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Iroz CB, Ramaswamy R, Bhutta ZA, Barach P. Quality improvement in public-private partnerships in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:332. [PMID: 38481226 PMCID: PMC10935959 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10802-w] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public-private partnerships (PPP) are often how health improvement programs are implemented in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We therefore aimed to systematically review the literature about the aim and impacts of quality improvement (QI) approaches in PPP in LMICs. METHODS We searched SCOPUS and grey literature for studies published before March 2022. One reviewer screened abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion. The study characteristics, setting, design, outcomes, and lessons learned were abstracted using a standard tool and reviewed in detail by a second author. RESULTS We identified 9,457 citations, of which 144 met the inclusion criteria and underwent full-text abstraction. We identified five key themes for successful QI projects in LMICs: 1) leadership support and alignment with overarching priorities, 2) local ownership and engagement of frontline teams, 3) shared authentic learning across teams, 4) resilience in managing external challenges, and 5) robust data and data visualization to track progress. We found great heterogeneity in QI tools, study designs, participants, and outcome measures. Most studies had diffuse aims and poor descriptions of the intervention components and their follow-up. Few papers formally reported on actual deployment of private-sector capital, and either provided insufficient information or did not follow the formal PPP model, which involves capital investment for a explicit return on investment. Few studies discussed the response to their findings and the organizational willingness to change. CONCLUSIONS Many of the same factors that impact the success of QI in healthcare in high-income countries are relevant for PPP in LMICs. Vague descriptions of the structure and financial arrangements of the PPPs, and the roles of public and private entities made it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions about the impacts of the organizational governance on the outcomes of QI programs in LMICs. While we found many articles in the published literature on PPP-funded QI partnerships in LMICs, there is a dire need for research that more clearly describes the intervention details, implementation challenges, contextual factors, leadership and organizational structures. These details are needed to better align incentives to support the kinds of collaboration needed for guiding accountability in advancing global health. More ownership and power needs to be shifted to local leaders and researchers to improve research equity and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra B Iroz
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Rohit Ramaswamy
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Global Health & Development, The Aga Khan University, South Central Asia, East Africa, UK
| | - Paul Barach
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Imperial College, London, UK
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Ochalek J, Gibbs NK, Faria R, Darlong J, Govindasamy K, Harden M, Meka A, Shrestha D, Napit IB, Lilford RJ, Sculpher M. Economic evaluation of self-help group interventions for health in LMICs: a scoping review. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:1033-1049. [PMID: 37599510 PMCID: PMC10566324 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This scoping review aims to identify and critically appraise published economic evaluations of self-help group (SHG) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that seek to improve health and potentially also non-health outcomes. Through a systematic search of MEDLINE ALL (Ovid), EMBASE Ovid, PsychINFO, EconLit (Ovid) and Global Index Medicus, we identified studies published between 2014 and 2020 that were based in LMICs, included at least a health outcome, estimated intervention costs and reported the methods used. We critically analysed whether the methods employed can meaningfully inform decisions by ministries of health and other sectors, including donors, regarding whether to fund such interventions, and prioritized the aspects of evaluations that support decision-making and cross-sectoral decision-making especially. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials were the most commonly used vehicle to collect data and to establish a causal effect across studies. While all studies clearly stated one or more perspectives justifying the costs and effects that are reported, few papers clearly laid out the decision context or the decision maker(s) informed by the study. The latter is required to inform which costs, effects and opportunity costs are relevant to the decision and should be included in the analysis. Costs were typically reported from the provider or health-care sector perspective although other perspectives were also employed. Four papers reported outcomes in terms of a generic measure of health. Contrary to expectation, no studies reported outcomes beyond health. Our findings suggest limitations in the extent to which published studies are able to inform decision makers around the value of implementing SHG interventions in their particular context. Funders can make better informed decisions when evidence is presented using a cross-sectoral framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ochalek
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi K Gibbs
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Faria
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Joydeepa Darlong
- Research, The Leprosy Mission Trust India, New Delhi 110001, India
| | | | - Melissa Harden
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Meka
- Programs Department, RedAid Nigeria, Enugu 400102, Nigeria
| | - Dilip Shrestha
- Anandaban Hospital, The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Kathmandu Post Box No-151, Nepal
| | - Indra Bahadur Napit
- Anandaban Hospital, The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Kathmandu Post Box No-151, Nepal
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Sculpher
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Ojha A, Gope R, Rath S, Pradhan H, Rath S, Kumar A, Nath V, Basu P, Copas A, Houweling TAJ, Minz A, Baskey P, Ahmed M, Chakravarthy V, Mahanta R, Palmer T, Skordis J, Nair N, Tripathy P, Prost A. Economic evaluation of participatory women's groups scaled up by the public health system to improve birth outcomes in Jharkhand, eastern India. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001128. [PMID: 37384595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
An estimated 2.4 million newborn infants died in 2020, 80% of them in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. To achieve the Sustainable Development Target for neonatal mortality reduction, countries with high mortality need to implement evidence-based, cost-effective interventions at scale. Our study aimed to estimate the cost, cost-effectiveness, and benefit-cost ratio of a participatory women's groups intervention scaled up by the public health system in Jharkhand, eastern India. The intervention was evaluated through a pragmatic cluster non-randomised controlled trial in six districts. We estimated the cost of the intervention at scale from a provider perspective, with a 42-month time horizon for 20 districts. We estimated costs using a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches. All costs were adjusted for inflation, discounted at 3% per year, and converted to 2020 International Dollars (INT$). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated using extrapolated effect sizes for the impact of the intervention in 20 districts, in terms of cost per neonatal deaths averted and cost per life year saved. We assessed the impact of uncertainty on results through one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. We also estimated benefit-cost ratio using a benefit transfer approach. Total intervention costs for 20 districts were INT$ 15,017,396. The intervention covered an estimated 1.6 million livebirths across 20 districts, translating to INT$ 9.4 per livebirth covered. ICERs were estimated at INT$ 1,272 per neonatal death averted or INT$ 41 per life year saved. Net benefit estimates ranged from INT$ 1,046 million to INT$ 3,254 million, and benefit-cost ratios from 71 to 218. Our study suggests that participatory women's groups scaled up by the Indian public health system were highly cost-effective in improving neonatal survival and had a very favourable return on investment. The intervention can be scaled up in similar settings within India and other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Ojha
- Ekjut, Chakradharpur, Jharkhand, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew Copas
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tanja A J Houweling
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Akay Minz
- National Health Mission, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | | | - Manir Ahmed
- National Health Mission, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | | | | | - Tom Palmer
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jolene Skordis
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Audrey Prost
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Siwach G, Paul S, de Hoop T. Economies of scale of large-scale international development interventions: Evidence from self-help groups in India. WORLD DEVELOPMENT 2022; 153:105839. [PMID: 35506062 PMCID: PMC8935381 DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.105839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Livelihoods and microfinance programs for women often show reduced impacts after scale-up. Yet, program scale-up may reduce average per capita costs and maintain cost-effectiveness despite lower impact. This paper presents evidence on the association between program scale, costs, and cost-effectiveness by analyzing how the costs of a large-scale Self-Help Group (SHG) program in India changed from its inception in 2007 to its scale-up in 2019. We use expenditure data from program's audit statements of Jeevika - the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society - and find that a 1% increase in program membership was associated with a 0.6% increase in annual program expenditures, indicating large economies of scale. Predicted costs from regressions suggest that the annual per capita program expenditures declined from $29 when the program covered 100,000 members to $5 when it reached 10 million members. Previous impact evaluations of Jeevika showed sizeable but smaller substitutions away from high-cost debt after scale-up than during the pilot, but we found that economies of scale led to similar cost-effectiveness ratios for this outcome. We also found that formation of higher-level federations is associated with lower marginal costs than setting up SHGs. However, previous evidence suggests that Jeevika did not generate average impacts on women's agency and asset ownership after scale-up. Building on a rich history of research on Jeevika, we argue that program implementers must identify key success factors in pilot programs to minimize tradeoffs between cost savings and potentially reduced impacts after scale-up. Further, we suggest investments in linking SHGs to federations to improve the cost-effectiveness of SHGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Siwach
- Senior Economist, American Institutes for Research, 4700 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78749, United States
| | - Sohini Paul
- Senior Program Officer, Population Council, United States
| | - Thomas de Hoop
- Principal Economist, American Institutes for Research, United States
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5
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Nagi MA, Dewi PEN, Thavorncharoensap M, Sangroongruangsri S. A Systematic Review on Economic Evaluation Studies of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions in the Middle East and North Africa. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2022; 20:315-335. [PMID: 34931297 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-021-00703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to the increase in healthcare budget constraint, economic evaluation (EE) evidence is increasingly required to inform resource allocation decisions. This study aimed to systematically review quantity, characteristics, and quality of full EE studies on diagnostic and therapeutic interventions conducted in 26 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. METHODS PubMed and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched to identify the published EE studies in the MENA region. The quality of reviewed studies was evaluated using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. RESULTS The search identified 69 studies. The cost-utility approach was adopted in 49 studies (71 %). More than half (38 studies; 55 %) were conducted in Iran and Turkey. Sixteen countries (62 %) did not have any EE studies. The most frequently analyzed therapeutic areas were infectious diseases (19 studies; 28 %), cardiovascular diseases (11 studies; 16 %), and malignancies (10 studies; 14 %). Ten studies (14 %), 46 (67 %), 12 (17 %), and 1 study (1 %) were classified as excellent, high, moderate, and poor quality, respectively. The mean of items reported was 85.10 % (standard deviation 13.32 %). Characterizing heterogeneity, measurement of effectiveness, time horizon, and discount rate were missed in 21 (60 %), 22 (32 %), 20 (29 %) and 15 (25 %) studies, respectively. Data on effectiveness and utility relied primarily on studies conducted outside the region. CONCLUSIONS The quantity of EE studies in the MENA region remains low; however, overall quality is high to excellent. The availability of local data, capacity building, and national guidelines are vital to improve both the quantity and quality of EE studies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouaddh Abdulmalik Nagi
- Doctor of Philosophy Program in Social, Economic, and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aljanad University for Science and Technology, Taiz, Yemen.
| | - Pramitha Esha Nirmala Dewi
- Doctor of Philosophy Program in Social, Economic, and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacy Profession, Faculty of Medicine and health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Montarat Thavorncharoensap
- Social and Administrative Pharmacy Excellence Research (SAPER) Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Sermsiri Sangroongruangsri
- Social and Administrative Pharmacy Division, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Incze A, Kaló Z, Espín J, Kiss É, Kessabi S, Garrison LP. Assessing the Consequences of External Reference Pricing for Global Access to Medicines and Innovation: Economic Analysis and Policy Implications. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:815029. [PMID: 35462921 PMCID: PMC9019924 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.815029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: External reference pricing (ERP) is used to set pharmaceutical prices to improve affordability, but its application may have negative consequences on patient access—thus, equity—across countries and on global innovation. With the United States contemplating ERP, negative effects could be magnified. Our aim: identify and quantify some major consequences of ERP. Research design, methods: Besides relying on databases and ERP modelling, we developed a heart failure case study. 4-step approach: 1) review ERP policies; 2) establish worldwide “price corridor”; 3) quantify patient access and health outcomes impact by ERP; 4) estimate ERP impact on innovation. Results: Our ERP referencing analysis highlights its perverse effects especially in lower-income countries. As counterstrategies to protect their revenues, manufacturers often implement tight list price corridors or launch avoidance/delays. Consequences include suboptimal patient access—hence, worse outcomes—illustrated by our case study: 500,000 + QALYs health loss. Additionally, the ensuing revenue reduction would likely cause innovation loss by one additional medicine that would have benefitted future patients. Conclusion: This research provides key insights on potential unintentional consequences of medicine price setting by ERP worldwide and under a new proposal for the United States. Our results can inform stakeholder discussions to improve patient access to innovative medicines globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Incze
- Department of Healthcare Management, Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, Loerrach, Germany.,Akceso Advisors AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Kaló
- Center for Health Technology Assessment, Semmelweis University/Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary.,Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jaime Espín
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
| | - Éva Kiss
- Akceso Advisors AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Louis P Garrison
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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7
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King C, Burgess RA, Bakare AA, Shittu F, Salako J, Bakare D, Uchendu OC, Iuliano A, Isah A, Adams O, Haruna I, Magama A, Ahmed T, Ahmar S, Cassar C, Valentine P, Olowookere TF, MacCalla M, Graham HR, McCollum ED, Falade AG, Colbourn T. Integrated Sustainable childhood Pneumonia and Infectious disease Reduction in Nigeria (INSPIRING) through whole system strengthening in Jigawa, Nigeria: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:95. [PMID: 35101109 PMCID: PMC8802253 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child mortality remains unacceptably high, with Northern Nigeria reporting some of the highest rates globally (e.g. 192/1000 live births in Jigawa State). Coverage of key protect and prevent interventions, such as vaccination and clean cooking fuel use, is low. Additionally, knowledge, care-seeking and health system factors are poor. Therefore, a whole systems approach is needed for sustainable reductions in child mortality. METHODS This is a cluster randomised controlled trial, with integrated process and economic evaluations, conducted from January 2021 to September 2022. The trial will be conducted in Kiyawa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria, with an estimated population of 230,000. Clusters are defined as primary government health facility catchment areas (n = 33). The 33 clusters will be randomly allocated (1:1) in a public ceremony, and 32 clusters included in the impact evaluation. The trial will evaluate a locally adapted 'whole systems strengthening' package of three evidence-based methods: community men's and women's groups, Partnership Defined Quality Scorecard and healthcare worker training, mentorship and provision of basic essential equipment and commodities. The primary outcome is mortality of children aged 7 days to 59 months. Mortality will be recorded prospectively using a cohort design, and secondary outcomes measured through baseline and endline cross-sectional surveys. Assuming the following, we will have a minimum detectable effect size of 30%: (a) baseline mortality of 100 per 1000 livebirths, (b) 4480 compounds with 3 eligible children per compound, (c) 80% power, (d) 5% significance, (e) intra-cluster correlation of 0.007 and (f) coefficient of variance of cluster size of 0.74. Analysis will be by intention-to-treat, comparing intervention and control clusters, adjusting for compound and trial clustering. DISCUSSION This study will provide robust evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community-based participatory learning and action, with integrated health system strengthening and accountability mechanisms, to reduce child mortality. The ethnographic process evaluation will allow for a rich understanding of how the intervention works in this context. However, we encountered a key challenge in calculating the sample size, given the lack of timely and reliable mortality data and the uncertain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 39213655 . Registered on 11 December 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina King
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Ayobami A Bakare
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Funmilayo Shittu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Julius Salako
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Damola Bakare
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Obioma C Uchendu
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Agnese Iuliano
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adamu Isah
- Save the Children International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Osebi Adams
- Save the Children International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hamish R Graham
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for International Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric D McCollum
- Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Adegoke G Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Wastnedge E, Waters D, Murray SR, McGowan B, Chipeta E, Nyondo-Mipando AL, Gadama L, Gadama G, Masamba M, Malata M, Taulo F, Dube Q, Kawaza K, Khomani PM, Whyte S, Crampin M, Freyne B, Norman JE, Reynolds RM. Interventions to reduce preterm birth and stillbirth, and improve outcomes for babies born preterm in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04050. [PMID: 35003711 PMCID: PMC8709903 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing preterm birth and stillbirth and improving outcomes for babies born too soon is essential to reduce under-5 mortality globally. In the context of a rapidly evolving evidence base and problems with extrapolating efficacy data from high- to low-income settings, an assessment of the evidence for maternal and newborn interventions specific to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is required. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was done. We included all studies performed in LMICs since the Every Newborn Action Plan, between 2013 - 2018, which reported on interventions where the outcome assessed was reduction in preterm birth or stillbirth incidence and/or a reduction in preterm infant neonatal mortality. Evidence was categorised according to maternal or neonatal intervention groups and a narrative synthesis conducted. RESULTS 179 studies (147 primary evidence studies and 32 systematic reviews) were identified in 82 LMICs. 81 studies reported on maternal interventions and 98 reported on neonatal interventions. Interventions in pregnant mothers which resulted in significant reductions in preterm birth and stillbirth were (i) multiple micronutrient supplementation and (ii) enhanced quality of antenatal care. Routine antenatal ultrasound in LMICs increased identification of fetal antenatal conditions but did not reduce stillbirth or preterm birth due to the absence of services to manage these diagnoses. Interventions in pre-term neonates which improved their survival included (i) feeding support including probiotics and (ii) thermal regulation. Improved provision of neonatal resuscitation did not improve pre-term mortality rates, highlighting the importance of post-resuscitation care. Community mobilisation, for example through community education packages, was found to be an effective way of delivering interventions. CONCLUSIONS Evidence supports the implementation of several low-cost interventions with the potential to deliver reductions in preterm birth and stillbirth and improve outcomes for preterm babies in LMICs. These, however, must be complemented by overall health systems strengthening to be effective. Quality improvement methodology and learning health systems approaches can provide important means of understanding and tackling implementation challenges within local contexts. Further pragmatic efficacy trials of interventions in LMICs are essential, particularly for interventions not previously tested in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Wastnedge
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Donald Waters
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah R Murray
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian McGowan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Effie Chipeta
- Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems & Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Luis Gadama
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gladys Gadama
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Martha Masamba
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Monica Malata
- Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Frank Taulo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Queen Dube
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kondwani Kawaza
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Sonia Whyte
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mia Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bridget Freyne
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Program, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jane E Norman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Sato R, Haraguchi M. Effect of measles prevalence and vaccination coverage on other disease burden: evidence of measles immune amnesia in 46 African countries. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5361-5366. [PMID: 34965183 PMCID: PMC8903944 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2013078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measles is highly infectious that leads to a high disease burden among the vulnerable population, especially in developing countries, despite the availability of highly effective measles vaccine. Immune amnesia, the resetting of the immune systems of infected patients, has been observed in developed countries. This paper is the first to use various African countries to evaluate the extent of immune amnesia. METHODS We used two panel datasets from 46 African countries between 1990 and 2018 among children, one is the disease prevalence from Global Burden of Disease, and another is on the measles vaccination coverage from WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form. We used panel regression to estimate the effect of measles prevalence or measles vaccination coverage on other disease prevalence (diarrhea, lower respiratory infection, malaria, meningitis, and tuberculosis). RESULTS We found the strong evidence that the increase in the measles prevalence led to an increase in other disease prevalence and mortality. We also found that the increase in the measles vaccination coverage decreased the prevalence of and the mortality due to other diseases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Measles vaccination can have a large impact on children's health because not only does it reduce the prevalence of measles cases and deaths but also could it potentially reduce the prevalence of and deaths due to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoko Sato
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,CONTACT Ryoko Sato Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Masahiko Haraguchi
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan
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10
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Beck D, Veliz PT, Munro-Kramer M, Boyd C, Sakala I, Chiboola N, Lori J. Exploring change over time in community mobilization domains: results from a maternity waiting home intervention in rural Zambia. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:228. [PMID: 34666762 PMCID: PMC8524969 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community mobilization (CM) is recommended as a best practice intervention for low resource settings to reduce maternal mortality. Measurement of process outcomes are lacking and little is known about how CM impacts individuals or how community members perceive its function. Given the complex and recursive nature of CM interventions, research that describes the CM process at multiple levels is needed. This study examines change in CM domains at baseline and endline in rural Zambia. METHODS This secondary analysis uses data from a large maternity waiting homes intervention in rural Zambia that employed CM over 3 years as part of a package of interventions. A 19-item CM survey was collected from three groups (women with babies < 1, health workers, community members; n = 1202) with focus groups (n = 76) at two timepoints from ten intervention and ten comparison sites. Factor analysis refined factors used to assess temporal change through multivariable regression. Independent covariates included time (baseline vs endline), intervention vs comparison site, group (women with babies, healthworkers, community members), and demographic variables. Interaction effects were checked for time and group for each factor. RESULTS Final analyses included 1202 individuals from two districts in Zambia. Factor analysis maintained domains of governance, collective efficacy, self-efficacy, and power in relationships. CM domains of self-efficacy, power in relationships, and governance showed significant change over time in multivariable models. All increases in the self-efficacy factor were isolated within intervention communities (b = 0.34, p < 0.001) at endline. Between groups comparison showed the women with babies groups consistently had lower factor scores than the healthworkers or community member groups. CONCLUSIONS Community mobilization interventions increase participation in communities to address health as a human right as called for in the 1978 Alma Ata Declaration. Grounded in empowerment, CM addresses socially prescribed power imbalances and health equity through a capacity building approach. These data reflect CM interventions function and have impact in different ways for different groups within the same community. Engaging directly with marginalized groups, using the community action cycle, and simultaneous quality improvement at the facility level may increase benefit for all groups, yet requires further testing in rural Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Isaac Sakala
- Africare/Zambia, Flat A, Plot 2407/10 MBX, Off Twin Palm Road, Ibex Hill, Box 33291, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nchimunya Chiboola
- Africare/Zambia, Flat A, Plot 2407/10 MBX, Off Twin Palm Road, Ibex Hill, Box 33291, Lusaka, Zambia
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11
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Pulkki-Brännström AM, Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Batura N, Colbourn T, Azad K, Banda F, Banda L, Borghi J, Fottrell E, Kim S, Makwenda C, Ojha AK, Prost A, Rosato M, Shaha SK, Sinha R, Costello A, Skordis J. Participatory learning and action cycles with women's groups to prevent neonatal death in low-resource settings: A multi-country comparison of cost-effectiveness and affordability. Health Policy Plan 2021; 35:1280-1289. [PMID: 33085753 PMCID: PMC7886438 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
WHO recommends participatory learning and action cycles with women's groups as a cost-effective strategy to reduce neonatal deaths. Coverage is a determinant of intervention effectiveness, but little is known about why cost-effectiveness estimates vary significantly. This article reanalyses primary cost data from six trials in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Malawi to describe resource use, explore reasons for differences in costs and cost-effectiveness ratios, and model the cost of scale-up. Primary cost data were collated, and costing methods harmonized. Effectiveness was extracted from a meta-analysis and converted to neonatal life-years saved. Cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated from the provider perspective compared with current practice. Associations between unit costs and cost-effectiveness ratios with coverage, scale and intensity were explored. Scale-up costs and outcomes were modelled using local unit costs and the meta-analysis effect estimate for neonatal mortality. Results were expressed in 2016 international dollars. The average cost was $203 (range: $61-$537) per live birth. Start-up costs were large, and spending on staff was the main cost component. The cost per neonatal life-year saved ranged from $135 to $1627. The intervention was highly cost-effective when using income-based thresholds. Variation in cost-effectiveness across trials was strongly correlated with costs. Removing discounting of costs and life-years substantially reduced all cost-effectiveness ratios. The cost of rolling out the intervention to rural populations ranges from 1.2% to 6.3% of government health expenditure in the four countries. Our analyses demonstrate the challenges faced by economic evaluations of community-based interventions evaluated using a cluster randomized controlled trial design. Our results confirm that women's groups are a cost-effective and potentially affordable strategy for improving birth outcomes among rural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni-Maria Pulkki-Brännström
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå S-901 87, Sweden.,UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hassan Haghparast-Bidgoli
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Neha Batura
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Tim Colbourn
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Kishwar Azad
- Perinatal Care Project, Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, 122 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Lumbani Banda
- Parent and Child Health Initiative (PACHI), Area 14 Plot 171, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Josephine Borghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Edward Fottrell
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sungwook Kim
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Charles Makwenda
- Parent and Child Health Initiative (PACHI), Area 14 Plot 171, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Amit Kumar Ojha
- Ekjut, Plot no. - 556B, Potka Chakradharpur, West Singhbhum, Pin - 833102, Jharkhand, India
| | - Audrey Prost
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mikey Rosato
- Women and Children First (UK), United House, North Road, London, N7 9DP, UK
| | - Sanjit Kumer Shaha
- Perinatal Care Project, Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, 122 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Rajesh Sinha
- Ekjut, Plot no. - 556B, Potka Chakradharpur, West Singhbhum, Pin - 833102, Jharkhand, India
| | - Anthony Costello
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jolene Skordis
- UCL Institute for Global Health, UCL (University College London), 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
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12
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Jordi E, Pley C, Jowett M, Abou Jaoude GJ, Haghparast-Bidgoli H. Assessing the efficiency of countries in making progress towards universal health coverage: a data envelopment analysis of 172 countries. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002992. [PMID: 33115858 PMCID: PMC7594203 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maximising efficiency of resources is critical to progressing towards universal health coverage (UHC) and the sustainable development goal (SDG) for health. This study estimates the technical efficiency of national health spending in progressing towards UHC, and the environmental factors associated with efficient UHC service provision. Methods A two-stage efficiency analysis using Simar and Wilson’s double bootstrap data envelopment analysis investigates how efficiently countries convert health spending into UHC outputs (measured by service coverage and financial risk protection) for 172 countries. We use World Bank and WHO data from 2015. Thereafter, the environmental factors associated with efficient progress towards UHC goals are identified. Results The mean bias-corrected technical efficiency score across 172 countries is 85.7% (68.9% for low-income and 95.5% for high-income countries). High-achieving middle-income and low-income countries such as El Salvador, Colombia, Rwanda and Malawi demonstrate that peer-relative efficiency can be attained at all incomes. Governance capacity, income and education are significantly associated with efficiency. Sensitivity analysis suggests that results are robust to changes. Conclusion We provide a 2015 baseline for cross-country UHC technical efficiency scores. If countries wish to improve their UHC outputs within existing budgets, they should identify their current efficiency and try to emulate more efficient peers. Policy-makers should focus on strengthening institutions and implementing known best practices to replicate efficient systems. Using resources more efficiently is likely to positively impact UHC coverage goals and health outcomes, and without addressing gaps in efficiency progress towards achieving the SDGs will be impeded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jordi
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Caitlin Pley
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Matthew Jowett
- Health Financing and Governance, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Assebe LF, Belete WN, Alemayehu S, Asfaw E, Godana KT, Alemayehu YK, Teklu AM, Yigezu A. Economic evaluation of Health Extension Program packages in Ethiopia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246207. [PMID: 33529225 PMCID: PMC7853458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethiopia launched the Health Extension Program (HEP) in 2004, aimed at ensuring equitable community-level healthcare services through Health Extension Workers. Despite the program's being a flagship initiative, there is limited evidence on whether investment in the program represents good value for money. This study assessed the cost and cost-effectiveness of HEP interventions to inform policy decisions for resource allocation and priority setting in Ethiopia. METHODS Twenty-one health care interventions were selected under the hygiene and sanitation, family health services, and disease prevention and control sub-domains. The ingredient bottom-up and top-down costing method was employed. Cost and cost-effectiveness were assessed from the provider perspective. Health outcomes were measured using life years gained (LYG). Incremental cost per LYG in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Ethiopia (US$852.80) was used to ascertain the cost-effectiveness. All costs were collected in Ethiopian birr and converted to United States dollars (US$) using the average exchange rate for 2018 (US$1 = 27.67 birr). Both costs and health outcomes were discounted by 3%. RESULT The average unit cost of providing selected hygiene and sanitation, family health, and disease prevention and control services with the HEP was US$0.70, US$4.90, and US$7.40, respectively. The major cost driver was drugs and supplies, accounting for 53% and 68%, respectively, of the total cost. The average annual cost of delivering all the selected interventions was US$9,897. All interventions fall within 1 times GDP per capita per LYG, indicating that they are very cost-effective (ranges: US$22-$295 per LYG). Overall, the HEP is cost-effective by investing US$77.40 for every LYG. CONCLUSION The unit cost estimates of HEP interventions are crucial for priority-setting, resource mobilization, and program planning. This study found that the program is very cost-effective in delivering community health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lelisa Fekadu Assebe
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondesen Nigatu Belete
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Senait Alemayehu
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elias Asfaw
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- EAZ Consultancy and Research Service, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kora Tushune Godana
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Kiflie Alemayehu
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | | | - Amanuel Yigezu
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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14
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Wigfield P, Sbarigia U, Hashim M, Vincken T, Heeg B. Are Published Health Economic Models for Chronic Hepatitis B Appropriately Capturing the Benefits of HBsAg Loss? A Systematic Literature Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2020; 4:403-418. [PMID: 31428938 PMCID: PMC7426349 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-019-00175-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sustained hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss or 'functional cure' (FC) is considered an optimal treatment endpoint by international clinical guidelines for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), yet rarely is this achieved with current standard of care (SoC). This leads to an under-reporting of FC in clinical trials, observational studies and health economic (HE) models. This paper systematically identifies and assesses how FC is incorporated in published HE models of CHB. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed and Embase (conducted February 2019) to review how HBsAg loss is captured in HE models. The following items were extracted: rate of (and transition probabilities to) HBsAg loss, HBsAg loss health state costs, and HBsAg loss health state utilities. RESULTS Sixty-five economics evaluations were identified, and < 50% of these (27/65) incorporated HBsAg loss in their models. Only 15/27 stated HBsAg loss health state costs, 15/27 stated HBsAg loss health state utilities, and 11/27 mentioned treatment-specific transition probabilities to HBsAg loss. The majority of sources these inputs were derived from are not transparent. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of FC in current HE models are not well captured, as FC is often not reported or not directly related to modelled treatments. This has the potential for novel agents with higher efficacy compared with SoC to be overlooked and undervalued if their worth is not appropriately communicated. In order to ensure optimal access for patients to new and effective therapies, it is important that the benefits of FC are better assessed and captured within HE models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wigfield
- Ingress-health Nederland, Hofplein 20, 3032 AC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Urbano Sbarigia
- Janssen Pharmaceutica, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Mahmoud Hashim
- Ingress-health Nederland, Hofplein 20, 3032 AC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Talitha Vincken
- Ingress-health Nederland, Hofplein 20, 3032 AC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Heeg
- Ingress-health Nederland, Hofplein 20, 3032 AC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Chidziwisano K, Slekiene J, Kumwenda S, Mosler HJ, Morse T. Toward Complementary Food Hygiene Practices among Child Caregivers in Rural Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:294-303. [PMID: 31237230 PMCID: PMC6685574 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being preventable, foodborne diseases remain a global health challenge. Poor food hygiene practices such as improper handling of kitchen utensils are among the major causes of diarrhea transmission. A formative study was conducted in Malawi to inform an intervention design to promote complementary food hygiene practices. An assessment of contextual and psychosocial factors for behavior change was conducted using Risk, Attitude, Norms, Ability, and Self-regulation model. We conducted 323 household surveys with caregivers of children aged 6 to 24 months. Analysis of variance was used to estimate difference between doers and non-doers of three targeted behaviors: washing utensils with soap, keeping utensils on a raised place, and handwashing with soap. Analysis of variance analyses revealed that literacy level, ownership of animals, and presence of handwashing facility and dish racks were contextual factors predicting storage of utensils on an elevated place and handwashing frequencies. Psychosocial factors, such as time spent to wash utensils with soap, distance to the handwashing facility, and cost for soap, had an influence on washing utensils and handwashing practices. Perceived vulnerability determined effective handwashing and storage of utensils. Perceived social norms and ability estimates were favorable for the three targeted behaviors. Promotion of already existing targeted beneficial behaviors should be encouraged among caregivers. Risk perceptions on storage of utensils and handwashing practices should be increased with motivational exercises such as paint games. Caregivers' technical know-how of local dish rack and tippy tap construction is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kondwani Chidziwisano
- Department of Environmental Health and WASHTED Centre, Polytechnic, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Jurgita Slekiene
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Save Kumwenda
- Department of Environmental Health and WASHTED Centre, Polytechnic, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Hans-Joachim Mosler
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Morse
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.,Department of Environmental Health and WASHTED Centre, Polytechnic, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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16
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Lassi ZS, Kedzior SGE, Bhutta ZA. Community-based maternal and newborn educational care packages for improving neonatal health and survival in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 2019:CD007647. [PMID: 31686427 PMCID: PMC6828589 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007647.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), health services are under-utilised, and several studies have reported improvements in neonatal outcomes following health education imparted to mothers in homes, at health units, or in hospitals. However, evaluating health educational strategy to deliver newborn care, such as one-to-one counselling or group counselling via peer or support groups, or delivered by health professionals, requires rigorous assessment of methodological design and quality, as well as assessment of cost-effectiveness, affordability, sustainability, and reproducibility in diverse health systems. OBJECTIVES To compare a community health educational strategy versus no strategy or the existing approach to health education on maternal and newborn care in LMICs, as imparted to mothers or their family members specifically in community settings during the antenatal and/or postnatal period, in terms of effectiveness for improving neonatal health and survival (i.e. neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity, access to health care, and cost). SEARCH METHODS We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 4), in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 2 May 2017), Embase (1980 to 2 May 2017), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1982 to 2 May 2017). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Community-based randomised controlled, cluster-randomised, or quasi-randomised controlled trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted the data. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE method and prepared 'Summary of findings' tables. MAIN RESULTS We included in this review 33 original trials (reported in 62 separate articles), which were conducted across Africa and Central and South America, with most reported from Asia, specifically India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Of the 33 community educational interventions provided, 16 included family members in educational counselling, most frequently the mother-in-law or the expectant father. Most studies (n = 14) required one-to-one counselling between a healthcare worker and a mother, and 12 interventions involved group counselling for mothers and occasionally family members; the remaining seven incorporated components of both counselling methods. Our analyses show that community health educational interventions had a significant impact on reducing overall neonatal mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 0.96; random-effects model; 26 studies; n = 553,111; I² = 88%; very low-quality evidence), early neonatal mortality (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.84; random-effects model; 15 studies that included 3 subsets from 3 studies; n = 321,588; I² = 86%; very low-quality evidence), late neonatal mortality (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.74; random-effects model; 11 studies; n = 186,643; I² = 88%; very low-quality evidence), and perinatal mortality (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.91; random-effects model; 15 studies; n = 262,613; I² = 81%; very low-quality evidence). Moreover, community health educational interventions increased utilisation of any antenatal care (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.22; random-effects model; 18 studies; n = 307,528; I² = 96%) and initiation of breastfeeding (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.77; random-effects model; 19 studies; n = 126,375; I² = 99%). In contrast, community health educational interventions were found to have a non-significant impact on use of modern contraceptives (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.41; random-effects model; 3 studies; n = 22,237; I² = 80%); presence of skilled birth attendance at birth (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.25; random-effects model; 10 studies; n = 117,870; I² = 97%); utilisation of clean delivery kits (RR 4.44, 95% CI 0.71 to 27.76; random-effects model; 2 studies; n = 17,087; I² = 98%); and care-seeking (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.27; random-effects model; 7 studies; n = 46,154; I² = 93%). Cost-effectiveness analysis conducted in seven studies demonstrated that the cost-effectiveness for intervention packages ranged between USD 910 and USD 11,975 for newborn lives saved and newborn deaths averted. For averted disability-adjusted life-year, costs ranged from USD 79 to USD 146, depending on the intervention strategy; for cost per year of lost lives averted, the most effective strategy was peer counsellors, and the cost was USD 33. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review offers encouraging evidence on the value of integrating packages of interventions with educational components delivered by a range of community workers in group settings in LMICs, with groups consisting of mothers, and additional education for family members, for improved neonatal survival, especially early and late neonatal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra S Lassi
- University of AdelaideRobinson Research InstituteAdelaideAustraliaAustralia
| | - Sophie GE Kedzior
- Robinson Research Institute, University of AdelaideFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesAdelaideAustralia
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenCentre for Global Child HealthTorontoCanada
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17
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Yitbarek K, Abraham G, Adamu A, Tsega G, Berhane M, Hurlburt S, Mann C, Woldie M. Technical efficiency of neonatal health services in primary health care facilities of Southwest Ethiopia: a two-stage data envelopment analysis. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2019; 9:27. [PMID: 31656977 PMCID: PMC6815357 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-019-0245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparity in resource allocation is an issue among various health delivery units in Ethiopia. To sufficiently address this problem decision-makers require evidence on efficient allocation of resources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the technical efficiency of primary health care units providing neonatal health services in Southwest Ethiopia. METHODS Two-stage data envelopment analysis was conducted based on one-year (2016/17) data from 68 health posts and 23 health centers in Southwest Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from each of the facility, respective district health offices and finance and economic cooperation offices. Technical efficiency scores were calculated using data envelopment analysis software version 2.1. Tobit regression was then applied to identify determinants of technical efficiency. STATA version 14 was used in the regression model and for descriptive statistics. RESULTS By utilizing the best combination of inputs, eight health posts (11.76%) and eight health centers (34.78%) were found to be technically efficient in delivering neonatal health services. Compared with others included in the analysis, inefficient health delivery units were using more human and non-salary recurrent resources. The regression model indicated that there was a positive association between efficiency and the health center head's years of experience and the facility's catchment population. Waiting time at the health posts was found to negatively affect efficiency. CONCLUSIONS Most of health posts and the majority of health centers were found to be technically inefficient in delivering neonatal health services. This indicates issues with the performance of these facilities with regards to the utilization of inputs to produce the current outputs. The existing resources could be used to serve additional neonates in the facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiddus Yitbarek
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gelila Abraham
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Ayinengida Adamu
- Department of Public health, Bahirdar University, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
| | - Gebeyehu Tsega
- Department of Public health, Bahirdar University, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Berhane
- Department of Pediatrics and child health, Institute of health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Sarah Hurlburt
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Carlyn Mann
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Mirkuzie Woldie
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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18
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Garcia-Elorrio E, Rowe SY, Teijeiro ME, Ciapponi A, Rowe AK. The effectiveness of the quality improvement collaborative strategy in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221919. [PMID: 31581197 PMCID: PMC6776335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) have been used to improve health care for decades. Evidence on QIC effectiveness has been reported, but systematic reviews to date have little information from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of QICs in LMICs. METHODS We conducted a systematic review following Cochrane methods, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach for quality of evidence grading, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting. We searched published and unpublished studies between 1969 and March 2019 from LMICs. We included papers that compared usual practice with QICs alone or combined with other interventions. Pairs of reviewers independently selected and assessed the risk of bias and extracted data of included studies. To estimate strategy effectiveness from a single study comparison, we used the median effect size (MES) in the comparison for outcomes in the same outcome group. The primary analysis evaluated each strategy group with a weighted median and interquartile range (IQR) of MES values. In secondary analyses, standard random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the weighted mean MES and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the mean MES of each strategy group. This review is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews): CRD42017078108. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies were included; most (21/29, 72.4%) were interrupted time series studies. Evidence quality was generally low to very low. Among studies involving health facility-based health care providers (HCPs), for "QIC only", effectiveness varied widely across outcome groups and tended to have little effect for patient health outcomes (median MES less than 2 percentage points for percentage and continuous outcomes). For "QIC plus training", effectiveness might be very high for patient health outcomes (for continuous outcomes, median MES 111.6 percentage points, range: 96.0 to 127.1) and HCP practice outcomes (median MES 52.4 to 63.4 percentage points for continuous and percentage outcomes, respectively). The only study of lay HCPs, which used "QIC plus training", showed no effect on patient care-seeking behaviors (MES -0.9 percentage points), moderate effects on non-care-seeking patient behaviors (MES 18.7 percentage points), and very large effects on HCP practice outcomes (MES 50.4 percentage points). CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of QICs varied considerably in LMICs. QICs combined with other invention components, such as training, tended to be more effective than QICs alone. The low evidence quality and large effect sizes for QIC plus training justify additional high-quality studies assessing this approach in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Garcia-Elorrio
- Healthcare quality and safety department, Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Samantha Y. Rowe
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Maria E. Teijeiro
- Quality Department, Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia (FLENI), Escobar, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
| | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Argentine Cochrane Centre, Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alexander K. Rowe
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Johns B, Hangoma P, Atuyambe L, Faye S, Tumwine M, Zulu C, Levitt M, Tembo T, Healey J, Li R, Mugasha C, Serbanescu F, Conlon CM. The Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of a District-Strengthening Strategy to Mitigate the 3 Delays to Quality Maternal Health Care: Results From Uganda and Zambia. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019; 7:S104-S122. [PMID: 30867212 PMCID: PMC6519668 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-18-00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive district-strengthening approach to address maternal and newborn health was estimated to cost US$177 per life-year gained in Uganda and $206 per life-year gained in Zambia. The approach represents a very cost-effective health investment compared to GDP per capita. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the costs and the incremental cost-effectiveness of maternal and newborn care associated with the Saving Mothers, Giving Life (SMGL) initiative—a comprehensive district-strengthening approach addressing the 3 delays associated with maternal mortality—in Uganda and Zambia. To assess effectiveness, we used a before-after design comparing facility outcome data from 2012 (before) and 2016 (after). To estimate costs, we used unit costs collected from comparison districts in 2016 coupled with data on health services utilization from 2012 in SMGL-supported districts to estimate the costs before the start of SMGL. We collected data from health facilities, ministerial health offices, and implementing partners for the year 2016 in 2 SMGL-supported districts in each country and in 3 comparison non-SMGL districts (2 in Zambia, 1 in Uganda). Incremental costs for maternal and newborn health care per SMGL-supported district in 2016 was estimated to be US$845,000 in Uganda and $760,000 in Zambia. The incremental cost per delivery was estimated to be $38 in Uganda and $95 in Zambia. For the districts included in this study, SMGL maternal and newborn health activities were associated with approximately 164 deaths averted in Uganda and 121 deaths averted in Zambia in 2016 compared to 2012. In Uganda, the cost per death averted was $10,311, or $177 per life-year gained. In Zambia, the cost per death averted was $12,514, or $206 per life-year gained. The SMGL approach can be very cost-effective, with the cost per life-year gained as a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) being 25.6% and 16.4% in Uganda and Zambia, respectively. In terms of affordability, the SMGL approach could be paid for by increasing health spending from 7.3% to 7.5% of GDP in Uganda and from 5.4% to 5.8% in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Johns
- International Development Division, Abt Associates Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Peter Hangoma
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sophie Faye
- International Development Division, Abt Associates Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Tumwine
- Uganda Country Office, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Collen Zulu
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Marta Levitt
- Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA, and RTI, Washington, DC, USA. Now with Palladium, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Tannia Tembo
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jessica Healey
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Lusaka, Zambia. Now based in Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Rui Li
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Florina Serbanescu
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Beck DC, Munro-Kramer ML, Lori JR. A scoping review on community mobilisation for maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa: Impact on empowerment. Glob Public Health 2018; 14:375-395. [PMID: 30182808 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1516228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This review integrates evidence on community mobilisation (CM) for maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to identify the impact on empowerment. For the purposes of this review we use the following definition of CM: 'a capacity-building process through which community members, groups or organizations plan, carry out and evaluate activities on a participatory and sustained basis to improve their health and other conditions, either on their own initiative or stimulated by others', [Howard-Grabman, L., Storti, C., Hummer, P., Pooler, B., & Geneva: USAID (2007). Demystifying community mobilization: An effective strategy to improve maternal and newborn health. Retrieved from http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pnadi338.pdf, p. 5]. A scoping review was chosen to conduct a search and analysis of the literature due to the broad, complex nature of the topic. The search yielded 136 articles, and 19 met the inclusion criteria. This review illustrates CM as an important research process for engaging the community, ensuring that interventions are meeting the needs of the community, take context into account and are sustainable. Community mobilisation was associated with positive behaviour change and/or health outcomes. However, community mobilisation was not defined or operationalised consistently among the identified studies. Empowerment was also not defined, measured, or reported on in the articles. This review provides recommendations for the reporting of CM and its influence on empowerment in communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C Beck
- Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michelle L Munro-Kramer
- Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jody R Lori
- Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Antony J, Zarin W, Pham B, Nincic V, Cardoso R, Ivory JD, Ghassemi M, Barber SL, Straus SE, Tricco AC. Patient safety initiatives in obstetrics: a rapid review. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020170. [PMID: 29982200 PMCID: PMC6042535 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review was commissioned by WHO, South Africa-Country office because of an exponential increase in medical litigation claims related to patient safety in obstetrical care in the country. A rapid review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of quality improvement (QI) strategies on maternal and newborn patient safety outcomes, risk of litigation and burden of associated costs. DESIGN A rapid review of the literature was conducted to provide decision-makers with timely evidence. Medical and legal databases (eg, MEDLINE, Embase, LexisNexis Academic, etc) and reference lists of relevant studies were searched. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, abstracted data and appraised risk of bias. Results were summarised narratively. INTERVENTIONS We included randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of QI strategies targeting health systems (eg, team changes) and healthcare providers (eg, clinician education) to improve the safety of women and their newborns. Eligible studies were limited to trials published in English between 2004 and 2015. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES RCTs reporting on patient safety outcomes (eg, stillbirths, mortality and caesarean sections), litigation claims and associated costs were included. RESULTS The search yielded 4793 citations, of which 10 RCTs met our eligibility criteria and provided information on over 500 000 participants. The results are presented by QI strategy, which varied from one study to another. Studies including provider education alone (one RCT), provider education in combination with audit and feedback (two RCTs) or clinician reminders (one RCT), as well as provider education with patient education and audit and feedback (one RCT), reported some improvements to patient safety outcomes. None of the studies reported on litigation claims or the associated costs. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that provider education and other QI strategy combinations targeting healthcare providers may improve the safety of women and their newborns during childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesmin Antony
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wasifa Zarin
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ba' Pham
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vera Nincic
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roberta Cardoso
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John D Ivory
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marco Ghassemi
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sharon E Straus
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea C Tricco
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zeng W, Li G, Ahn H, Nguyen HTH, Shepard DS, Nair D. Cost-effectiveness of health systems strengthening interventions in improving maternal and child health in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2017; 33:283-297. [DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czx172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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Mocumbi S, Hanson C, Högberg U, Boene H, von Dadelszen P, Bergström A, Munguambe K, Sevene E. Obstetric fistulae in southern Mozambique: incidence, obstetric characteristics and treatment. Reprod Health 2017; 14:147. [PMID: 29126412 PMCID: PMC5681779 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-017-0408-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric fistula is one of the most devastating consequences of unmet needs in obstetric services. Systematic reviews suggest that the pooled incidence of fistulae in community-based studies is 0.09 per 1000 recently pregnant women; however, as facility delivery is increasing, for the most part, in Africa, incidence of fistula should decrease. Few population-based studies on fistulae have been undertaken in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Mozambique. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of obstetric fistulae in recently delivered mothers, and to describe the clinical characteristics and care, as well as the outcome, after surgical repair. METHODS We selected women who had delivered up to 12 months before the start of the study (June, 1st 2016). They were part of a cohort of women of reproductive age (12-49 years), recruited from selected clusters in rural areas of Maputo and Gaza provinces, Southern Mozambique, who were participating in an intervention trial (the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia trial or CLIP trial). Case identification was completed by self-reported constant urine leakage and was confirmed by clinical assessment. Women who had confirmed obstetric fistulae were referred for surgical repair. Data were entered into a REDCap database and analysed using R software. RESULTS Five women with obstetric fistulae were detected among 4358 interviewed, giving an incidence of 1.1 per 1000 recently pregnant women (95% CI 2.16-0.14). All but one had Caesarean section and all of the babies died. Four were stillborn, and one died very soon after birth. All of the patients identified and reached the primary health facility in reasonable time. Delays occurred in the care: in diagnosis of obstructed labour, and in the decision to refer to the secondary or third-level hospital. All but one of the women were referred to surgical repair and the fistulae successfully closed. CONCLUSION This population-based study reports a high incidence of obstetric fistulae in an area with high numbers of facility births. Few first and second delays in reaching care, but many third delays in receiving care, were identified. This raises concerns for quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibone Mocumbi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), Av. Agostinho Neto 679, 1100, Maputo, Mozambique. .,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, SE-75185, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavagen 18A, Plan 4, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Ulf Högberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, SE-75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Boene
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, 1121, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | | | - Anna Bergström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, SE-75185, Uppsala, Sweden.,University College London, Institute for Global Health, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, 1121, Manhiça, Mozambique.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, UEM, Av. Salvador Allende 702 R/C, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Esperança Sevene
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, 1121, Manhiça, Mozambique.,Department of Physiological Science, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, UEM, Av. Salvador Allende 702 R/C, Maputo, Mozambique
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Greco G, Daviaud E, Owen H, Ligowe R, Chimbalanga E, Guenther T, Gamache N, Zimba E, Lawn JE. Malawi three district evaluation: Community-based maternal and newborn care economic analysis. Health Policy Plan 2017; 32:i64-i74. [DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czw079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Economic evaluation of participatory learning and action with women's groups facilitated by Accredited Social Health Activists to improve birth outcomes in rural eastern India. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2017; 15:2. [PMID: 28344517 PMCID: PMC5361856 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-017-0064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neonatal mortality remains unacceptably high in many low and middle-income countries, including India. A community mobilisation intervention using participatory learning and action with women’s groups facilitated by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) was conducted to improve maternal and newborn health. The intervention was evaluated through a cluster-randomised controlled trial conducted in Jharkhand and Odisha, eastern India. This aims to assess the cost-effectiveness this intervention. Methods Costs were estimated from the provider’s perspective and calculated separately for the women’s group intervention and for activities to strengthen Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHNSC) conducted in all trial areas. Costs were estimated at 2017 prices and converted to US dollar (USD). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated with respect to a do-nothing alternative and compared with the WHO thresholds for cost-effective interventions. ICERs were calculated for cases of neonatal mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted. Results The incremental cost of the intervention was USD 83 per averted DALY (USD 99 inclusive of VHSNC strengthening costs), and the incremental cost per newborn death averted was USD 2545 (USD 3046 inclusive of VHSNC strengthening costs). The intervention was highly cost-effective according to WHO threshold, as the cost per life year saved or DALY averted was less than India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. The robustness of the findings to assumptions was tested using a series of one-way sensitivity analyses. The sensitivity analysis does not change the conclusion that the intervention is highly cost-effective. Conclusion Participatory learning and action with women’s groups facilitated by ASHAs was highly cost-effective to reduce neonatal mortality in rural settings with low literacy levels and high neonatal mortality rates. This approach could effectively complement facility-based care in India and can be scaled up in comparable high mortality settings.
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Qureshi ZU, Millum J, Blencowe H, Kelley M, Fottrell E, Lawn JE, Costello A, Colbourn T. Stillbirth should be given greater priority on the global health agenda. BMJ 2015; 351:h4620. [PMID: 26400645 PMCID: PMC4707511 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.h4620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Stillbirths are largely excluded from international measures of mortality and morbidity. Zeshan Qureshi and colleagues argue that stillbirth should be higher on the global health agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeshan U Qureshi
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph Millum
- Clinical Center Department of Bioethics/Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, and Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maureen Kelley
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Edward Fottrell
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joy E Lawn
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, and Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anthony Costello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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