studies have explored the potential for such a solution in a low- or middle-income country setting. Globally, these countries’ rapidly rising rate of mobile penetration suggests that the potential for translation of these results may be high. Objective We sought to examine patient perceptions related to the use of mobile health, and specifically video-based directly observed therapy, in a previously unstudied patient demographic: patients with tuberculosis in a low-income country setting (Cambodia). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study in urban and periurban areas in Cambodia, consisting of 6 focus groups with tuberculosis patients who were receiving treatment (standard directly observed therapy) through a nongovernmental organization. Results Familiarity with mobile technology and apps was widespread in this population, and overall willingness to consider a mobile app for video-based directly observed therapy was high. However, we identified potential challenges. First, patients very much valued their frequent in-person interactions with their health care provider, which may be reduced with the video-based directly observed therapy intervention. Second, there may be technical issues to address, including how to make the app suitable for illiterate participants. Conclusions While video-based directly observed therapy is a promising technology, even in country settings where mobile penetration is reportedly almost universal, it should be introduced with caution. However, the results were generally promising and yielded important insights that not only will be translated into the further adaptation of key features of video-based directly observed therapy for tuberculosis patients in Cambodia, but also can inform the future design and successful implementation of video-based directly observed therapy interventions in low- and middle-income settings more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila Rabinovich
- Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California, Washington, DC, United States
| | - James Steven Molton
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Tsang Ooi
- Department of Computer Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Iain Paton
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Joanne Yoong
- Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California, Washington, DC, United States
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Gambalunga F, Iacorossi L, Notarnicola I, Serra V, Piredda M, De Marinis MG. Mobile Health in Adherence to Oral Anticancer Drugs: A Scoping Review. Comput Inform Nurs 2020; 39:17-23. [PMID: 32568900 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000000643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In oncology, adherence to oral antineoplastic medication is a key element of treatment, on which the success of any therapeutic intervention depends. Given their widespread use in clinical practice, it is important to identify tools that can facilitate the monitoring and self-management of the patient at home, to avoid the consequences of employing ineffective treatment. One of the tools available today to take action on this phenomenon is mobile health technology. The aim of this review is to describe published studies relating to the use of mobile health to promote adherence to oral antineoplastic medication. This scoping review was conducted using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, adapted according to Levac et al. Of 1320 articles identified, only seven met the eligibility criteria and therefore were included in the review. All seven articles involved the use of digital means to measure adherence to treatment, patient satisfaction, acceptability and feasibility of the digital means used, and presence of symptoms, but not the effectiveness of the digital instrument used. In conclusion, the use of digital means to assist adherence of cancer patients to oral antineoplastic medication is widely recognized, but its effectiveness in clinical practice is poorly supported by the nature of the published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gambalunga
- Author Affiliations: Department of Health Professions (DAPS), University Hospital "Policlinico Umberto I" (Ms Gambalunga); IRCCS "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute (Dr Iacorossi and Ms Serra); Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship OPI Rome Italy (Dr Notarnicola); and Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico of Rome University (Drs Piredda and De Marinis), Rome, Italy
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18
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Choice‐Based Reminder Cues: Findings From an mHealth Study to Improve Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment Adherence Among the Urban Poor in India. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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19
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Manyazewal T, Woldeamanuel Y, Holland DP, Fekadu A, Blumberg HM, Marconi VC. Electronic pillbox-enabled self-administered therapy versus standard directly observed therapy for tuberculosis medication adherence and treatment outcomes in Ethiopia (SELFTB): protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:383. [PMID: 32370774 PMCID: PMC7201596 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the multifaceted challenges associated with tuberculosis (TB) in-person directly observed therapy (DOT), the World Health Organization recently recommended that countries maximize the use of digital adherence technologies. Sub-Saharan Africa needs to investigate the effectiveness of such technologies in local contexts and proactively contribute to global decisions around patient-centered TB care. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pillbox-enabled self-administered therapy (SAT) compared to standard DOT on adherence to TB medication and treatment outcomes in Ethiopia. It also aims to assess the usability, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention from the patient and provider perspectives. METHODS This is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, superiority, effectiveness-implementation hybrid, mixed-methods, two-arm trial. The study is designed to enroll 144 outpatients with new or previously treated, bacteriologically confirmed, drug-sensitive pulmonary TB who are eligible to start the standard 6-month first-line anti-TB regimen. Participants in the intervention arm (n = 72) will receive 15 days of HRZE-isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol-fixed-dose combination therapy in the evriMED500 medication event reminder monitor device for self-administration. When returned, providers will count any remaining tablets in the device, download the pill-taking data, and refill based on preset criteria. Participants can consult the provider in cases of illness or adverse events outside of scheduled visits. Providers will handle participants in the control arm (n = 72) according to the standard in-person DOT. Both arms will be followed up throughout the 2-month intensive phase. The primary outcomes will be medication adherence and sputum conversion. Adherence to medication will be calculated as the proportion of patients who missed doses in the intervention (pill count) versus DOT (direct observation) arms, confirmed further by IsoScreen urine isoniazid test and a self-report of adherence on eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Sputum conversion is defined as the proportion of patients with smear conversion following the intensive phase in intervention versus DOT arms, confirmed further by pre-post intensive phase BACTEC MGIT TB liquid culture. Pre-post treatment MGIT drug susceptibility testing will determine whether resistance to anti-TB drugs could have impacted culture conversion. Secondary outcomes will include other clinical outcomes (treatment not completed, death, or loss to follow-up), cost-effectiveness-individual and societal costs with quality-adjusted life years-and acceptability and usability of the intervention by patients and providers. DISCUSSION This study will be the first in Ethiopia, and of the first three in sub-Saharan Africa, to determine whether electronic pillbox-enabled SAT improves adherence to TB medication and treatment outcomes, all without affecting the inherent dignity and economic wellbeing of patients with TB. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04216420. Registered on 2 January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - David P. Holland
- Emory University School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Henry M. Blumberg
- Emory University School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Vincent C. Marconi
- Emory University School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Khachadourian V, Truzyan N, Harutyunyan A, Petrosyan V, Davtyan H, Davtyan K, van den Boom M, Thompson ME. People-centred care versus clinic-based DOT for continuation phase TB treatment in Armenia: a cluster randomized trial. BMC Pulm Med 2020; 20:105. [PMID: 32334553 PMCID: PMC7183136 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-020-1141-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background WHO’s directly observed therapy (DOT) strategy for tuberculosis (TB) treatment depends upon a well–organized healthcare system. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of self-administered drug intake supported by a family member versus in-clinic DOT. Methods This open–label, nationally-representative stratified cluster randomized controlled non–inferiority trial with two parallel equal arms involved drug–susceptible pulmonary TB patients in the continuation treatment phase. We randomly assigned outpatient–TB–centres (52 clusters) to intervention and control arms. The intervention included an educational/counseling session to enhance treatment adherence; weekly visits to outpatient–TB–centres to receive medication, and daily SMS medication reminders and phone calls to track adherence and record side effects. Controls followed clinical DOT at Outpatient–TB–centres. Both groups participated in baseline and 4–5 months follow–up surveys. The trial’s non–inferiority comparisons include: treatment success as the clinical (primary) outcome and medication adherence (self–reported), knowledge, depressive symptoms, stigma, quality of life, and social support as non–clinical (secondary) outcomes. Results Per–protocol analysis showed that the intervention (n = 187) and control (n = 198) arms achieved successful treatment outcome of 92.0 and 92.9%, respectively, indicating that the treatment success in the intervention group was non–inferior to DOT. Knowledge, depression, stigma, quality of life, and social support also showed non–inferiority, demonstrating substantial improvement over time for knowledge (change in the intervention = 1.05: 95%CL (0.49, 1.60); change in the control = 1.09: 95%CL (0.56, 1.64)), depression score (change in the intervention = − 3.56: 95%CL (− 4.99, − 2.13); change in the control = − 1.88: 95% CL (− 3.26, − 0.49)) and quality of life (change in the intervention = 5.01: 95%CL (− 0.64, 10.66); change in the control = 7.29: 95%CL (1.77, 12.81)). The intervention resulted in improved treatment adherence. Conclusions This socially empowering alternative strategy might be a preferable alternative to DOT available to patients in Armenia and in other countries. Further research evaluating cost effectiveness of the intervention and generalizability of the results is warranted. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02082340, March 10, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Khachadourian
- Avedisian Onanian Centre for Health Services Research & Development, Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia. .,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Nune Truzyan
- Avedisian Onanian Centre for Health Services Research & Development, Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Arusyak Harutyunyan
- Avedisian Onanian Centre for Health Services Research & Development, Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Varduhi Petrosyan
- Avedisian Onanian Centre for Health Services Research & Development, Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hayk Davtyan
- National Tuberculosis Control Centre, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Karapet Davtyan
- National Tuberculosis Control Centre, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Martin van den Boom
- Joint Tuberculosis, HIV & Viral Hepatitis Programme, Division of Health Emergencies and Communicable Diseases, WHO/Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael E Thompson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, USA
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Gashu KD, Gelaye KA, Mekonnen ZA, Lester R, Tilahun B. Does phone messaging improves tuberculosis treatment success? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:42. [PMID: 31937260 PMCID: PMC6961375 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4765-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compliance to anti-TB treatment is crucial in achieving cure and avoiding the emergence of drug resistance. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions are included in the strategy to end the global Tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2035. Evidences showed that mobile messaging systems could improve patient adherence to clinic appointment for diagnosis and treatment. This review aimed to assess the effect of mobile-phone messaging on anti-TB treatment success. METHODS All randomized controlled trial (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies done prior to August 26, 2019 were included in the review. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and ScienceDirect databases including, grey and non-indexed literatures from Google and Google scholar. Quality of studies were independently assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. A qualitative synthesis and quantitative pooled estimation were used to measure the effect of phone messaging on TB treatment success rate. PRISMA flow diagrams were used to summarize article selection process. RESULTS A total of 1237 articles were identified, with 14 meeting the eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis. Eight studies with a total of 5680 TB patients (2733 in intervention and 2947 in control groups) were included in meta-analysis. The pooled effect of mobile-phone messaging revealed a small increase in treatment success compared to standard of care (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 7%, p < 0.0002). In the review, performance, detection and attrition biases were reported as major risk of biases. CONCLUSIONS Mobile-phone messaging showed a modest effect in improving anti-TB treatment success; however, the quality of evidence was low. Further controlled studies are needed to increase the evidence-base on the role of mHealth interventions to improve TB care. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD420170744339. http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42017074439.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassahun Dessie Gashu
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Abebaw Mekonnen
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Richard Lester
- Research Pavilion, Rm 566, 828 W 10th, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9 Canada
| | - Binyam Tilahun
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Research Pavilion, Rm 566, 828 W 10th, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9 Canada
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Ratchakit-Nedsuwan R, Nedsuwan S, Sawadna V, Chaiyasirinroje B, Bupachat S, Ngamwithayapong-Yanai J, Kantima T, Luangjina S, Boonyamanonukul P, Wongyai J, Thawthong S, Losuphakarn Y, Akkarakittimongkol K, Yasui Y, Mahasirimongkol S. Ensuring tuberculosis treatment adherence with a mobile-based CARE-call system in Thailand: a pilot study. Infect Dis (Lond) 2019; 52:121-129. [PMID: 31710250 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2019.1688862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Medication non-adherence in tuberculosis (TB) patients is an obstacle to TB treatment. Directly observed treatment to monitor and ensure adherence still has some limitations in high TB-burden countries. Most digital adherence technologies emphasize medication-taking reminder functions; however, a bi-directional communication platform to provide patient-health workers with an interface that focuses on enhancing medication adherence is likely to improve medical adherence. A budgeted mobile-based system called CARE-call providing both functions was developed and evaluated concerning whether it could enhance medication adherence.Design: Mixed methods combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. One hundred TB patients were randomized into intervention or control groups. Medication adherence rates between the two groups were compared. A focus group discussion was conducted to obtain in-depth perspectives from the patients.Results: At a 90% adherence level, the number of non-adherence patients in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (7.5% vs. 27.5%, p= .037). The participants were satisfied with the functions provided by the system, especially the confidentiality of the monitoring process, which did not involve monitoring by imaging or video recording. The bi-directional communication enabled them to contact health staff when concerns arose during the treatment course. Poor mobile phone signals and fast battery drain were reported as major technical problems of the system.Conclusions: The CARE-call system was able to prevent non-adherence in this rural setting in Thailand. However, further investigation with a larger sample size should be conducted on whether the system can also improve successful TB treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Supalert Nedsuwan
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Vuddhichai Sawadna
- Department of Pharmacy, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pimporn Boonyamanonukul
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | | | | | - Yongyut Losuphakarn
- Department of Pharmacy, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | | | - Yutaka Yasui
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Bahtiar, Nursasi AY. Utilization of interactive educational media in improving self efficacy of lung tuberculosis patients: Systematic literature review. ENFERMERIA CLINICA 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Moriarty AS, Louwagie GM, Mdege ND, Morojele N, Tumbo J, Omole OB, Bachmann MO, Kanaan M, Turner A, Parrott S, Siddiqi K, Ayo-Yusuf OA. ImPROving TB outcomes by modifying LIFE-style behaviours through a brief motivational intervention followed by short text messages (ProLife): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2019; 20:457. [PMID: 31349850 PMCID: PMC6660690 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South Africa is among the seven highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. Harmful lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and alcohol, and poor adherence to medication can affect clinical outcomes. Modification of these behaviours is likely to improve TB treatment outcomes and has proven possible using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques or use of short message service (SMS) text messaging. There have been no studies assessing the effect of combined MI and SMS interventions on multiple lifestyle factors and TB treatment outcomes. Methods This is a prospective, multicentre, two-arm individual randomised controlled trial looking at the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a complex behavioural intervention (the ProLife programme) on improving TB and lifestyle-related outcomes in three provinces of South Africa. The ProLife programme consists of an MI counselling strategy, delivered by lay health workers, augmented with subsequent SMS. We aim to recruit 696 adult participants (aged 18 years and over) with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB who are current smokers and/or report harmful or hazardous alcohol use. Patients will be consecutively enrolled at 27 clinics in three different health districts in South Africa. Participants randomised individually to the intervention arm will receive three MI counselling sessions one month apart. Each MI session will be followed by twice-weekly SMS messages targeting treatment adherence, alcohol use and tobacco smoking, as appropriate. We will assess the effect on TB treatment success, using standard World Health Organization (WHO) treatment outcome definitions (primary outcome), as well as on a range of secondary outcomes including smoking cessation, reduction in alcohol use, and TB medication and anti-retroviral therapy adherence. Secondary outcomes will be measured at the three-month and six-month follow-ups. Discussion This trial aligns with the WHO agenda of integrating TB care with the care for chronic diseases of lifestyle, such as provision of smoking cessation treatments, and with the use of digital technologies. If the ProLife programme is found to be effective and cost-effective, the programme could have significant implications for TB treatment globally and could be successfully implemented in a wide range of TB treatment settings. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN62728852. Registered on 13 April 2018. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3551-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stephen Moriarty
- Department of Health Sciences and the Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Goedele Maria Louwagie
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | | | - Neo Morojele
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John Tumbo
- Department of Family Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | | | | | - Mona Kanaan
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Astrid Turner
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Steve Parrott
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Kamran Siddiqi
- Department of Health Sciences and the Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Olalekan Abdulwahab Ayo-Yusuf
- Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
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25
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Collin SM, Wurie F, Muzyamba MC, de Vries G, Lönnroth K, Migliori GB, Abubakar I, Anderson SR, Zenner D. Effectiveness of interventions for reducing TB incidence in countries with low TB incidence: a systematic review of reviews. Eur Respir Rev 2019; 28:180107. [PMID: 31142548 PMCID: PMC9489042 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0107-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS What is the evidence base for the effectiveness of interventions to reduce tuberculosis (TB) incidence in countries which have low TB incidence? METHODS We conducted a systematic review of interventions for TB control and prevention relevant to low TB incidence settings (<10 cases per 100 000 population). Our analysis was stratified according to "direct" or "indirect" effects on TB incidence. Review quality was assessed using AMSTAR2 criteria. We summarised the strength of review level evidence for interventions as "sufficient", "tentative", "insufficient" or "no" using a framework based on the consistency of evidence within and between reviews. RESULTS We found sufficient review level evidence for direct effects on TB incidence/case prevention of vaccination and treatment of latent TB infection. We also found sufficient evidence of beneficial indirect effects attributable to drug susceptibility testing and adverse indirect effects (measured as sub-optimal treatment outcomes) in relation to use of standardised first-line drug regimens for isoniazid-resistant TB and intermittent dosing regimens. We found insufficient review level evidence for direct or indirect effects of interventions in other areas, including screening, adherence, multidrug-resistant TB, and healthcare-associated infection. DISCUSSION Our review has shown a need for stronger evidence to support expert opinion and country experience when formulating TB control policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Collin
- TB Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Fatima Wurie
- TB Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Morris C Muzyamba
- TB Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah R Anderson
- TB Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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Talisuna AO, Zurovac D, Githinji S, Oburu A, Malinga J, Nyandigisi A, Jones CO, Snow RW. Efficacy of Mobile Phone Short Message Service (SMS) Reminders on Malaria Treatment Adherence and Day 3 Post-Treatment Reviews (SMS-RES-MAL) in Kenya: A Study Protocol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 5:217. [PMID: 31285980 PMCID: PMC6614027 DOI: 10.4172/2167-0870.1000217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Mobile phone short messaging services (SMS) have been investigated in health information reporting, provider performance, drug and diagnostic stock management and patient adherence to treatment for chronic diseases. However, their potential role in improving patients’ adherence to malaria treatment and day 3 post treatment reviews remains unclear. Methods/Design A “proof of concept” open label randomised controlled trial will be conducted at four sites in Western Kenya. Principal research questions are: 1) Can mobile phone SMS reminders improve patient adherence to malaria treatment? 2) Can mobile phone SMS reminders improve day 3 post treatment reviews? Eligible caregivers (n=1000 per arm) of children under five years old with uncomplicated malaria will be randomly assigned (one to one) to: a) the current standard of care (provider counselling and health education); and b) the current standard of care plus SMS reminders. Within each arm, caregivers will be further randomized to three different categories. In categories 1 and 2, 300 caregivers per arm per category will be visited at home on day 1 and 2 of follow up respectively, to measure appropriate timing and adherence of the second Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) dose and doses 3 and 4. Further, caregivers in categories 1 and 2 will be required to come to the health facility for the day 3 post treatment reviews. Finally, in category 3, 400 caregivers per arm will be visited at home on day 3 to measure adherence for the full AL course. Each category will be visited at home only once to avoid biases in the measures of adherence as a result of home consultations. Primary outcomes will be adherence to the full AL course (category 3), as well as, the proportion of patients reporting back for day 3 post treatment reviews (categories 1 and 2). The primary analysis will be intention-to-treat. Costs of the intervention will be measured over the period of the intervention, and a cost-effectiveness ratio will be estimated. Discussion If successful, evidence from this trial could improve malaria treatment adherence and offer pragmatic approaches for antimalarial drug resistance surveillance and risk mitigation in Africa. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN39512726
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambrose O Talisuna
- Department of Public Health Research, KEMRI-Welcome Trust Research Program, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Dejan Zurovac
- Department of Public Health Research, KEMRI-Welcome Trust Research Program, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Sophie Githinji
- Department of Public Health Research, KEMRI-Welcome Trust Research Program, Kenya
| | - Amos Oburu
- Department of Public Health Research, KEMRI-Welcome Trust Research Program, Kenya
| | - Josephine Malinga
- Department of Public Health Research, KEMRI-Welcome Trust Research Program, Kenya
| | | | - Caroline Oh Jones
- Department of Public Health Research, KEMRI-Welcome Trust Research Program, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Robert W Snow
- Department of Public Health Research, KEMRI-Welcome Trust Research Program, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
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Wagstaff A, van Doorslaer E, Burger R. SMS nudges as a tool to reduce tuberculosis treatment delay and pretreatment loss to follow-up. A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218527. [PMID: 31220140 PMCID: PMC6586322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background TB persists despite being relatively easy to detect and cure because the journey from the onset of symptoms to cure involves a series of steps, with patients being lost to follow-up at each stage and delays occurring among patients not lost to follow-up. One cause of drop-off and delay occurs when patients delay or avoid returning to clinic to get their test results and start treatment. Methods We fielded two SMS interventions in three Cape Town clinics to see their effects on whether people returned to clinic, and how quickly. One was a simple reminder; the other aimed to overcome “optimism bias” by reminding people TB is curable and many millions die unnecessarily from it. Recruits were randomly assigned at the clinic level to a control group or one of the two SMS groups (1:2:2). In addition to estimating effects on the full sample, we also estimated effects on HIV-positive patients. Results SMS recipients were more likely to return to clinic in the requested two days than the control group. The effect was smaller in the intent-to-treat analysis (52/101 or 51.5% vs. 251/405 or 62.0%, p = 0.05) than in the per-protocol analysis (50/97 or 51.5% vs. 204/318 or 64.2%, p = 0.03). The effect was larger among HIV-positives (10/35 or 28.6% vs. 97/149 or 65.1%, p<0.01). The effects of SMS messages diminished as the interval increased: significant effects at the 5% level were found at five and 10 days only among HIV-positives. The second SMS message had larger effects, albeit not significantly larger, likely due in part to lack of statistical power. Conclusions At 2 U.S. cents per message, SMS reminders are an inexpensive option to encourage TB testers to return to clinic, especially when worded to counter optimism bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wagstaff
- Development Research Group, World Bank, Washington, DC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Eddy van Doorslaer
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management and Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronelle Burger
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Lee HY, Lee MH, Sharratt M, Lee S, Blaes A. Development of a Mobile Health Intervention to Promote Papanicolaou Tests and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in an Underserved Immigrant Population: A Culturally Targeted and Individually Tailored Text Messaging Approach. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e13256. [PMID: 31199340 PMCID: PMC6592403 DOI: 10.2196/13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality signify the need for intervention efforts targeting Korean American immigrant women. Objective The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a culturally targeted and tailored mobile text messaging intervention, mobile screening (mScreening), was developed to promote the uptake of Papanicolaou tests and human papillomavirus vaccine among young Korean American immigrant women. Methods Guided by the Fogg behavior model, the mScreening intervention was developed through a series of focus groups. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to identify core themes. Results Overall, 4 themes were identified: (1) tailored message content (ie, basic knowledge about cervical cancer), (2) an interactive and visual message format (ie, age-appropriate and friendly messages using emoticons), (3) brief message delivery formats to promote participant engagement, and (4) use of an incentive to motivate participation (ie, gift cards). Conclusions This study demonstrated the processes of gathering culturally relevant information to develop a mobile phone text messaging intervention and incorporating the target population’s perspectives into the development of the intervention. The findings of the study could help guide future intervention development targeting different types of cancer screening in other underserved racial or ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Yun Lee
- School of Social Work, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Mi Hwa Lee
- School of Social Work, College of Heath and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Monica Sharratt
- School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, United States
| | - Sohye Lee
- Loewenberg College of Nursing, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Anne Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, United States
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Lester R, Park JJ, Bolten LM, Enjetti A, Johnston JC, Schwartzman K, Tilahun B, Delft AV. Mobile phone short message service for adherence support and care of patients with tuberculosis infection: Evidence and opportunity. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2019; 16:100108. [PMID: 31720432 PMCID: PMC6830136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2019.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To attain the Global End Tuberculosis (TB) goals, the treatment of persons with TB requires advancements in coordinated approaches that are low-cost and highly accessible. Treating TB successfully requires prolonged medication regimens with good adherence, which in turn requires patients to be adequately supported. Furthermore, TB care-providers often wish to monitor treatment-taking by patients in order to track the success of their programs and ensure adequate completion of therapies by individuals. The standard-of-care for treatment monitoring in TB programs often includes directly observed therapy (DOT). Video observed therapy (VOT) has emerged as a method to mimic in-person visits or observations, especially in the smartphone era with internet data connections, but remains simply inaccessible to patients in areas where TB is most endemic. Both approaches may be considered more intensive than necessary for many patients, leaving an opportunity for more affordable and acceptable approaches. The rapid increase in mobile phone penetration provides an opportunity to reach patients between clinical visits. Short message services (SMS) are available on almost every mobile phone and are supported by first generation cellular communication networks, thus providing the farthest reach and penetration globally. Evidence from non-TB conditions suggests SMS, used in a variety of ways, may support outpatients for better medication adherence and quality of care but the evidence in TB remains limited. In this paper, we discuss how basic mobile phones and SMS-related services may be used in supporting global care of persons with TB, with a focus on patient-centered approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay Jh Park
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | - James C Johnston
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Provincial TB Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kevin Schwartzman
- Respiratory Division, Montreal Chest Institute, Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, and McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Arne von Delft
- TB Proof, 29 Almond Drive, Somerset West, Western Cape 7130, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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A systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions to improve therapeutic adherence in tuberculosis. Heart Lung 2019; 48:452-461. [PMID: 31084923 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reviews examining non-pharmacological interventions to improve therapeutic adherence in tuberculosis have several limitations (design, quality assessment…). Consequently, for clinical practice, it is important to generate a review containing all the information to improve patient adherence, solving the previous issues. OBJECTIVES To examine non-pharmacological interventions to improve therapeutic adherence in tuberculosis through clinical trials. METHODS A systematic review in MEDLINE/EMBASE was performed. RESULTS Thirty seven papers were analysed. The disease treatment interventions were disparate, grouped into: education, psychological interventions, new technologies, directly observed treatment, incentives and improved access to health services. In the treatment of latent infection, the majority of studies were conducted in the marginal population (drug addicts, homeless individuals and prisoners) and were based mainly on the provision of incentives. Study quality was generally low. CONCLUSIONS Great variability exists in the studies comparing strategies for identifying interventions, objectives and effects. The designs carried out generally have methodological deficits.
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Kumar AA, De Costa A, Das A, Srinivasa GA, D'Souza G, Rodrigues R. Mobile Health for Tuberculosis Management in South India: Is Video-Based Directly Observed Treatment an Acceptable Alternative? JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e11687. [PMID: 30942696 PMCID: PMC6468344 DOI: 10.2196/11687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the availability of low-cost mobile devices and the ease of internet access, mobile health (mHealth) is digitally revolutionizing the health sector even in resource-constrained settings. It is however necessary to assess end-user perceptions before deploying potential interventions. Objective This study aimed to assess the mobile phone usage patterns and the acceptability of mobile phone support during care and treatment in patients with tuberculosis (TB) in South India. Methods This exploratory study was conducted at an urban private tertiary care teaching hospital and nearby public primary-level health care facilities in Bangalore, South India. We recruited 185 patients with TB through consecutive sampling. Subsequent to written informed consent, participants responded to an interviewer-administered pretested questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, phone usage patterns, and the benefits of using of mobile phone technology to improve health outcomes and treatment adherence. Frequency, mean, median, and SD or interquartile range were used to describe the data. Bivariate associations were assessed between demographics, clinical details, phone usage, and mHealth communication preferences using the chi-square test and odds ratios. Associations with a P value ≤.20 were included in a logistic regression model. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. Results Of the 185 participants, 151 (81.6%) used a mobile phone, and half of them owned a smartphone. The primary use of the mobile phone was to communicate over voice calls (147/151, 97.4%). The short message service (SMS) text messaging feature was used by only 66/151 (43.7%) mobile phone users. A total of 87 of the 151 mobile phone users (57.6%) knew how to use the camera. Only 41/151 (27.2%) mobile phone users had used their mobile phones to communicate with their health care providers. Although receiving medication reminders via mobile phones was acceptable to all participants, 2 participants considered repeated reminders as an intrusion of their privacy. A majority of the participants (137/185, 74.1%) preferred health communications via voice calls. Of the total participants, 123/185 (66.5%) requested reminders to be sent only at specific times during the day, 22/185 (11.9%) suggested reminders should synchronize with their prescribed medication schedule, whereas 40/185 (21.6%) did not have any time preferences. English literacy was associated with a preference for SMS in comparison with voice calls. Most participants (142/185, 76.8%) preferred video-based directly observed treatment when compared with in-person directly observed treatment. Conclusions Although mobile phones for supporting health and treatment adherence were acceptable to patients with TB, mHealth interventions should consider language, mode of communication, and preferred timing for communication to improve uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil A Kumar
- St John's Research Institute, St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Ayesha De Costa
- Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arundathi Das
- Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - G A Srinivasa
- Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - George D'Souza
- Department of Chest Medicine, St John's Medical College, St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Rashmi Rodrigues
- Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Community Health, St John's Medical College, St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India.,The Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance, Hyderabad, India
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Subbaraman R, de Mondesert L, Musiimenta A, Pai M, Mayer KH, Thomas BE, Haberer J. Digital adherence technologies for the management of tuberculosis therapy: mapping the landscape and research priorities. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e001018. [PMID: 30364330 PMCID: PMC6195152 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor medication adherence may increase rates of loss to follow-up, disease relapse and drug resistance for individuals with active tuberculosis (TB). While TB programmes have historically used directly observed therapy (DOT) to address adherence, concerns have been raised about the patient burden, ethical limitations, effectiveness in improving treatment outcomes and long-term feasibility of DOT for health systems. Digital adherence technologies (DATs)-which include feature phone-based and smartphone-based technologies, digital pillboxes and ingestible sensors-may facilitate more patient-centric approaches for monitoring adherence, though available data are limited. Depending on the specific technology, DATs may help to remind patients to take their medications, facilitate digital observation of pill-taking, compile dosing histories and triage patients based on their level of adherence, which can facilitate provision of individualised care by TB programmes to patients with varied levels of risk. Research is needed to understand whether DATs are acceptable to patients and healthcare providers, accurate for measuring adherence, effective in improving treatment outcomes and impactful in improving health system efficiency. In this article, we describe the landscape of DATs that are being used in research or clinical practice by TB programmes and highlight priorities for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramnath Subbaraman
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine and Tufts Center for Global Public Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura de Mondesert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angella Musiimenta
- Department of Information Technology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Madhukar Pai
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Beena E Thomas
- Department of Social and Behavioural Research, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jessica Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lewis JJ, Liu X, Zhang Z, Thomas BV, Vassall A, Sweeney S, Caihong X, Dongmei H, Xue L, Yongxin G, Huan S, Shiwen J, Fielding KL. Evaluation of a medication monitor-based treatment strategy for drug-sensitive tuberculosis patients in China: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:398. [PMID: 30045757 PMCID: PMC6060502 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2650-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for drug-sensitive tuberculosis (TB) is taken for at least 6 months and problems with adherence are common. Therefore, there is substantial interest in the possible use of eHealth interventions to support patients to take their treatment. Electronic medication monitors have been shown to improve adherence to TB medication, but the impact on clinical outcomes is unknown. We aim to evaluate the impact of a medication monitor-based treatment strategy for drug-sensitive TB patients on a composite poor outcome measured over 18 months from start of TB treatment. METHODS/DESIGN We will conduct an open, pragmatic, cluster randomised superiority trial, with 24 counties/districts in three provinces in China, randomised 1:1 to implement the intervention or standard of care. Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with a new episode of GeneXpert-positive and rifampicin-sensitive pulmonary TB, who plan to be in the study area for the next 18 months, and will receive daily fixed-dose combination tablets for 6 months of treatment are eligible. The intervention is centred around a medication monitor that holds a 1-month supply of medication and has three key functions: as an audio and visual reminder for patients to take their daily medication; reminds patients of upcoming monthly visit; and records date and time whenever the box is opened. At the monthly follow-up visit, the doctor downloads these data to generate a graphical display of the last month's adherence record for discussion with the patient and potentially to switch the patient to more intensive management. The primary outcome is a composite poor outcome measured over 18 months from start of TB treatment, defined as either of poor outcome at the end of treatment (death, treatment failure, or loss to follow-up) or subsequent recurrence (culture positive for TB at 12 or 18 months or re-starting TB treatment in the follow-up period). An economic evaluation will also be conducted as part of this study. DISCUSSION This trial will assess whether a medication monitor-based treatment strategy can improve clinical outcomes for TB patients. Several trials of other eHealth interventions for TB treatment are ongoing and are summarised in this paper. This trial will provide an important part of the emerging evidence base for the potential of eHealth to improve TB treatment outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered with Current Controlled Trials (identifier: ISRCTN35812455 ). Registered on May 19, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Lewis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK. .,TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Xiaoqiu Liu
- National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Anna Vassall
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sedona Sweeney
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Xu Caihong
- National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Dongmei
- National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xue
- National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Gao Yongxin
- National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Shitong Huan
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, China Office, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Shiwen
- National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Katherine L Fielding
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,TB Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Saunders MJ, Wingfield T, Tovar MA, Herlihy N, Rocha C, Zevallos K, Montoya R, Ramos E, Datta S, Evans CA. Mobile phone interventions for tuberculosis should ensure access to mobile phones to enhance equity - a prospective, observational cohort study in Peruvian shantytowns. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:850-859. [PMID: 29862612 PMCID: PMC6174992 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Mobile phone interventions have been advocated for tuberculosis care, but little is known about access of target populations to mobile phones. We studied mobile phone access among patients with tuberculosis, focusing on vulnerable patients and patients who later had adverse treatment outcomes. Methods In a prospective cohort study in Callao, Peru, we recruited and interviewed 2584 patients with tuberculosis between 2007 and 2013 and followed them until 2016 for adverse treatment outcomes using national treatment registers. Subsequently, we recruited a further 622 patients between 2016 and 2017. Data were analysed using logistic regression and by calculating relative risks (RR). Results Between 2007 and 2013, the proportion of the general population of Peru without mobile phone access averaged 7.8% but for patients with tuberculosis was 18% (P < 0.001). Patients without access were more likely to hold a lower socioeconomic position, suffer from food insecurity and be older than 50 years (all P < 0.01). Compared to patients with mobile phone access, patients without access at recruitment were more likely to subsequently have incomplete treatment (20% vs. 13%, RR = 1.5; P = 0.001) or an adverse treatment outcome (29% vs. 23% RR = 1.3; P = 0.006). Between 2016 and 2017, the proportion of patients without access dropped to 8.9% overall, but remained the same (18%) as in 2012 among the poorest third. Conclusion Access to mobile phones among patients with tuberculosis is insufficient, and rarest in patients who are poorer and later have adverse treatment outcomes. Thus, mobile phone interventions to improve tuberculosis care may be least accessed by the priority populations for whom they are intended. Such interventions should ensure access to mobile phones to enhance equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Saunders
- Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, Wellcome Trust Imperial College Centre for Global Health Research, London, UK.,Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú.,Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Tom Wingfield
- Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Clinical Infection, Microbiology, and Immunity, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Social Medicine, Infectious diseases and Migration Group, Department of Public Health Science, Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,LIV-TB, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marco A Tovar
- Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú.,Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Niamh Herlihy
- Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú.,Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Claudio Rocha
- Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú.,Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Karine Zevallos
- Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú.,Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Rosario Montoya
- Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú
| | - Eric Ramos
- Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Sumona Datta
- Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, Wellcome Trust Imperial College Centre for Global Health Research, London, UK.,Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú.,Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Carlton A Evans
- Infectious Diseases & Immunity, Imperial College London, Wellcome Trust Imperial College Centre for Global Health Research, London, UK.,Innovación Por la Salud Y Desarrollo (IPSYD), Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Perú.,Innovation for Health and Development (IFHAD), Laboratory of Research and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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Whitehouse E, Lai J, Golub JE, Farley JE. A systematic review of the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions among patients with tuberculosis. Public Health Action 2018; 8:37-49. [PMID: 29946519 PMCID: PMC6012961 DOI: 10.5588/pha.18.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoking is a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality, particularly among patients with tuberculosis (TB). Although smoking cessation is recommended by the World Health Organization and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, there has been no published evaluation of smoking cessation interventions among people with TB. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the evidence on interventions and suggest practice, research and policy implications. A systematic review of the literature identified 14 peer-reviewed studies describing 13 smoking cessation interventions between 2007 and 2017. There were five randomized controlled trials, three non-randomized interventions, and five prospective cohort studies. The primary types of interventions were brief advice (n = 9), behavioral counseling (n = 4), medication (n = 3), and community-based care (n = 3). A variety of health care workers (HCWs) implemented interventions, from physicians, nurses, clinic staff, community health workers (CHWs), as did family members. There was significant heterogeneity of design, definition of smoking and smoking abstinence, and implementation, making comparison across studies difficult. Although all smoking interventions increased smoking cessation between 15% and 82%, many studies had a high risk for bias, including six without a control group. The implementing personnel did not make a large difference in cessation results, suggesting that national TB programs may customize according to their needs and limitations. Family members may be important supporters/advocates for cessation. Future research should standardize definitions of smoking and cessation to allow comparisons across studies. Policy makers should encourage collaboration between tobacco and TB initiatives and develop smoking cessation measures to maximize results in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Whitehouse
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - J Lai
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - J E Golub
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - J E Farley
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The REACH Initiative, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Mobile phone text messaging for improving secondary prevention in cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review. Heart Lung 2018; 47:351-359. [PMID: 29803297 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify, retrieve, critically appraise and synthesize information regarding existing mobile phone text messaging interventions that have been done for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS A systematic review was conducted. The searching was conducted by using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible and included. RESULTS The preventive factors measured among studies varied. While the majority of studies examined medication adherence as a main outcome (4), the other 3 studies focused on CVD risk factors combining blood pressure (BP), smoking, body mass index (BMI), physical activity and dietary habits, only 2 studies examined both medication adherence and risk factor modification of CVD. CONCLUSION Even though mobile phone text messaging may be beneficial for the secondary prevention of CVD, reliable conclusions on the effects of text messaging cannot be drawn.
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Bediang G, Stoll B, Elia N, Abena JL, Geissbuhler A. SMS reminders to improve adherence and cure of tuberculosis patients in Cameroon (TB-SMS Cameroon): a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:583. [PMID: 29720146 PMCID: PMC5932834 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5502-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cameroon, the National Tuberculosis Control Program that applies selective directly observed treatments faces difficulties in its implementation for a lack of resources, leading to only 65% of patients with sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis being cured after 6 months of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of daily Short Message Service reminders to increase adherence and the proportion of adult tuberculosis patients cured after 6 months of treatment. METHODS A simple blinded, randomised controlled, multicentre study carried out in 12 Treatment and Diagnostic Centres of Yaoundé. The patients included were randomly assigned to two groups: patients in the intervention group received daily SMS reminders in addition to the usual treatment; those in the control group received the usual treatment only. The primary outcomes were the number and proportion of treatment success at 5 months, and the number and proportion of patients cured at 6 months. Data analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy-nine participants were randomized into intervention group (n = 137) and control group (n = 142). At five months, there were 111 treatment success (81%) in the intervention group and 106 (74.6%) in the control group (OR = 1.45 [0.81, 2.56]; p = 0.203). At 6 months, there were 87 patients cured (63.5%) in the intervention group and 88 (62%) in the control group (OR = 1.06 [0.65, 1.73]; p = 0.791). The number of drop-outs at 6 months was 47 (34.3%) in intervention group, and 46 (32.4%) in the control group. 48.9% (23/47) and 39.1% (18/46) of these drop-outs were sputum-negative at 5 months. At three different appointments, there were no significant differences between the two groups in any secondary outcomes. Very high and similar satisfaction was found for general management of patients in both groups: 99.5 and 99.2% (p = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that SMS reminders do not increase treatment success and cure proportions. However, the low proportion of patients cured at 6 month may be an underestimation due to a high dropout rate between the fifth and the sixth months of treatment. Future trials should focus on reducing the dropout rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on the Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry ( PACTR201307000583416 of 22 July 2013) and the protocol was published.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Bediang
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O Box: 1364, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Beat Stoll
- Geneva Tumour Registry, Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Elia
- Geneva Tumour Registry, Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Louis Abena
- National Tuberculosis Control Program, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Antoine Geissbuhler
- Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Yellappa V, Battaglioli T, Gurum SK, Narayanan D, Van der Stuyft P. Involving private practitioners in the Indian tuberculosis programme: a randomised trial. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:570-579. [PMID: 29575386 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess a multicomponent intervention to improve private practitioners (PPs) involvement in referral of presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) cases to the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) for sputum examination. METHODS Randomised controlled trial. We randomly allocated all 189 eligible PPs in Tumkur city, South India, to intervention or control arm. The intervention, implemented between December 2014 and January 2016, included two sets of activities, one targeted at health system strengthening (building RNTCP staff capacity to collaborate with PPs, provision of feedback on referrals through SMS) and one targeted at intervention PPs (training in RNTCP, provision of referral pads and education materials and monthly visits to PPs by RNTCP staff). Crude and adjusted referral and PTB case-finding rate ratios were calculated with negative binomial regression. RESULTS PPs referred 836 individuals (548 from intervention and 169 from control arm PPs) of whom 176 were diagnosed with bacteriologically confirmed PTB. The proportion (95% confidence interval) of referring PPs [0.59 (0.49, 0.68) vs. 0.42 (0.32, 0.52) in the intervention and control arm, respectively], mean referral rate per PP-year [(5.7 (3.8, 8.7) vs. 1.8 (1.2, 2.8)] and smear-positive PTB case-finding rate per PP-year [(1.5 (0.9, 2.2) vs. 0.6 (0.3, 0.9)] were significantly higher in the intervention than the control arm. Stratifying by qualification, a statistically significant difference in the above indicators remained only among GPs and internists. Overall, surgeons, paediatricians and gynaecologists referred few patients. PP referrals contributed to 20% of the sputum smear positive PTB cases detected by RNTCP in Tumkur city (14% were from intervention arm PPs). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the effectiveness of a health system-oriented intervention to improve PP's referrals of presumptive PTB cases to RNTCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayashree Yellappa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Institute of Public Health, Bangalore, India
| | - Tullia Battaglioli
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sanath Kumar Gurum
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka Government, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Patrick Van der Stuyft
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Johnston JC, van der Kop ML, Smillie K, Ogilvie G, Marra F, Sadatsafavi M, Romanowski K, Budd MA, Hajek J, Cook V, Lester RT. The effect of text messaging on latent tuberculosis treatment adherence: a randomised controlled trial. Eur Respir J 2018; 51:51/2/1701488. [PMID: 29437940 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01488-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There is limited high-quality evidence available to inform the use of text messaging to improve latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment adherence.We performed a parallel, randomised controlled trial at two sites to assess the effect of a two-way short message service on LTBI adherence. We enrolled adults initiating LTBI therapy from June 2012 to September 2015 in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to standard LTBI treatment (control) or standard LTBI treatment plus two-way weekly text messaging (intervention). The primary outcome was treatment completion, defined as taking ≥80% prescribed doses within 12 months (isoniazid) or 6 months (rifampin) of enrolment. The trial was unblinded except for the data analyst.A total of 358 participants were assigned to the intervention (n=170) and control (n=188) arms. In intention-to-treat analysis, the proportion of participants completing LTBI therapy in the intervention and control arms was 79.4% and 81.9%, respectively (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.07; p=0.550). Results were similar for pre-specified secondary end-points, including time-to-completion of LTBI therapy, completion of >90% of prescribed LTBI doses and health-related quality of life.Weekly two-way text messaging did not improve LTBI completion rates compared to standard LTBI care; however, completion rates were high in both treatment arms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Johnston
- TB Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada .,Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mia L van der Kop
- Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kirsten Smillie
- Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fawziah Marra
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohsen Sadatsafavi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Matthew A Budd
- Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jan Hajek
- Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Victoria Cook
- TB Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Richard T Lester
- Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Marcolino MS, Oliveira JAQ, D'Agostino M, Ribeiro AL, Alkmim MBM, Novillo-Ortiz D. The Impact of mHealth Interventions: Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e23. [PMID: 29343463 PMCID: PMC5792697 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.8873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 528] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phone usage has been rapidly increasing worldwide. mHealth could efficiently deliver high-quality health care, but the evidence supporting its current effectiveness is still mixed. Objective We performed a systematic review of systematic reviews to assess the impact or effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) interventions in different health conditions and in the processes of health care service delivery. Methods We used a common search strategy of five major scientific databases, restricting the search by publication date, language, and parameters in methodology and content. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Results The searches resulted in a total of 10,689 articles. Of these, 23 systematic reviews (371 studies; more than 79,665 patients) were included. Seventeen reviews included studies performed in low- and middle-income countries. The studies used diverse mHealth interventions, most frequently text messaging (short message service, SMS) applied to different purposes (reminder, alert, education, motivation, prevention). Ten reviews were rated as low quality (AMSTAR score 0-4), seven were rated as moderate quality (AMSTAR score 5-8), and six were categorized as high quality (AMSTAR score 9-11). A beneficial impact of mHealth was observed in chronic disease management, showing improvement in symptoms and peak flow variability in asthma patients, reducing hospitalizations and improving forced expiratory volume in 1 second; improving chronic pulmonary diseases symptoms; improving heart failure symptoms, reducing deaths and hospitalization; improving glycemic control in diabetes patients; improving blood pressure in hypertensive patients; and reducing weight in overweight and obese patients. Studies also showed a positive impact of SMS reminders in improving attendance rates, with a similar impact to phone call reminders at reduced cost, and improved adherence to tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus therapy in some scenarios, with evidence of decrease of viral load. Conclusions Although mHealth is growing in popularity, the evidence for efficacy is still limited. In general, the methodological quality of the studies included in the systematic reviews is low. For some fields, its impact is not evident, the results are mixed, or no long-term studies exist. Exceptions include the moderate quality evidence of improvement in asthma patients, attendance rates, and increased smoking abstinence rates. Most studies were performed in high-income countries, implying that mHealth is still at an early stage of development in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Soriano Marcolino
- Medical School and Telehealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João Antonio Queiroz Oliveira
- Medical School and Telehealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Luiz Ribeiro
- Medical School and Telehealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria Beatriz Moreira Alkmim
- Medical School and Telehealth Center, University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Ngwatu BK, Nsengiyumva NP, Oxlade O, Mappin-Kasirer B, Nguyen NL, Jaramillo E, Falzon D, Schwartzman K. The impact of digital health technologies on tuberculosis treatment: a systematic review. Eur Respir J 2018; 51:1701596. [PMID: 29326332 PMCID: PMC5764088 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01596-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Digital technologies are increasingly harnessed to support treatment of persons with tuberculosis (TB). Since in-person directly observed treatment (DOT) can be resource intensive and challenging to implement, these technologies may have the potential to improve adherence and clinical outcomes. We reviewed the effect of these technologies on TB treatment adherence and patient outcomes.We searched several bibliographical databases for studies reporting the effect of digital interventions, including short message service (SMS), video-observed therapy (VOT) and medication monitors (MMs), to support treatment for active TB. Only studies with a control group and which reported effect estimates were included.Four trials showed no statistically significant effect on treatment completion when SMS was added to standard care. Two observational studies of VOT reported comparable treatment completion rates when compared with in-person DOT. MMs increased the probability of cure (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.4) in one observational study, and one trial reported a statistically significant reduction in missed treatment doses relative to standard care (adjusted means ratio 0.58, 95% CI 0.42-0.79).Evidence of the effect of digital technologies to improve TB care remains limited. More studies of better quality are needed to determine how such technologies can enhance programme performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kermu Ngwatu
- Global TB Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Both authors contributed equally
| | - Ntwali Placide Nsengiyumva
- Montreal Chest Institute, Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, and McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Both authors contributed equally
| | - Olivia Oxlade
- Montreal Chest Institute, Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, and McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Benjamin Mappin-Kasirer
- Montreal Chest Institute, Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, and McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nhat Linh Nguyen
- Global TB Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Dennis Falzon
- Global TB Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Schwartzman
- Montreal Chest Institute, Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, and McGill International Tuberculosis Centre, Montreal, Canada
- For a full list of the collaborative group see the Acknowledgements
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Belknap R, Holland D, Feng PJ, Millet JP, Caylà JA, Martinson NA, Wright A, Chen MP, Moro RN, Scott NA, Arevalo B, Miró JM, Villarino ME, Weiner M, Borisov AS. Self-administered Versus Directly Observed Once-Weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med 2017; 167:689-697. [PMID: 29114781 PMCID: PMC5766341 DOI: 10.7326/m17-1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding latent tuberculosis treatment is important to decrease active disease globally. Once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine for 12 doses is effective but limited by requiring direct observation. OBJECTIVE To compare treatment completion and safety of once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine by self-administration versus direct observation. DESIGN An open-label, phase 4 randomized clinical trial designed as a noninferiority study with a 15% margin. Seventy-five percent or more of study patients were enrolled from the United States for a prespecified subgroup analysis. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01582711). SETTING Outpatient tuberculosis clinics in the United States, Spain, Hong Kong, and South Africa. PARTICIPANTS 1002 adults (aged ≥18 years) recommended for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection. INTERVENTION Participants received once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine by direct observation, self-administration with monthly monitoring, or self-administration with weekly text message reminders and monthly monitoring. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was treatment completion, defined as 11 or more doses within 16 weeks and measured using clinical documentation and pill counts for direct observation, and self-reports, pill counts, and medication event-monitoring devices for self-administration. The main secondary outcome was adverse events. RESULTS Median age was 36 years, 48% of participants were women, and 77% were enrolled at the U.S. sites. Treatment completion was 87.2% (95% CI, 83.1% to 90.5%) in the direct-observation group, 74.0% (CI, 68.9% to 78.6%) in the self-administration group, and 76.4% (CI, 71.3% to 80.8%) in the self-administration-with-reminders group. In the United States, treatment completion was 85.4% (CI, 80.4% to 89.4%), 77.9% (CI, 72.7% to 82.6%), and 76.7% (CI, 70.9% to 81.7%), respectively. Self-administered therapy without reminders was noninferior to direct observation in the United States; no other comparisons met noninferiority criteria. A few drug-related adverse events occurred and were similar across groups. LIMITATION Persons with latent tuberculosis infection enrolled in South Africa would not routinely be treated programmatically. CONCLUSION These results support using self-administered, once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine to treat latent tuberculosis infection in the United States, and such treatment could be considered in similar settings when direct observation is not feasible. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Belknap
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - David Holland
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Pei-Jean Feng
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Joan-Pau Millet
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Joan A Caylà
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Neil A Martinson
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Alicia Wright
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Michael P Chen
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Ruth N Moro
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Nigel A Scott
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Bert Arevalo
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - José M Miró
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Margarita E Villarino
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Marc Weiner
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Andrey S Borisov
- From Denver Health and Hospital Authority and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Emory University and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Public Health Agency of Barcelona and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Westat, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; and University of Texas Health Science Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
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Falzon D, Migliori GB, Jaramillo E, Weyer K, Joos G, Raviglione M. Digital health to end tuberculosis in the Sustainable Development Goals era: achievements, evidence and future perspectives. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/5/1701632. [PMID: 29122920 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01632-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Falzon
- World Health Organization, Global TB Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Battista Migliori
- European Respiratory Society, Lausanne, Switzerland.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for TB and Lung Diseases, Maugeri Care and Research Institute, Tradate, Italy
| | | | - Karin Weyer
- World Health Organization, Global TB Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Guy Joos
- European Respiratory Society, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Raviglione
- World Health Organization, Global TB Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
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Pantoja T, Opiyo N, Lewin S, Paulsen E, Ciapponi A, Wiysonge CS, Herrera CA, Rada G, Peñaloza B, Dudley L, Gagnon M, Garcia Marti S, Oxman AD. Implementation strategies for health systems in low-income countries: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 9:CD011086. [PMID: 28895659 PMCID: PMC5621088 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011086.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key function of health systems is implementing interventions to improve health, but coverage of essential health interventions remains low in low-income countries. Implementing interventions can be challenging, particularly if it entails complex changes in clinical routines; in collaborative patterns among different healthcare providers and disciplines; in the behaviour of providers, patients or other stakeholders; or in the organisation of care. Decision-makers may use a range of strategies to implement health interventions, and these choices should be based on evidence of the strategies' effectiveness. OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of the available evidence from up-to-date systematic reviews about the effects of implementation strategies for health systems in low-income countries. Secondary objectives include identifying needs and priorities for future evaluations and systematic reviews on alternative implementation strategies and informing refinements of the framework for implementation strategies presented in the overview. METHODS We searched Health Systems Evidence in November 2010 and PDQ-Evidence up to December 2016 for systematic reviews. We did not apply any date, language or publication status limitations in the searches. We included well-conducted systematic reviews of studies that assessed the effects of implementation strategies on professional practice and patient outcomes and that were published after April 2005. We excluded reviews with limitations important enough to compromise the reliability of the review findings. Two overview authors independently screened reviews, extracted data and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. We prepared SUPPORT Summaries for eligible reviews, including key messages, 'Summary of findings' tables (using GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence) and assessments of the relevance of findings to low-income countries. MAIN RESULTS We identified 7272 systematic reviews and included 39 of them in this overview. An additional four reviews provided supplementary information. Of the 39 reviews, 32 had only minor limitations and 7 had important methodological limitations. Most studies in the reviews were from high-income countries. There were no studies from low-income countries in eight reviews.Implementation strategies addressed in the reviews were grouped into four categories - strategies targeting:1. healthcare organisations (e.g. strategies to change organisational culture; 1 review);2. healthcare workers by type of intervention (e.g. printed educational materials; 14 reviews);3. healthcare workers to address a specific problem (e.g. unnecessary antibiotic prescription; 9 reviews);4. healthcare recipients (e.g. medication adherence; 15 reviews).Overall, we found the following interventions to have desirable effects on at least one outcome with moderate- or high-certainty evidence and no moderate- or high-certainty evidence of undesirable effects.1.Strategies targeted at healthcare workers: educational meetings, nutrition training of health workers, educational outreach, practice facilitation, local opinion leaders, audit and feedback, and tailored interventions.2.Strategies targeted at healthcare workers for specific types of problems: training healthcare workers to be more patient-centred in clinical consultations, use of birth kits, strategies such as clinician education and patient education to reduce antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory care settings, and in-service neonatal emergency care training.3. Strategies targeted at healthcare recipients: mass media interventions to increase uptake of HIV testing; intensive self-management and adherence, intensive disease management programmes to improve health literacy; behavioural interventions and mobile phone text messages for adherence to antiretroviral therapy; a one time incentive to start or continue tuberculosis prophylaxis; default reminders for patients being treated for active tuberculosis; use of sectioned polythene bags for adherence to malaria medication; community-based health education, and reminders and recall strategies to increase vaccination uptake; interventions to increase uptake of cervical screening (invitations, education, counselling, access to health promotion nurse and intensive recruitment); health insurance information and application support. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Reliable systematic reviews have evaluated a wide range of strategies for implementing evidence-based interventions in low-income countries. Most of the available evidence is focused on strategies targeted at healthcare workers and healthcare recipients and relates to process-based outcomes. Evidence of the effects of strategies targeting healthcare organisations is scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Pantoja
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileDepartment of Family Medicine, Faculty of MedicineCentro Medico San Joaquin, Vicuña Mackenna 4686MaculSantiagoChile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileEvidence Based Health Care ProgramSantiagoChile
| | - Newton Opiyo
- CochraneCochrane Editorial UnitSt Albans House, 57‐59 HaymarketLondonUKSW1Y 4QX
| | - Simon Lewin
- Norwegian Institute of Public HealthPO Box 4404OsloNorway0403
- South African Medical Research CouncilHealth Systems Research UnitPO Box 19070TygerbergSouth Africa7505
| | | | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS‐CONICET)Argentine Cochrane CentreDr. Emilio Ravignani 2024Buenos AiresCapital FederalArgentinaC1414CPV
| | - Charles S Wiysonge
- South African Medical Research CouncilCochrane South AfricaFrancie van Zijl Drive, Parow ValleyCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence‐based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Cristian A Herrera
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileEvidence Based Health Care ProgramSantiagoChile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileDepartment of Public Health, School of MedicineMarcoleta 434SantiagoChile
| | - Gabriel Rada
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileEvidence Based Health Care ProgramSantiagoChile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileDepartment of Internal Medicine and Evidence‐Based Healthcare Program, Faculty of MedicineLira 44, Decanato Primer pisoSantiagoChile
| | - Blanca Peñaloza
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileDepartment of Family Medicine, Faculty of MedicineCentro Medico San Joaquin, Vicuña Mackenna 4686MaculSantiagoChile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileEvidence Based Health Care ProgramSantiagoChile
| | - Lilian Dudley
- Stellenbosch UniversityDivision of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesFransie Van Zyl DriveTygerbergCape TownSouth Africa7505
| | - Marie‐Pierre Gagnon
- CHU de Québec ‐ Université Laval Research CentrePopulation Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit10 Rue de l'Espinay, D6‐727Québec CityQCCanadaG1L 3L5
| | - Sebastian Garcia Marti
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health PolicyBuenos AiresCapital FederalArgentinaC1056ABH
| | - Andrew D Oxman
- Norwegian Institute of Public HealthPO Box 4404OsloNorway0403
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Choun K, Achanta S, Naik B, Tripathy JP, Thai S, Lorent N, Khun KE, van Griensven J, Kumar AMV, Zachariah R. Using mobile phones to ensure that referred tuberculosis patients reach their treatment facilities: a call that makes a difference. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:575. [PMID: 28830542 PMCID: PMC5567436 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last decade, the availability and use of mobile phones have grown exponentially globally and in Cambodia. In the Sihanouk Hospital Centre of Hope(SHCH) in Cambodia about half of all tuberculosis patients referred out to peripheral health facilities for TB treatment initiation or continuation were lost to contact after referral ranging from 19 to 69% between 2008 and 2013. To address this, we implemented a mobile phone-based patient tracking intervention. Here, we report the number and proportion of referred TB patients who could be contacted through a mobile phone and retained in care after the introduction of mobile phone tracking. METHODS A descriptive study involving follow-up of TB patients referred out from SHCH to peripheral health facilities during May-October 2014. Standard operating procedures were used to contact individual patients and/or health facilities using a mobile phone. RESULTS Among 109 TB patients referred to peripheral health facilities, 107(98%) had access to a mobile phone of whom, 103(97%) could be contacted directly while 5(2%) were contacted through their health care providers. A total of 108(99%) of 109 referred TB patients in intervention period were thus placed on TB treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary, but promising evidence that using mobile phones was accompanied with improved retention of referred TB patients compared to historical cohorts. Given the limitations associated with historical controls, we need better designed studies with larger sample size to strengthen the evidence before national scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimcheng Choun
- Sihanouk Hospital Centre of HOPE, Street 134, Sangkat Vealvong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
| | | | - Balaji Naik
- WHO country office for India, New Delhi, India
| | - Jaya Prasad Tripathy
- School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Sopheak Thai
- Sihanouk Hospital Centre of HOPE, Street 134, Sangkat Vealvong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Natalie Lorent
- Sihanouk Hospital Centre of HOPE, Street 134, Sangkat Vealvong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kim Eam Khun
- National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Johan van Griensven
- Sihanouk Hospital Centre of HOPE, Street 134, Sangkat Vealvong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ajay M V Kumar
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Rony Zachariah
- Médecins Sans Frontiéres, Brussels Operational Centre (Operational research), Luxembourg city, Luxembourg
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Vivekanand K, Mohan A, Sarma KVS. Study of the structure and functioning of referral mechanism of patients receiving treatment and records linkage under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) of Government of India. Indian J Tuberc 2017; 64:77-82. [PMID: 28410702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2016.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reliable and successful performance of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) "referral mechanism" is profoundly important in the medical college scenario, and it is an important requirement of the programme to have feedback status report of the referred patients. METHODS An observational study on tuberculosis (TB) patients referred from Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) Centre, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) was conducted during the years 2010 to 2012 (n=622). Subjects referred to other TUs within the District but failed to report there within 45 days constituted "cases" and subjects, who obtained treatment from the TUs they were referred to "controls". The initial information or confirmation of registration for treatment status feedback were obtained from patient/Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS)/District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) levels respectively both before using intervention (Phase I, year 2010) and after using intervention (Phase II, years 2011 and 2012) by sending day-to-day text messaging of referral details of patients to the STS and District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO). RESULTS During Phase I, the distribution of subjects (n=242) in the ages ≤25, 26-50, and ≥51 years was similar in both the cases and control subjects (p=0.054). Further, there was no statistically significant difference in the median age of the cases and controls [34.5 (interquartile range, IQR 31-51) vs 39 (30-54); p=0.319]. There was no statistically significant difference in other parameters, such as gender distribution (p=0.9748); availability of phone numbers (p=0.9614); type of disease (p=0.8395); and type of case (p=0.0793). In Phase II, the effect of intervention on feedback related parameters showed statistically significant improvement in all the parameters such as initial feedback levels obtained within 15 days (p=0.0077); within 45 days (p<0.0001); above 45 days (p<0.0001); registration status confirmation within 45 days (p=0.0343); mismatch of feedback received by observer (p<0.0001); and telephone number of patients recorded (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that text messaging reminders may be an important tool to achieve optimal feedback response in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Vivekanand
- The Department of Medicine, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati 517 507, India
| | - A Mohan
- The Department of Medicine, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati 517 507, India.
| | - K V S Sarma
- Department of Statistics, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati 517 502, India
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Spoelstra SL, Sansoucie H. Putting evidence into practice: evidence-based interventions for oral agents for cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2017; 19:60-72. [PMID: 26030394 DOI: 10.1188/15.s1.cjon.60-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited evidence available suggests that adherence to oral agents for cancer is a significant clinical problem and may have a substantial impact on treatment success or failure. Adherence is a difficult issue among patients who are very sick with a life-threatening disease who often must adhere to complex treatment protocols independently at home. OBJECTIVES This article aims to identify effective interventions for the promotion, treatment, and management of adherence to oral agents for cancer and to synthesize the literature for use in clinical practice. METHODS As part of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Putting Evidence Into Practice (PEP) initiative, a comprehensive examination of the current literature was conducted to identify effective interventions for patients prescribed oral agents for cancer. The ONS PEP weight-of-evidence classification schema levels of evidence were used to categorize interventions to assist nurses in identifying strategies that are effective at improving adherence. FINDINGS The majority of evidence found was conducted in conditions other than cancer; therefore, research is needed to identify whether these interventions are effective at promoting adherence in patients with cancer.
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48
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Oren E, Bell ML, Garcia F, Perez-Velez C, Gerald LB. Promoting adherence to treatment for latent TB infection through mobile phone text messaging: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2017; 3:15. [PMID: 28293431 PMCID: PMC5346839 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-017-0128-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An estimated two billion people, over one third of the world’s population, have latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI). Patient adherence to LTBI treatment is currently poor given that individuals show no symptoms of illness and may not feel that they are at risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). Short text messages can serve as a simple reminder to take medications and address barriers to adherence such as forgetfulness and lack of social support. Methods/design We aim to determine the feasibility and acceptability of text reminders for improving adherence in latent TB patients using a randomized controlled single-blinded trial, measuring adherence through an increase in treatment completion rates. Forty adult LTBI participants will be randomized to either text messages plus phone call reminders or phone call reminders only (usual care). Recruitment, retention, and study acceptability will be assessed as primary outcomes. Discussion This pilot study will examine the feasibility of using text messaging for increasing adherence to treatment for latent tuberculosis infection. The study will allow for evaluation of process measures and challenges and development of a model for scaling up an effectiveness trial for increasing treatment adherence. Trial registration NCT02690818 (Clinical Trials.gov) Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40814-017-0128-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Oren
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA.,Asthma and Airways Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Melanie L Bell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA
| | - Francisco Garcia
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA.,Pima County Health Department, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Carlos Perez-Velez
- Pima County Health Department, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Lynn B Gerald
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245211, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA.,Asthma and Airways Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ USA
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49
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Coleman J, Bohlin KC, Thorson A, Black V, Mechael P, Mangxaba J, Eriksen J. Effectiveness of an SMS-based maternal mHealth intervention to improve clinical outcomes of HIV-positive pregnant women. AIDS Care 2017; 29:890-897. [PMID: 28107805 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1280126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the effectiveness of an mHealth messaging intervention aiming to improve maternal health and HIV outcomes. Maternal health SMSs were sent to 235 HIV-infected pregnant women twice per week in pregnancy and continued until the infant's first birthday. The messages were timed to the stage of the pregnancy/infant age and covered maternal health and HIV-support information. Outcomes, measured as antenatal care (ANC) visits, birth outcomes and infant HIV testing, were compared to a control group of 586 HIV-infected pregnant women who received no SMS intervention. Results showed that intervention participants attended more ANC visits (5.16 vs. 3.95, p < 0.01) and were more likely to attend at least the recommended four ANC visits (relative risk (RR): 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.72). Birth outcomes of intervention participants improved as they had an increased chance of a normal vaginal delivery (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.19) and a lower risk of delivering a low-birth weight infant (<2500 g) (RR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.02-1.07). In the intervention group, there was a trend towards higher attendance to infant polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing within six weeks after birth (81.3% vs. 75.4%, p = 0.06) and a lower mean infant age in weeks at HIV PCR testing (9.5 weeks vs. 11.1 weeks, p = 0.14). These results add to the growing evidence that mHealth interventions can have a positive impact on health outcomes and should be scaled nationally following comprehensive evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Coleman
- a Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa.,b Department of Public Health Sciences , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Kate C Bohlin
- c Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Anna Thorson
- b Department of Public Health Sciences , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Vivian Black
- d Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Patricia Mechael
- e HealthEnabled, Personal Connected Health Alliance , Johns Hopkins University and Princeton University , Arlington , VA , USA
| | - Josie Mangxaba
- f Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action , United Nations Foundation , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Jaran Eriksen
- b Department of Public Health Sciences , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden.,c Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
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50
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Hermans SM, Elbireer S, Tibakabikoba H, Hoefman BJ, Manabe YC. Text messaging to decrease tuberculosis treatment attrition in TB-HIV coinfection in Uganda. Patient Prefer Adherence 2017; 11:1479-1487. [PMID: 28919720 PMCID: PMC5587148 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s135540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low tuberculosis (TB) treatment completion rates in sub-Saharan Africa are an important driver of multidrug resistance. Mobile technology-based interventions have been shown to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to test the effect of a short-message service (SMS) intervention on loss to follow-up (LFU). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this quasi-experimental study, all adult, literate, HIV-infected patients with mobile phone access diagnosed with TB between November 2010 and October 2011 in an urban clinic in Uganda were eligible to receive adherence and appointment reminders and educational quizzes during the first 8 weeks of TB treatment. Their risk of LFU in the first 8 weeks of treatment was compared with that of patients starting treatment between March 2009 and August 2010 using logistic regression. RESULTS One of 183 (0.5%) enrolled patients was lost to FU during the intervention compared to six of 302 (2.0%) in the preintervention control group (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.03-2.07; P=0.22). The SMS intervention was rated as very helpful by 96%. Barriers identified included interrupted phone access (26%, median 14 days) and difficulties responding by SMS. The response rate to educational quizzes was below 10%. There were no unintentional disclosures of TB or HIV status due to the intervention. CONCLUSION An SMS reminder service did not show a clear effect on short-term risk of LFU in this study, which was underpowered due to a lower baseline risk in the control group than expected. The SMS-reminder service was rated highly, and there were no breaches of confidentiality. Important technological barriers have implications for larger-scale implementation, not only for TB but also other disease modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine M Hermans
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Correspondence: Sabine M Hermans, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hospital Complex, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Tel +256 41 430 7000, Email
| | - Sawsan Elbireer
- Makerere University–Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Harriet Tibakabikoba
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Yukari C Manabe
- Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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