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Hinneh T, Boakye H, Metlock F, Ogungbe O, Kruahong S, Byiringiro S, Dennison Himmelfarb C, Commodore-Mensah Y. Effectiveness of team-based care interventions in improving blood pressure outcomes among adults with hypertension in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080987. [PMID: 39019631 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effectiveness of team-based care interventions in improving blood pressure (BP) outcomes among adults with hypertension in Africa. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCE PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, HINARI and African Index Medicus databases were searched from inception to March 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and pre-post study designs published in English language focusing on (1) Adults diagnosed with hypertension, (2) Team-based care hypertension interventions led by non-physician healthcare providers (HCPs) and (3) Studies conducted in Africa. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We extracted study characteristics, the nature of team-based care interventions, team members involved and other reported secondary outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute assessment tool for pre-post studies. Findings were summarised and presented narratively including data from pre-post studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model for only RCT studies. Overall certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool for only the primary outcome (systolic BP). RESULTS Of the 3375 records screened, 33 studies (16 RCTs and 17 pre-post studies) were included and 11 RCTs were in the meta-analysis. The overall mean effect of team-based care interventions on systolic BP reduction was -3.91 mm Hg (95% CI -5.68 to -2.15, I² = 0.0%). Systolic BP reduction in team-based care interventions involving community health workers was -4.43 mm Hg (95% CI -5.69 to -3.17, I² = 0.00%) and nurses -3.75 mm Hg (95% CI -10.62 to 3.12, I² = 42.0%). Based on the GRADE assessment, we judged the overall certainty of evidence low for systolic BP reduction suggesting that team-based care intervention may result in a small reduction in systolic BP. CONCLUSION Evidence from this review supports the implementation of team-based care interventions across the continuum of care to improve awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension in Africa. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023398900.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hinneh
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hosea Boakye
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Faith Metlock
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Suratsawadee Kruahong
- Faculty of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Department of Surgical Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Samuel Byiringiro
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Herce ME, Bosomprah S, Masiye F, Mweemba O, Edwards JK, Mandyata C, Siame M, Mwila C, Matenga T, Frimpong C, Mugala A, Mbewe P, Shankalala P, Sichone P, Kasenge B, Chunga L, Adams R, Banda B, Mwamba D, Nachalwe N, Agarwal M, Williams MJ, Tonwe V, Pry JM, Musheke M, Vinikoor M, Mutale W. Evaluating a multifaceted implementation strategy and package of evidence-based interventions based on WHO PEN for people living with HIV and cardiometabolic conditions in Lusaka, Zambia: protocol for the TASKPEN hybrid effectiveness-implementation stepped wedge cluster randomized trial. Implement Sci Commun 2024; 5:61. [PMID: 38844992 PMCID: PMC11155136 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-024-00601-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCD) globally, health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have limited capacity to address these chronic conditions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is an urgent need, therefore, to respond to NCDs in SSA, beginning by applying lessons learned from the first global response to any chronic disease-HIV-to tackle the leading cardiometabolic killers of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We have developed a feasible and acceptable package of evidence-based interventions and a multi-faceted implementation strategy, known as "TASKPEN," that has been adapted to the Zambian setting to address hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The TASKPEN multifaceted implementation strategy focuses on reorganizing service delivery for integrated HIV-NCD care and features task-shifting, practice facilitation, and leveraging HIV platforms for NCD care. We propose a hybrid type II effectiveness-implementation stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial to evaluate the effects of TASKPEN on clinical and implementation outcomes, including dual control of HIV and cardiometabolic NCDs, as well as quality of life, intervention reach, and cost-effectiveness. METHODS The trial will be conducted in 12 urban health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia over a 30-month period. Clinical outcomes will be assessed via surveys with PLHIV accessing routine HIV services, and a prospective cohort of PLHIV with cardiometabolic comorbidities nested within the larger trial. We will also collect data using mixed methods, including in-depth interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and structured observations, and estimate cost-effectiveness through time-and-motion studies and other costing methods, to understand implementation outcomes according to Proctor's Outcomes for Implementation Research, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, and selected dimensions of RE-AIM. DISCUSSION Findings from this study will be used to make discrete, actionable, and context-specific recommendations in Zambia and the region for integrating cardiometabolic NCD care into national HIV treatment programs. While the TASKPEN study focuses on cardiometabolic NCDs in PLHIV, the multifaceted implementation strategy studied will be relevant to other NCDs and to people without HIV. It is expected that the trial will generate new insights that enable delivery of high-quality integrated HIV-NCD care, which may improve cardiovascular morbidity and viral suppression for PLHIV in SSA. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05950919).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Herce
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia.
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Felix Masiye
- Department of Health Economics, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Oliver Mweemba
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chomba Mandyata
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mmamulatelo Siame
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chilambwe Mwila
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tulani Matenga
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Anchindika Mugala
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Peter Mbewe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Perfect Shankalala
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Pendasambo Sichone
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Blessings Kasenge
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Luanaledi Chunga
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Rupert Adams
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brian Banda
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Daniel Mwamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Namwinga Nachalwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mansi Agarwal
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Makeda J Williams
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Veronica Tonwe
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jake M Pry
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Maurice Musheke
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Michael Vinikoor
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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3
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Ye J, Sanuade OA, Hirschhorn LR, Walunas TL, Smith JD, Birkett MA, Baldridge AS, Ojji DB, Huffman MD. Interventions and contextual factors to improve retention in care for patients with hypertension in primary care: Hermeneutic systematic review. Prev Med 2024; 180:107880. [PMID: 38301908 PMCID: PMC10919242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular engagement over time in hypertension care, or retention, is a crucial but understudied step in optimizing patient outcomes. This systematic review leverages a hermeneutic methodology to identify, evaluate, and quantify the effects of interventions and contextual factors for improving retention for patients with hypertension. METHODS We searched for articles that were published between 2000 and 2022 from multiple electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO International Trials Registry. We followed the latest version of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline to report the findings for this review. We also synthesized the findings using a hermeneutic methodology for systematic reviews, which used an iterative process to review, integrate, analyze, and interpret evidence. RESULTS From 4686 screened titles and abstracts, 18 unique studies from 9 countries were identified, including 10 (56%) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 3 (17%) cluster RCTs, and 5 (28%) non-RCT studies. The number of participants ranged from 76 to 1562. The overall mean age range was 41-67 years, and the proportion of female participants ranged from 0% to 100%. Most (n = 17, 94%) studies used non-physician personnel to implement the proposed interventions. Fourteen studies (78%) implemented multilevel combinations of interventions. Education and training, team-based care, consultation, and Short Message Service reminders were the most common interventions tested. CONCLUSIONS This review presents the most comprehensive findings on retention in hypertension care to date and fills the gaps in the literature, including the effectiveness of interventions, their components, and contextual factors. Adaptation of and implementing HIV care models, such differentiated service delivery, may be more effective and merit further study. REGISTRATION CRD42021291368. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021291368. Available at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=291368.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Ye
- Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, New York, USA; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Olutobi A Sanuade
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lisa R Hirschhorn
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Northwestern University Robert J Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Theresa L Walunas
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Justin D Smith
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Abigail S Baldridge
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Northwestern University Robert J Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dike B Ojji
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria; University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mark D Huffman
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
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Bamgboye AO, Hassan IA, Fatoye EO, Ozuluoha CC, Folami SO, Uwizeyimana T. Enhancing care transition performance of community pharmacies in Nigeria. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1904. [PMID: 38361800 PMCID: PMC10867687 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1904] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Community pharmacies (CPs) represent a crucial source of primary care for the Nigerian population. Pharmacists in this setting provide essential primary care services to the public and, when required, facilitate care transitions or referrals for patients to higher levels of care. Given their accessibility and expanding roles in patient care, pharmacists are considered pivotal to meeting the transition of care (TOC) goals, that is, continuity, quality, and safety, especially at the community level. However, CPs in Nigeria face significant systemic and human-factor barriers that impede their TOC performance, especially with their exclusion from the national care referral framework. Removing these barriers is essential to avoid the health consequences of a breakdown in the TOC system for the patients receiving care at the CPs. This paper discusses the barriers to effective TOC performance of the CPs in Nigeria and offers recommendations to address the deficiencies to improve patient care delivery using an inclusive and collaborative referral model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elijah O. Fatoye
- Medical Centre, Lagos State Health Service CommissionUniversity of LagosLagosNigeria
| | | | | | - Theogene Uwizeyimana
- Bill & Joyce Cummings Institute of Global HealthUniversity of Global Health EquityButaroRwanda
- Department of Public HealthMount Kenya UniversityKigaliRwanda
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Liu F, Song T, Yu P, Deng N, Guan Y, Yang Y, Ma Y. Efficacy of an mHealth App to Support Patients' Self-Management of Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43809. [PMID: 38113071 PMCID: PMC10762623 DOI: 10.2196/43809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a significant global disease burden. Mobile health (mHealth) offers a promising means to provide patients with hypertension with easy access to health care services. Yet, its efficacy needs to be validated, especially in lower-income areas with a high-salt diet. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the efficacy of an mHealth app-based intervention in supporting patients' self-management of hypertension. METHODS A 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted among 297 patients with hypertension at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Participants selected via convenience sampling were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Intervention group participants were trained and asked to use an mHealth app named Blood Pressure Assistant for 6 months. They could use the app to record and upload vital signs, access educational materials, and receive self-management reminders and feedback from health care providers based on the analysis of the uploaded data. Control group participants received usual care. Blood pressure (BP) and 2 questionnaire surveys about hypertension knowledge and lifestyle behavior were used to assess all participants at baseline and 6 months. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software using 2-tailed t tests and a chi-square test. RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and medication use between the 2 groups (all P>.05). After 6 months, although both groups show a significant pre-post improvement (P<.001 each), the BP control rate (ie, the proportion of patients with a systolic BP of <140 mm Hg and diastolic BP of <90 mm Hg) in the intervention group was better than that in the control group (100/111, 90.1% vs 75/115, 65.2%; P<.001). The mean systolic and diastolic BP were significantly reduced by 25.83 (SD 8.99) and 14.28 (SD 3.74) mm Hg in the intervention group (P<.001) and by 21.83 (SD 6.86) and 8.87 (SD 4.22) mm Hg in the control group (P<.001), respectively. The differences in systolic and diastolic BP between the 2 groups were significant (P<.001 and P=.01, respectively). Hypertension knowledge significantly improved only in the intervention group in both pre-post and intergroup comparisons (both P<.001). However, only intragroup improvement was observed for lifestyle behaviors in the intervention group (P<.001), including medication adherence (P<.001), healthy diet (P=.02), low salt intake (P<.001), and physical exercises (P=.02), and no significant difference was observed in the control group or on intergroup comparisons. CONCLUSIONS This research shows that the mHealth app-based intervention has the potential to improve patient health knowledge and support self-management among them toward a healthier lifestyle, including medication adherence, low-salt diets, and physical exercises, thereby achieving optimal BP control. Further research is still needed to verify the specific effects of these interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026437; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=38801.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Health Management Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ting Song
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ping Yu
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ning Deng
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingping Guan
- Health Management Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuanji Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute Of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for International Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Baldridge AS, Goldstar N, Bellinger GC, DeNoma AT, Orji IA, Shedul GL, Okoli RCB, Ripiye NR, Odukwe A, Dabiri O, Mobisson LN, Ojji DB, Huffman MD, Kandula NR, Hirschhorn LR. Formative Evaluation and Adaptation of a Hypertension Extension for Community Health Outcomes Program for Healthcare Workers within the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Glob Heart 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 38045112 PMCID: PMC10691284 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) model has been used extensively to link care providers in rural communities with experts with the aim of improving local patient care. Objective The aim of this qualitative research study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, perceived needs, and contextual factors to guide implementation of a hypertension focused ECHO program for Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Methods From September 2020 to December 2020, key informant interviews were performed with seven global organizations (hubs) providing ECHO training focused on cardiovascular disease or nephrology to identify contextual factors and implementation strategies used by each hub. In February 2022, seven focus group discussions were performed with 42 frontline healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory to inform local adaptation of a hypertension ECHO program. Directed content analysis identified major themes which were mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Qualitative analyses were performed using Dedoose, and results were synthesized using the Implementation Research Logic Model. Results We found both barriers and facilitators across the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains that mapped to a number of constructs in each one. The results of these analyses confirmed that the core components of the ECHO model are a feasible and appropriate intervention for hypertension education of healthcare workers. However, implementing the ECHO program within the Federal Capital Territory may require strategies such as utilizing communications resources effectively, developing incentives to motivate initial participation, and providing rewards or recognition for ongoing engagement. Conclusions These results provide valuable formative insights to guide implementation of our proposed hypertension ECHO program for CHEWs in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. This information was used for key decisions around: 1) scope and content of training, 2) format and frequency, 3) selection of implementation strategies, and 4) building a community of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail S. Baldridge
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nadia Goldstar
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Grace C. Bellinger
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Abigail T. DeNoma
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Gabriel L. Shedul
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dike B. Ojji
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mark D. Huffman
- Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
- Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Namratha R. Kandula
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa R. Hirschhorn
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
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Das H, Sachdeva A, Kumar H, Krishna A, Moran AE, Pathni AK, Sharma B, Singh BP, Ranjan M, Deo S. Outcomes of a hypertension care program based on task-sharing with private pharmacies: a retrospective study from two blocks in rural India. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:1033-1039. [PMID: 37208524 PMCID: PMC10632126 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-023-00837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Low density of formal care providers in rural India results in restricted and delayed access to standardized management of hypertension. Task-sharing with pharmacies, typically the first point of contact for rural populations, can bridge the gap in access to formal care and improve health outcomes. In this study, we implemented a hypertension care program involving task-sharing with twenty private pharmacies between November 2020 and April 2021 in two blocks of Bihar, India. Pharmacists conducted free hypertension screening, and a trained physician offered free consultations at the pharmacy. We calculated the number of subjects screened, initiated on treatment (enrolled) and the change in blood pressure using the data collected through the program application. Of the 3403 subjects screened at pharmacies, 1415 either reported having a history of hypertension or had elevated blood pressure during screening. Of these, 371 (26.22%) were enrolled in the program. Of these, 129 (34.8%) made at least one follow-up visit. For these subjects, the adjusted average difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the screening and follow-up visits was -11.53 (-16.95 to -6.11, 95% CI) and -4.68 (-8.53 to -0.82, 95% CI) mmHg, respectively. The adjusted odds of blood pressure being under control in this group during follow-up visits compared to screening visit was 7.07 (1.29 to 12.85, 95% CI). Task-sharing with private pharmacies can lead to early detection and improved control of blood pressure in a resource-constrained setting. Additional strategies to increase patient screening and retention rates are needed to ensure sustained health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanshu Das
- Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India.
- Yale School of Management, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Andrew E Moran
- Resolve to Save Lives, New York, NY, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarang Deo
- Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India
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Alfian SD, Insani WN, Puspitasari IM, Wawruch M, Abdulah R. Effectiveness and Process Evaluation of Using Digital Health Technologies in Pharmaceutical Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1289-1303. [PMID: 36749170 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0406] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Digital health technology (DHT) has the potential to enhance remote health care delivery. However, little is known about the effectiveness of DHTs and factors that contribute to the limited uptake of DHTs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness and evaluation process concerning the use of DHTs in pharmaceutical care in LMICs. Methods: A literature search on PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify experimental, descriptive, qualitative, and mixed-method studies that focused on the use of DHTs in pharmaceutical care as the main intervention, reported on the effects and/or the process of the DHT intervention, were performed by pharmacists, were conducted in LMICs, and had been published in English. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection process. A qualitative narrative review of the effectiveness of using DHTs was conducted evaluating the population, intervention, comparators, and outcomes. We summarized the content and identified themes of the evaluation process under two categories-challenges and opportunities. Results: The search produced 589 studies, of which 16 met the eligibility criteria. The most common type of DHT was mobile health application (mHealth app; n = 8), followed by mobile phone call (n = 6) and mobile video call (n = 2). Eight studies assessed the effectiveness of using DHTs in pharmaceutical care. mHealth app, mobile phone call, mobile video call, text messages, home telemonitoring, and internet-based drug information centers improved some health-related outcomes. Two of these eight studies, however, did not find significant effects of a phone call or an mHealth app on certain health-related outcomes. Of the seven quantitative studies conducting a process evaluation, all showed that patients were satisfied with the use of DHTs in pharmaceutical care provided by pharmacists. Of the two mixed-methods and one qualitative study assessing the process evaluation concerning DHT usage, three distinct themes of challenges (patient-, DHT-, and health care system-related challenges) and opportunities (patient-, DHT-, and pharmacist-related opportunities) were identified. Conclusions: DHT is a promising approach in pharmaceutical care toward improving health-related outcomes in LMICs, despite the variable intervention effects. The challenges and opportunities identified are important considerations when developing and implementing DHTs in pharmaceutical care in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofa D Alfian
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Widya N Insani
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Irma M Puspitasari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| | - Martin Wawruch
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Rizky Abdulah
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
- Drug Utilization and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Indonesia
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9
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Byiringiro S, Ogungbe O, Commodore-Mensah Y, Adeleye K, Sarfo FS, Himmelfarb CR. Health systems interventions for hypertension management and associated outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001794. [PMID: 37289741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is a significant global health problem, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite the effectiveness of medications and lifestyle interventions in reducing blood pressure, shortfalls across health systems continue to impede progress in achieving optimal hypertension control rates. The current review explores the health system interventions on hypertension management and associated outcomes in SSA. The World Health Organization health systems framework guided the literature search and discussion of findings. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases for studies published between January 2010 and October 2022 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We assessed studies for the risk of bias using the tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Twelve studies clustered in 8 SSA countries met the inclusion criteria. Two thirds (8/12) of the included studies had low risk of bias. Most interventions focused on health workforce factors such as providers' knowledge and task shifting of hypertension care to unconventional health professionals (n = 10). Other health systems interventions addressed the supply and availability of medical products and technology (n = 5) and health information systems (n = 5); while fewer interventions sought to improve financing (n = 3), service delivery (n = 1), and leadership and governance (n = 1) aspects of the health systems. Health systems interventions showed varied effects on blood pressure outcomes but interventions targeting multiple aspects of health systems were likely associated with improved blood pressure outcomes. The general limitations of the overall body of literature was that studies were likely small, with short duration, and underpowered. In conclusion, the literature on health systems internventions addressing hypertension care are limited in quantity and quality. Future studies that are adequately powered should test the effect of multi-faceted health system interventions on hypertension outcomes with a special focus on financing, leadership and governance, and service delivery interventions since these aspects were least explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Byiringiro
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Oluwabunmi Ogungbe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Khadijat Adeleye
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana
| | - Cheryl R Himmelfarb
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Okpechi IG, Chukwuonye II, Ekrikpo U, Noubiap JJ, Raji YR, Adeshina Y, Ajayi S, Barday Z, Chetty M, Davidson B, Effa E, Fagbemi S, George C, Kengne AP, Jones ESW, Liman H, Makusidi M, Muhammad H, Mbah I, Ndlovu K, Ngaruiya G, Okwuonu C, Samuel-Okpechi U, Tannor EK, Ulasi I, Umar Z, Wearne N, Bello AK. Task shifting roles, interventions and outcomes for kidney and cardiovascular health service delivery among African populations: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:446. [PMID: 37147670 PMCID: PMC10163711 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09416-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human resources for health (HRH) shortages are a major limitation to equitable access to healthcare. African countries have the most severe shortage of HRH in the world despite rising communicable and non-communicable disease (NCD) burden. Task shifting provides an opportunity to fill the gaps in HRH shortage in Africa. The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate task shifting roles, interventions and outcomes for addressing kidney and cardiovascular (CV) health problems in African populations. METHODS We conducted this scoping review to answer the question: "what are the roles, interventions and outcomes of task shifting strategies for CV and kidney health in Africa?" Eligible studies were selected after searching MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, and Africa journal online (AJOL). We analyzed the data descriptively. RESULTS Thirty-three studies, conducted in 10 African countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda) were eligible for inclusion. There were few randomized controlled trials (n = 6; 18.2%), and tasks were mostly shifted for hypertension (n = 27; 81.8%) than for diabetes (n = 16; 48.5%). More tasks were shifted to nurses (n = 19; 57.6%) than pharmacists (n = 6; 18.2%) or community health workers (n = 5; 15.2%). Across all studies, the most common role played by HRH in task shifting was for treatment and adherence (n = 28; 84.9%) followed by screening and detection (n = 24; 72.7%), education and counselling (n = 24; 72.7%), and triage (n = 13; 39.4%). Improved blood pressure levels were reported in 78.6%, 66.7%, and 80.0% for hypertension-related task shifting roles to nurses, pharmacists, and CHWs, respectively. Improved glycaemic indices were reported as 66.7%, 50.0%, and 66.7% for diabetes-related task shifting roles to nurses, pharmacists, and CHWs, respectively. CONCLUSION Despite the numerus HRH challenges that are present in Africa for CV and kidney health, this study suggests that task shifting initiatives can improve process of care measures (access and efficiency) as well as identification, awareness and treatment of CV and kidney disease in the region. The impact of task shifting on long-term outcomes of kidney and CV diseases and the sustainability of NCD programs based on task shifting remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechi G Okpechi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ijezie I Chukwuonye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Udeme Ekrikpo
- Division of Nephrology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibo State, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Jean Jacques Noubiap
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yemi R Raji
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Yusuf Adeshina
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Ajayi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Zunaid Barday
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Malini Chetty
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bianca Davidson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel Effa
- Department of Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Stephen Fagbemi
- Department of Epidemiology, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Cindy George
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South Africa Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre P Kengne
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South Africa Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Erika S W Jones
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hamidu Liman
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mohammad Makusidi
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Hadiza Muhammad
- Division of Nephrology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Mbah
- Dept of Medicine College of Med and Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Kwazi Ndlovu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Chimezie Okwuonu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
| | | | - Elliot K Tannor
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ifeoma Ulasi
- Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Zulkifilu Umar
- Department of Epidemiology, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Nicola Wearne
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aminu K Bello
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Culhane-Pera KA, Vang KB, Ortega LM, Xiong T, Northuis CA, de la Parra P, Lakshminarayan K. Mobile health technology for hypertension management with Hmong and Latino adults: mixed-methods community-based participatory research. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2023; 28:413-430. [PMID: 35387531 PMCID: PMC9535036 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2022.2059451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify Hmong and Latino adults' perspectives about a mHealth-based care model for hypertension (HTN) management involving blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring, electronic transmission of BP readings, and responsive HTN medication adjustment by a provider team. DESIGN We conducted a mixed-methods formative study with 25 Hmong and 25 Latino participants with HTN at an urban federally-qualified health center. We used a tool to assess HTN knowledge and conducted open-ended interviews to identify perspectives about mHealth-based care model. RESULTS While most participants agreed that lowering high blood pressure decreased the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure, there were gaps in medical knowledge. Three major themes emerged about the mHealth-based care model: (1) Using mHealth technology could be useful, especially if assistance was available to patients with technological challenges; (2) Knowing blood pressures could be helpful, especially to patients who agreed with doctors' medical diagnosis and prescribed treatment; (3) Transmitting blood pressures to the clinic and their responsive actions could feel empowering, and the sense of increased surveillance could feel entrapping. Some people may feel empowered since it could increase patient-provider communication without burden of clinic visits and could increase involvement in BP control for those who agree with the medical model of HTN. However, some people may feel entrapped as it could breach patient privacy, interfere with patients' lifestyle choices, and curtail patient autonomy. CONCLUSIONS In general, Hmong and Latino adults responded positively to the empowering aspects of the mHealth-based care model, but expressed caution for those who had limited technological knowledge, who did not agree with the medical model and who may feel entrapped. In a shared decision-making approach with patients and possibly their family members, health care systems and clinicians should explore barriers and potential issues of empowerment and entrapment when offering a mHealth care model in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Txia Xiong
- SoLaHmo Partnership for Health and Wellness, Minnesota Community Care, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Carin A Northuis
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pilar de la Parra
- SoLaHmo Partnership for Health and Wellness, Minnesota Community Care, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Kamakshi Lakshminarayan
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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12
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Public Health Interventions Delivered by Pharmacy Professionals in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11010024. [PMID: 36827662 PMCID: PMC9960443 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11010024] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacists and their teams play an important role in providing public health services, however little is known about their level of contribution and the strength of evidence in Africa's Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The purpose of this scoping review was to explore and map the available evidence on pharmacy professional-delivered public health interventions in Africa's LMICs. Six electronic databases (Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstract, PsycInfo, Maternity and Infant Care, and Cochrane database), relevant grey literature sources, key journals focused on African health issues, and libraries of relevant organizations were searched between January 2010 and December 2020. Studies were included if they reported public health interventions delivered by pharmacy professionals (pharmacists or pharmacy technicians) or their teams. The quality of the individual studies was assessed using an adapted grading system. Thirty-nine studies were included in this review. Pharmacy professionals delivered a wide range of public health interventions, with the most common themes being noncommunicable diseases, infectious diseases, sexual and reproductive health, antimicrobial resistance, and other health conditions, e.g., dental health, unused drugs or waste, minor ailments. The majority of the studies were classified as low-quality evidence. They were predominantly feasibility and acceptability studies conducted in a narrow study area, in a small number of LMICs in Africa, resulting in little evidence of service effectiveness, issues of broad generalizability of the findings, and sustainability. The major constraints to service provision were identified as a lack of training, public recognition, and supporting policies. Pharmacy professionals and their teams across LMICs in Africa have attempted to expand their practice in public health. However, the pace of the expansion has been slow and lacks strong evidence for its generalizability and sustainability. Future research is needed to improve the quality of evidence, which will subsequently serve as a foundation for policy reform, allowing pharmacy professionals to make significant contributions to the public health initiatives in the region.
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13
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Aboye GT, Vande Walle M, Simegn GL, Aerts JM. mHealth in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe: A systematic review comparing the use and availability of mHealth approaches in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231180972. [PMID: 37377558 PMCID: PMC10291558 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231180972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background mHealth can help with healthcare service delivery for various health issues, but there's a significant gap in the availability and use of mHealth systems between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, despite the ongoing digitalization of the global healthcare system. Objective This work aims to compare and investigate the use and availability of mHealth systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, and identify gaps in current mHealth development and implementation in both regions. Methods The study adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for article search and selection to ensure an unbiased comparison between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and PubMed) were used, and articles were evaluated based on predetermined criteria. Details on the mHealth system type, goal, patient type, health concern, and development stage were collected and recorded in a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Results The search query produced 1020 articles for sub-Saharan Africa and 2477 articles for Europe. After screening for eligibility, 86 articles for sub-Saharan Africa and 297 articles for Europe were included. To minimize bias, two reviewers conducted the article screening and data retrieval. Sub-Saharan Africa used SMS and call-based mHealth methods for consultation and diagnosis, mainly for young patients such as children and mothers, and for issues such as HIV, pregnancy, childbirth, and child care. Europe relied more on apps, sensors, and wearables for monitoring, with the elderly as the most common patient group, and the most common health issues being cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Conclusion Wearable technology and external sensors are heavily used in Europe, whereas they are seldom used in sub-Saharan Africa. More efforts should be made to use the mHealth system to improve health outcomes in both regions, incorporating more cutting-edge technologies like wearables internal and external sensors. Undertaking context-based studies, identifying determinants of mHealth systems use, and considering these determinants during mHealth system design could enhance mHealth availability and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genet Tadese Aboye
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Martijn Vande Walle
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- M3-BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioreponses), Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Ye J, Orji IA, Baldridge AS, Ojo TM, Shedul G, Ugwuneji EN, Egenti NB, Aluka-Omitiran K, Okoli RCB, Eze H, Nwankwo A, Hirschhorn LR, Chopra A, Ale BM, Shedul GL, Tripathi P, Kandula NR, Huffman MD, Ojji DB. Characteristics and Patterns of Retention in Hypertension Care in Primary Care Settings From the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2230025. [PMID: 36066896 PMCID: PMC9449788 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.30025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 1.2 billion adults worldwide have hypertension. High retention in clinical care is essential for long-term management of hypertension, but 1-year retention rates are less than 50% in many resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVE To evaluate short-term retention rates and associated factors among patients with hypertension in primary health care centers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, data were collected by trained study staff from adults aged 18 years or older at 60 public, primary health care centers in Nigeria between January 2020 and July 2021 as part of the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria (HTN) Program. Patients with hypertension were registered. EXPOSURES Follow-up visit for hypertension care within 37 days of the registration visit. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was the 3-month rolling average 37-day retention rate in hypertension care, calculated by dividing the number of patients who had a follow-up visit within 37 days of their first (ie, registration) visit in the program by the total number of registered patients with hypertension during multiple consecutive 3-month periods. Interrupted time series analyses evaluated trends in retention rates before and after the intervention phase of the HTN Program. Mixed-effects, multivariable regression models evaluated associations between patient-, site-, and area council-level factors, hypertension treatment and control status, and 37-day retention rate. RESULTS In total, 10 686 patients (68.3% female; mean [SD] age, 48.8 [12.7] years) were included in the analysis. During the study period, the 3-month rolling average 37-day retention rate was 41% (95% CI, 37%-46%), with wide variability among sites. The retention rate was higher among patients who were older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.01 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02 per year), were female (aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23), had a higher body mass index (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02), were in the Kuje vs the Abaji area council (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.25-4.04), received hypertension treatment at the registration visit (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07-1.50), and were registered during the postintervention period (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings suggest that retention in hypertension care is suboptimal in primary health care centers in Nigeria, although large variability among sites was found. Potentially modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with retention were identified and may inform multilevel, contextualized implementation strategies to improve retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Ye
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ikechukwu A. Orji
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Tunde M. Ojo
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Grace Shedul
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Eugenia N. Ugwuneji
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nonye B. Egenti
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Helen Eze
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ada Nwankwo
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Aashima Chopra
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Boni M. Ale
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
- Holo Healthcare, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabriel L. Shedul
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Priya Tripathi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Mark D. Huffman
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Dike B. Ojji
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
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15
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Fernández LG, Firima E, Robinson E, Ursprung F, Huber J, Amstutz A, Gupta R, Gerber F, Mokhohlane J, Lejone T, Ayakaka I, Xu H, Labhardt ND. Community-based care models for arterial hypertension management in non-pregnant adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a literature scoping review and framework for designing chronic services. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1126. [PMID: 35658850 PMCID: PMC9167524 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13467-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arterial hypertension (aHT) is the leading cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor in sub-Saharan Africa; it remains, however, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Community-based care services could potentially expand access to aHT diagnosis and treatment in underserved communities. In this scoping review, we catalogued, described, and appraised community-based care models for aHT in sub-Saharan Africa, considering their acceptability, engagement in care and clinical outcomes. Additionally, we developed a framework to design and describe service delivery models for long-term aHT care. Methods We searched relevant references in Embase Elsevier, MEDLINE Ovid, CINAHL EBSCOhost and Scopus. Included studies described models where substantial care occurred outside a formal health facility and reported on acceptability, blood pressure (BP) control, engagement in care, or end-organ damage. We summarized the interventions’ characteristics, effectiveness, and evaluated the quality of included studies. Considering the common integrating elements of aHT care services, we conceptualized a general framework to guide the design of service models for aHT. Results We identified 18,695 records, screened 4,954 and included twelve studies. Four types of aHT care models were identified: services provided at community pharmacies, out-of-facility, household services, and aHT treatment groups. Two studies reported on acceptability, eleven on BP control, ten on engagement in care and one on end-organ damage. Most studies reported significant reductions in BP values and improved access to comprehensive CVDs services through task-sharing. Major reported shortcomings included high attrition rates and their nature as parallel, non-integrated models of care. The overall quality of the studies was low, with high risk of bias, and most of the studies did not include comparisons with routine facility-based care. Conclusions The overall quality of available evidence on community-based aHT care is low. Published models of care are very heterogeneous and available evidence is insufficient to recommend or refute further scale up in sub-Sahara Africa. We propose that future projects and studies implementing and assessing community-based models for aHT care are designed and described according to six building blocks: providers, target groups, components, location, time of service delivery, and their use of information systems. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13467-4.
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16
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Stokes K, Oronti B, Cappuccio FP, Pecchia L. Use of technology to prevent, detect, manage and control hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058840. [PMID: 35383086 PMCID: PMC8984054 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and assess the use of technologies, including mobile health technology, internet of things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI) in hypertension healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies addressing outcomes related to the use of technologies for hypertension healthcare (all points in the healthcare cascade) in SSA. METHODS Databases were searched from inception to 2 August 2021. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were done in duplicate. Data were extracted on study design, setting, technology(s) employed and outcomes. Blood pressure (BP) reduction due to intervention was extracted from a subset of randomised controlled trials. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS 1717 hits were retrieved, 1206 deduplicated studies were screened and 67 full texts were assessed for eligibility. 22 studies were included, all reported on clinical investigations. Two studies were observational, and 20 evaluated technology-based interventions. Outcomes included BP reduction/control, treatment adherence, retention in care, awareness/knowledge of hypertension and completeness of medical records. All studies used mobile technology, three linked with IoT devices. Short Message Service (SMS) was the most popular method of targeting patients (n=6). Moderate BP reduction was achieved in three randomised controlled trials. Patients and healthcare providers reported positive perceptions towards the technologies. No studies using AI were identified. CONCLUSIONS There are a range of successful applications of key enabling technologies in SSA, including BP reduction, increased health knowledge and treatment adherence following targeted mobile technology interventions. There is evidence to support use of mobile technology for hypertension management in SSA. However, current application of technologies is highly heterogeneous and key barriers exist, limiting efficacy and uptake in SSA. More research is needed, addressing objective measures such as BP reduction in robust randomised studies. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020223043.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Stokes
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Busola Oronti
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Francesco P Cappuccio
- Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
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Hoffer-Hawlik M, Moran A, Zerihun L, Usseglio J, Cohn J, Gupta R. Telemedicine interventions for hypertension management in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254222. [PMID: 34242327 PMCID: PMC8270399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension remains the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide and disproportionately impacts patients living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Telemedicine offers a potential solution for improving access to health care for vulnerable patients in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hoffer-Hawlik
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
- Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrew Moran
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
- Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lillian Zerihun
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - John Usseglio
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Cohn
- Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Reena Gupta
- Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Esmaeilzadeh P. The Influence of Gamification and Information Technology Identity on Postadoption Behaviors of Health and Fitness App Users: Empirical Study in the United States. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e28282. [PMID: 34812736 PMCID: PMC8406121 DOI: 10.2196/28282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of health and fitness apps has been on the rise to monitor personal fitness and health parameters. However, recent research discovered that many users discontinue using these apps after only a few months. Gamification has been suggested as a technique to increase users' interactions with apps. Nevertheless, it is still not clear how gamification mechanisms encourage continued use and inspire user self-management. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to articulate how gamification mechanisms in studies of designing and using health and fitness apps can contribute to the realization of information technology (IT) identity and positive behavioral outcomes. The broader goal was to shed light on how gamification mechanisms will translate into positive use behaviors in the context of mobile health apps. METHODS Data were collected from 364 users of health and fitness apps through an online survey to empirically examine the proposed model. RESULTS Based on identity theories, this study suggests the fully mediating role of IT identity to describe how gamification elements can lead to continued intention to use health and fitness apps, and increase users' tendency for information sharing through the apps. The findings indicate that perceived gamification can increase users' IT identity. In turn, a higher IT identity would encourage users to continue using the apps and share more personal health information with others through the apps. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study can have practical implications for app designers to use gamification elements to increase users' dependency, relatedness, and emotional energy associated with health apps. Moreover, the findings can have theoretical contributions for researchers to help better articulate the process in which gamification can be translated into positive use behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouyan Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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19
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Osei E, Nkambule SJ, Vezi PN, Mashamba-Thompson TP. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Mobile-Linked Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11061081. [PMID: 34204848 PMCID: PMC8231511 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11061081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile health devices are emerging applications that could help deliver point-of-care (POC) diagnosis, particularly in settings with limited laboratory infrastructure, such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The advent of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in an increased deployment and use of mHealth-linked POC diagnostics in SSA. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics in SSA. Our systematic review and meta-analysis were guided by the Preferred Reporting Items requirements for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We exhaustively searched PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and CINAHL with full text via EBSCOhost databases, from mHealth inception to March 2021. The statistical analyses were conducted using OpenMeta-Analyst software. All 11 included studies were considered for the meta-analysis. The included studies focused on malaria infections, Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths, and Trichuris trichiura. The pooled summary of sensitivity and specificity estimates were moderate compared to those of the reference representing the gold standard. The overall pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio of mobile-linked POC diagnostic devices were as follows: 0.499 (95% CI: 0.458–0.541), 0.535 (95% CI: 0.401–0.663), 0.952 (95% CI: 0.60–1.324), 1.381 (95% CI: 0.391–4.879), and 0.944 (95% CI: 0.579–1.538), respectively. Evidence shows that the diagnostic accuracy of mobile-linked POC diagnostics in detecting infections in SSA is presently moderate. Future research is recommended to evaluate mHealth devices’ diagnostic potential using devices with excellent sensitivities and specificities for diagnosing diseases in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Osei
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (S.J.N.); (P.N.V.); (T.P.M.-T.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +233-242-012-953
| | - Sphamandla Josias Nkambule
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (S.J.N.); (P.N.V.); (T.P.M.-T.)
| | - Portia Nelisiwe Vezi
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (S.J.N.); (P.N.V.); (T.P.M.-T.)
| | - Tivani P. Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (S.J.N.); (P.N.V.); (T.P.M.-T.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Prinshof Campus, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
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20
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Lagisetty P, Smith A, Antoku D, Winter S, Smith M, Jannausch M, Mi Choe H, Bohnert ASB, Heisler M. A physician-pharmacist collaborative care model to prevent opioid misuse. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 77:771-780. [PMID: 32315401 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical pharmacists in primary care clinics can potentially help manage chronic pain and opioid prescriptions by providing services similar to those provided within their scope of practice to patients with diabetes and hypertension. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a pharmacist-physician collaborative care model for patients with chronic pain. METHODS The program consisted of an in-person pharmacist consultation and optional follow-up visits over 4 months in 2 primary care practices. Eligible patients had chronic pain and a long-term prescription for opioids or buprenorphine or were referred by their primary care physician (PCP). Pharmacist recommendations were communicated to PCPs via the electronic medical record (EMR) and direct communication. Mixed-methods evaluation included baseline and follow-up surveys with patients, EMR review of opioid-related clinical encounters, and provider interviews. RESULTS Between January and October 2018, 47 of the 182 eligible patients enrolled, with 46 completing all follow-up; 43 patients (91%) had received opioids over the past 6 months. The pharmacist recommended adding or switching to a nonopioid pain medication for 30 patients, switching to buprenorphine for pain and complex persistent opioid dependence for 20 patients, and tapering opioids for 3 patients. All physicians found the intervention acceptable but wanted more guidance on prescribing buprenorphine for pain. Most patients found the intervention helpful, but some reported a lack of physician follow-up on recommended changes. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that comanagement of patients with chronic pain is feasible and acceptable. Policy changes to increase pharmacists' authority to prescribe may increase physician willingness and confidence to carry out opioid tapers and prescribe buprenorphine for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Lagisetty
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Alex Smith
- University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Derek Antoku
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Suzanne Winter
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Michael Smith
- University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mary Jannausch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Hae Mi Choe
- University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, and Institute for Health Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Michele Heisler
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
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21
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Osei E, Mashamba-Thompson TP. Mobile health applications for disease screening and treatment support in low-and middle-income countries: A narrative review. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06639. [PMID: 33869857 PMCID: PMC8035664 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The advances in mobile technologies and applications are driving the transformation in health services delivery globally. Mobile phone penetration is increasing exponentially in low-and middle-income countries, hence using mobile phones for healthcare services could reach more people in resource-limited settings than the traditional forms of healthcare provision. The review presents recent literature on facilitators and barriers of implementing mHealth for disease screening and treatment support in low-and middle-income countries. We searched for relevant literature from the following electronic databases: MEDLINE; CINAHL with full text via EBSCOhost; Science Direct; PubMed; Google Scholar and Web of Science using the keywords for relevant studies. We searched for published studies from 2015 to August 2020 with no language limitations. A total of 721 articles identified, 125 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The review demonstrates relevant facilitators for the implementation of mHealth, which includes knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of stakeholders on the use of mHealth and the performance of mHealth for disease diagnosis in low and-middle-income countries. Barriers and challenges hindering the implementation of mHealth applications were also identified. We proposed a framework for improving the implementation of mHealth for disease screening and treatment support in low-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Osei
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tivani P. Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Prinshof Campus, Pretoria, South Africa
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22
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Mapping evidence of mobile health technologies for disease diagnosis and treatment support by health workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2021; 21:11. [PMID: 33407438 PMCID: PMC7789784 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid growth of mobile technology has given rise to the development of mobile health (mHealth) applications aimed at treating and preventing a wide range of health conditions. However, evidence on the use of mHealth in high disease burdened settings such as sub-Sharan Africa is not clear. Given this, we systematically mapped evidence on mHealth for disease diagnosis and treatment support by health workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We conducted a scoping review study guided by the Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, Levac et al. recommendations, and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. We thoroughly searched the following databases: MEDLINE and CINAHL with full text via EBSCOhost; PubMed; Science Direct and Google Scholar for relevant articles from the inception of mHealth technology to April 2020. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-text articles using the eligibility criteria as reference. This study employed the mixed methods appraisal tool version 2018 to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Results Out of the 798 articles identified, only 12 published articles presented evidence on the availability and use of mHealth for disease diagnosis and treatment support by health workers in SSA since 2010. Of the 12 studies, four studies were conducted in Kenya; two in Malawi; two in Nigeria; one in South Africa; one in Zimbabwe; one in Mozambique, and one in Lesotho. Out of the 12 studies, one reported the use of mHealth for diseases diagnosis; three reported the use of mHealth to manage HIV; two on the management of HIV/TB; two on the treatment of malaria; one each on the management of hypertension; cervical cancer; and three were not specific on any disease condition. All the 12 included studies underwent methodological quality appraisal with a scored between 70 and 100%. Conclusions The study shows that there is limited research on the availability and use of mHealth by health workers for disease diagnosis and treatment support in sub-Saharan Africa. We, therefore, recommend primary studies focusing on the use of mHealth by health workers for disease diagnosis and treatment support in sub-Saharan Africa.
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23
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Mercer T, Nulu S, Vedanthan R. Innovative Implementation Strategies for Hypertension Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: a Narrative Review. Curr Hypertens Rep 2020; 22:39. [PMID: 32405820 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-020-01045-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the most recent and innovative implementation strategies for hypertension control in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). RECENT FINDINGS Implementation strategies from Latin America, Africa, and Asia were organized across three levels: community, health system, and policy/population. Multicomponent interventions involving task-shifting strategies, with or without mobile health tools, had the most supporting evidence, with policy or population-level interventions having the least, focused only on salt reduction with mixed results. More research is needed to better understand how context affects intervention implementation. There is an emerging evidence base for implementation strategies for hypertension control and CVD risk reduction in LMICs at the community and health system levels, but further research is needed to determine the most effective policy and population-level strategies. How to best account for local context in adapting and implementing these evidence-based interventions in LMICs still remains largely unknown. Accelerating the translation of this implementation research into policy and practice is imperative to improve health and save lives globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Mercer
- Department of Population Health, Division of Global Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, 1601 Trinity St., Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Shanti Nulu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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24
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Crowe SJ, Karwa R, Schellhase EM, Miller ML, Abrons JP, Alsharif NZ, Andrade C, Cope RJ, Dornblaser EK, Hachey D, Holm MR, Jonkman L, Lukas S, Malhotra JV, Njuguna B, Pekny CR, Prescott GM, Ryan M, Steeb DR, Tran DN. American College of Clinical Pharmacy Global Health Practice and Research Network's opinion paper: Pillars for global health engagement and key engagement strategies for pharmacists. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susie J. Crowe
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy; East Tennessee State University; Johnson City Tennessee USA
| | - Rakhi Karwa
- College of Pharmacy; Purdue University; West Lafayette Indiana USA
| | | | - Monica L. Miller
- College of Pharmacy; Purdue University; West Lafayette Indiana USA
| | | | - Naser Z. Alsharif
- School of Pharmacy and Health Professions; Creighton University; Omaha Nebraska USA
| | | | - Rebecca J. Cope
- The Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Long Island University; Brooklyn New York USA
| | | | - David Hachey
- Department of Family Medicine; Idaho State University; Pocatello Idaho USA
| | | | - Lauren Jonkman
- School of Pharmacy; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | | | - Jodie V. Malhotra
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado; Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Benson Njuguna
- Department of Pharmacy; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital; Eldoret Kenya
- Department of Cardiology; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital; Eldoret Kenya
| | - Chelsea R. Pekny
- College of Pharmacy; The Ohio State University; Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Gina M. Prescott
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; The University at Buffalo; Buffalo New York USA
| | - Melody Ryan
- University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy; Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - David R. Steeb
- Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy; The University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Dan N. Tran
- College of Pharmacy; Purdue University; West Lafayette Indiana USA
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Hallberg D, Salimi N. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Definitions of e-Health and m-Health. Healthc Inform Res 2020; 26:119-128. [PMID: 32547809 PMCID: PMC7278507 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2020.26.2.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Skills to employ nursing informatics to promote the health of individuals is of such importance that it is considered a core competence. Although investments are made to increase the use of e-health, there is no full understanding of the usability of e-health for healthcare. This paper presents a current picture of how e-health and m-health are defined and used as well as the effects their usage may have on the intended target group. Methods Peer-reviewed open-access papers and grey literature that define e-health and m-health from PubMed, SpringerLink, and Google.com were randomized. A mixed method design with an inductive approach was employed. Open-source software were used for analysis. Results The overview includes 30 definitions of e-health and m-health, respectively. The definitions were thematised into 14 narrative themes. The results of the study, and primarily a three-level model, provide an understanding of how different types of e-health and m-health can be put into practice, and the effects or consequences of using them, which may be either positive or negative. Conclusions Mobility and flexibility is important for both m-health and e-health. Five keywords that characterize the definitions of e-health and m-health are "health", "mobile", "use", "information", and "technology". E-health or m-health cannot replace human actors because e-health and m-health consist of social and material interactions. Using e-health and m-health is, thus, about developing healthcare without compromising native relics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hallberg
- Department of Communication, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.,EitiCol Networks, Jönköping, Sweden
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26
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Opportunities to Leverage Telehealth Approaches Along the Hypertension Control Cascade in Sub-Saharan Africa. Curr Hypertens Rep 2019; 21:75. [PMID: 31451940 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-019-0983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the current literature on use of telehealth at different stages of the hypertension control cascade in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and to discuss opportunities to harness technology infrastructure in SSA to improve population-level blood pressure control. RECENT FINDINGS Despite the high burden of hypertension in SAA, strategies to improve awareness, diagnosis, and management are inadequate. In high-income countries, telehealth has increased patient access to high-quality care at reduced costs. Notwithstanding the limited evidence on the use of telehealth at the different stages of the hypertension control cascade in SSA, the few published interventions in this review reported reduction of blood pressure and increase in the proportion of individuals with controlled blood pressure. Telehealth use across the hypertension control cascade in SSA is promising. These under-resourced settings provide opportunity to better understand the demand for these interventions in order to achieve meaningful clinical outcomes.
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27
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Anand TN, Joseph LM, Geetha AV, Prabhakaran D, Jeemon P. Task sharing with non-physician health-care workers for management of blood pressure in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2019; 7:e761-e771. [PMID: 31097278 PMCID: PMC6527522 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Task sharing for the management of hypertension could be useful for understaffed and resource-poor health systems. We assessed the effectiveness of task-sharing interventions in improving blood pressure control among adults in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published up to December 2018. We included intervention studies involving a task-sharing strategy for management of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. We extracted data on population, interventions, blood pressure, and task sharing groups. We did a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. FINDINGS We found 3012 references, of which 54 met the inclusion criteria initially. Another nine studies were included following an updated search. There were 43 trials and 20 before-and-after studies. We included 31 studies in our meta-analysis. Systolic blood pressure was decreased through task sharing in different groups of health-care workers: the mean difference was -5·34 mm Hg (95% CI -9·00 to -1·67, I2=84%) for task sharing with nurses, -8·12 mm Hg (-10·23 to -6·01, I2=57%) for pharmacists, -4·67 mm Hg (-7·09 to -2·24, I2=0%) for dietitians, -3·67 mm Hg (-4·58 to -2·77, I2=24%) for community health workers, and -4·85 mm Hg (-6·12 to -3·57, I2=76%) overall. We found a similar reduction in diastolic blood pressure (overall mean difference -2·92 mm Hg, -3·75 to -2·09, I2=80%). The overall quality of evidence based on GRADE criteria was moderate for systolic blood pressure, but low for diastolic blood pressure. INTERPRETATION Task-sharing interventions are effective in reducing blood pressure. Long-term studies are needed to understand their potential impact on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. FUNDING Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Anand
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India
| | | | - A V Geetha
- Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Dorairaj Prabhakaran
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
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