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Scott AJ, Perumal T, Hohlfeld A, Oelofse S, Kühn L, Swanepoel J, Geric C, Ahmad Khan F, Esmail A, Ochodo E, Engel M, Dheda K. Diagnostic Accuracy of Computer-Aided Detection During Active Case Finding for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae020. [PMID: 38328498 PMCID: PMC10849117 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Computer-aided detection (CAD) may be a useful screening tool for tuberculosis (TB). However, there are limited data about its utility in active case finding (ACF) in a community-based setting, and particularly in an HIV-endemic setting where performance may be compromised. Methods We performed a systematic review and evaluated articles published between January 2012 and February 2023 that included CAD as a screening tool to detect pulmonary TB against a microbiological reference standard (sputum culture and/or nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT]). We collected and summarized data on study characteristics and diagnostic accuracy measures. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality against Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 criteria. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines were followed. Results Of 1748 articles reviewed, 5 met with the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. A meta-analysis revealed pooled sensitivity of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96) and specificity of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.55-0.93), just below the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended target product profile (TPP) for a screening test (sensitivity ≥0.90 and specificity ≥0.70). We found a high risk of bias and applicability concerns across all studies. Subgroup analyses, including the impact of HIV and previous TB, were not possible due to the nature of the reporting within the included studies. Conclusions This review provides evidence, specifically in the context of ACF, for CAD as a potentially useful and cost-effective screening tool for TB in a resource-poor HIV-endemic African setting. However, given methodological concerns, caution is required with regards to applicability and generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Scott
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tahlia Perumal
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ameer Hohlfeld
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Suzette Oelofse
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Louié Kühn
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeremi Swanepoel
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Coralie Geric
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Faiz Ahmad Khan
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aliasgar Esmail
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Engel
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Keertan Dheda
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Mulaku MN, Nyagol B, Owino EJ, Ochodo E, Young T, Steingart KR. Factors contributing to pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: a qualitative evidence synthesis of patient and healthcare worker perspectives. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2148355. [PMID: 36548521 PMCID: PMC9788701 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2148355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2018, over 14 million people have been treated for tuberculosis (TB) globally. However, pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) has been shown to contribute substantially to patient losses in the TB care cascade with subsequent high community transmission and mortality rates. OBJECTIVE To identify, appraise, and synthesise evidence on the perspectives of patients and healthcare workers on factors contributing to PTLFU in adults with pulmonary TB. METHODS We registered the title with PROSPERO (CRD42021253212). We searched nine relevant databases up to 24 May 2021 for qualitative studies. Two review authors independently reviewed records for eligibility and extracted data. We assessed methodological quality with the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information Centre tool and synthesised data using the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence framework. We assessed confidence in our findings using Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual). RESULTS We reviewed a total of 1239 records and included five studies, all from low- and middle-income countries. Key themes reported by patients and healthcare workers were communication challenges among healthcare workers and between healthcare workers and patients; knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about TB and its management; accessibility and availability of facilities for TB care; and human resource and financial constraints, weakness in management and leadership in TB programmes. Patients' change of residence, long waiting times, and poor referral systems were additional factors that contributed to patients disengaging from care. We had moderate confidence in most of our findings. CONCLUSION Findings from our qualitative evidence synthesis highlight multiple factors that contribute to PTLFU. Central to addressing these factors will be the need to strengthen health systems and offer people-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Namuma Mulaku
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bruce Nyagol
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eddy Johnson Owino
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen R Steingart
- Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Albarqouni L, Abukmail E, MohammedAli M, Elejla S, Abuelazm M, Shaikhkhalil H, Pathirana T, Palagama S, Effa E, Ochodo E, Rugengamanzi E, AlSabaa Y, Ingabire A, Riwa F, Goraya B, Bakhit M, Clark J, Arab-Zozani M, Alves da Silva S, Pramesh CS, Vanderpuye V, Lang E, Korenstein D, Born K, Tabiri S, Ademuyiwa A, Nabhan A, Moynihan R. Low-Value Surgical Procedures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2342215. [PMID: 37934494 PMCID: PMC10630901 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.42215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Overuse of surgical procedures is increasing around the world and harms both individuals and health care systems by using resources that could otherwise be allocated to addressing the underuse of effective health care interventions. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is some limited country-specific evidence showing that overuse of surgical procedures is increasing, at least for certain procedures. Objectives To assess factors associated with, extent and consequences of, and potential solutions for low-value surgical procedures in LMICs. Evidence Review We searched 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Global Index Medicus) for studies published from database inception until April 27, 2022, with no restrictions on date or language. A combination of MeSH terms and free-text words about the overuse of surgical procedures was used. Studies examining the problem of overuse of surgical procedures in LMICs were included and categorized by major focus: the extent of overuse, associated factors, consequences, and solutions. Findings Of 4276 unique records identified, 133 studies across 63 countries were included, reporting on more than 9.1 million surgical procedures (median per study, 894 [IQR, 97-4259]) and with more than 11.4 million participants (median per study, 989 [IQR, 257-6857]). Fourteen studies (10.5%) were multinational. Of the 119 studies (89.5%) originating from single countries, 69 (58.0%) were from upper-middle-income countries and 30 (25.2%) were from East Asia and the Pacific. Of the 42 studies (31.6%) reporting extent of overuse of surgical procedures, most (36 [85.7%]) reported on unnecessary cesarean delivery, with estimated rates in LMICs ranging from 12% to 81%. Evidence on other surgical procedures was limited and included abdominal and percutaneous cardiovascular surgical procedures. Consequences of low-value surgical procedures included harms and costs, such as an estimated US $3.29 billion annual cost of unnecessary cesarean deliveries in China. Associated factors included private financing, and solutions included social media campaigns and multifaceted interventions such as audits, feedback, and reminders. Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review found growing evidence of overuse of surgical procedures in LMICs, which may generate significant harm and waste of limited resources; the majority of studies reporting overuse were about unnecessary cesarean delivery. Therefore, a better understanding of the problems in other surgical procedures and a robust evaluation of solutions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Albarqouni
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eman Abukmail
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Majdeddin MohammedAli
- Medicine & Health Sciences Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Sewar Elejla
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | | | | | - Thanya Pathirana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Sujeewa Palagama
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Effa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kismu City, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Eulade Rugengamanzi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yousef AlSabaa
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Ale Ingabire
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Francis Riwa
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Burhan Goraya
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Bakhit
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Morteza Arab-Zozani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - C. S. Pramesh
- Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eddy Lang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Korenstein
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Karen Born
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Tabiri
- Department of Surgery, University for Development Studies–School of Medicine and Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Adesoji Ademuyiwa
- Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos
| | - Ashraf Nabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ray Moynihan
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Mulaku MN, Corrie OM, Odero I, Young T, Steingart KR, Ochodo E. Health worker views on pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary TB in Western Kenya. Public Health Action 2023; 13:77-82. [PMID: 37736575 PMCID: PMC10446661 DOI: 10.5588/pha.23.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING County referral hospital in Western Kenya. OBJECTIVES To explore factors contributing to pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) in adults with pulmonary TB and propose solutions to address PTLFU from healthcare worker (HCW) perspectives. DESIGN This was an exploratory qualitative study using thematic analysis. RESULTS We conducted 19 key informant interviews with HCWs representing laboratory, clinical care, management and the community. Participant age ranged from 26 to 62 years; 14 (74%) were females; and most (74%) had worked in TB care for ⩽5 years. They reported that patients experienced stigma and had misconceptions about TB that contributed to PTLFU. HCWs were hesitant to work in the TB clinic, which contributed to suboptimal patient care, leading to PTLFU. Unclear linkage between laboratory and clinician, and limited financial resources to track patients were among the healthcare system factors that led to PTLFU. HCWs suggested having proper patient preparation, assigning resources to track patients and holding regular interdisciplinary meetings as practical solutions to address PTLFU. CONCLUSION HCWs reported multiple factors that may influence PTLFU and recommended various solutions to address these. Knowledge of TB management, patient preparation, resources to track patients and multidisciplinary meetings will be central to addressing PTLFU.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Mulaku
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - O M Corrie
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - I Odero
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - T Young
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - K R Steingart
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - E Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Uy H, Fielding C, Hohlfeld A, Ochodo E, Opare A, Mukonda E, Minnies D, Engel ME. Diagnostic test accuracy of artificial intelligence in screening for referable diabetic retinopathy in real-world settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0002160. [PMID: 37729122 PMCID: PMC10511145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Retrospective studies on artificial intelligence (AI) in screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) have shown promising results in addressing the mismatch between the capacity to implement DR screening and increasing DR incidence. This review sought to evaluate the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of AI in screening for referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) in real-world settings. We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science on 9 February 2023. We included prospective DTA studies assessing AI against trained human graders (HGs) in screening for RDR in patients with diabetes. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality against QUADAS-2 criteria. We used the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) model to pool estimates of sensitivity and specificity and, forest plots and SROC plots to visually examine heterogeneity in accuracy estimates. From our initial search results of 3899 studies, we included 15 studies comprising 17 datasets. Meta-analyses revealed a sensitivity of 95.33% (95%CI: 90.60-100%) and specificity of 92.01% (95%CI: 87.61-96.42%) for patient-level analysis (10 datasets, N = 45,785) while, for the eye-level analysis, sensitivity was 91.24% (95%CI: 79.15-100%) and specificity, 93.90% (95%CI: 90.63-97.16%) (7 datasets, N = 15,390). Subgroup analyses did not provide variations in the diagnostic accuracy of country classification and DR classification criteria. However, a moderate increase was observed in diagnostic accuracy in the primary-level healthcare settings: sensitivity of 99.35% (95%CI: 96.85-100%), specificity of 93.72% (95%CI: 88.83-98.61%) and, a minimal decrease in the tertiary-level healthcare settings: sensitivity of 94.71% (95%CI: 89.00-100%), specificity of 90.88% (95%CI: 83.22-98.53%). Sensitivity analyses did not show any variations in studies that included diabetic macular edema in the RDR definition, nor studies with ≥3 HGs. This review provides evidence, for the first time from prospective studies, for the effectiveness of AI in screening for RDR in real-world settings. The results may serve to strengthen existing guidelines to improve current practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holijah Uy
- Community Eye Health Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christopher Fielding
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ameer Hohlfeld
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Abraham Opare
- Community Eye Health Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elton Mukonda
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Deon Minnies
- Community Eye Health Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark E. Engel
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Osoro CB, Dellicour S, Ochodo E, Young T, Ter Kuile FO, Gutman JR, Hill J. Perceptions and drivers of healthcare provider and drug dispenser practices for the treatment of malaria in pregnancy in the context of multiple first-line therapies in western Kenya: a qualitative study. Malar J 2023; 22:274. [PMID: 37710229 PMCID: PMC10503024 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04698-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemether-lumefantrine in Africa prompted the pilot introduction of multiple first-line therapies (MFT) against malaria in Kenya, potentially exposing women-of-childbearing-age (WOCBAs) to anti-malarials with unknown safety profiles in the first trimester. This qualitative study explored knowledge and perceptions among healthcare providers providing malaria treatment to WOCBAs and pregnant women. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected public and private health facility (HF) and drug outlet (DO) providers within and outside the pilot-MFT area. County health managers were interviewed about their knowledge of the national treatment guidelines. Transcripts were coded by content analysis using the World Health Organization health system building blocks (leadership/governance, financing, health workforce, health information systems, access to medicines, and service delivery). RESULTS Thirty providers (HF:21, DO:9) and three health managers were interviewed. Eighteen providers were from HFs in the pilot-MFT area; the remaining three and all nine DOs were outside the pilot-MFT area. The analysis revealed that providers had not been trained in malaria case management in the previous twelve months. DO providers were unfamiliar with national treatment guidelines in pregnancy and reported having no pregnancy tests. Health managers were unable to supervise DOs due to resource limitations. Providers from HFs and DOs noted poor sensitivity of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and hesitancy among patients who associated malaria-RDTs with HIV testing. Almost all providers reported anti-malarial stock-outs, with quinine most affected. Patient preference was a major factor in prescribing anti-malarials. Providers in HFs and DOs reported preferentially using artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester due to the side effects and unavailability of quinine. CONCLUSION Knowledge of malaria case management in drug outlets and health facilities remains poor. Improved regulation of DO providers is warranted. Optimizing treatment of malaria in pregnancy requires training, availability of malaria commodities, and pregnancy tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Osoro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya.
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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Osoro CB, Dellicour S, Ochodo E, Young T, Ter Kuile F, Gutman JR, Hill J. Healthcare provider and drug dispenser knowledge and adherence to guidelines for the case management of malaria in pregnancy in the context of multiple first-line artemisinin-based combination therapy in western Kenya. Malar J 2023; 22:262. [PMID: 37679753 PMCID: PMC10486056 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about emerging resistance to artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in Africa prompted the pilot introduction of multiple first-line therapies (MFT) in Western Kenya, potentially exposing women-of-childbearing-age (WOCBA) to anti-malarials with unknown safety profiles in the first trimester. The study assessed healthcare provider knowledge and adherence to national guidelines for managing malaria in pregnancy in the context of the MFT pilot. METHODS From March to April 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 health facilities (HF) and 40 drug outlets (DO) using structured questionnaires to assess pregnancy detection, malaria diagnosis, and treatment choices by trimester. Differences between HF and DO providers and between MFT and non-MFT HFs were assessed using Chi-square tests. RESULTS Of 174 providers (77% HF, 23% DO), 56% were from MFT pilot facilities. Most providers had tertiary education; 5% HF and 20% DO had only primary or secondary education. More HF than DO providers had knowledge of malaria treatment guidelines (62% vs. 40%, p = 0.023), received training in malaria in pregnancy (49% vs. 20%, p = 0.002), and reported assessing for pregnancy in WOCBA (98% vs. 78%, p < 0.001). Most providers insisted on parasitological diagnosis, with 59% HF using microscopy and 85% DO using rapid diagnostic tests. More HF than DO providers could correctly name the drugs for treating uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester (oral quinine, or AL if quinine is unavailable) (90% vs. 58%, p < 0.001), second and third trimesters (artemisinin-based combination therapy) (84% vs. 70%, p = 0.07), and for severe malaria (parenteral artesunate/artemether) (94% vs. 60%, p < 0.001). Among HF providers, those in the MFT pilot had more knowledge of malaria treatment guidelines (67% vs. 49%, p = 0.08) and had received training on treatment of malaria in pregnancy (56% vs. 32%, p = 0.03). Few providers (10% HF and 12% DO) had adequate knowledge of malaria treatment in pregnancy, defined as the correct drug and dose for uncomplicated and severe malaria in all trimesters. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of national malaria in pregnancy treatment guidelines among providers in Western Kenya is suboptimal. Robust training on appropriate anti-malarial and dosage is needed, particularly given the recent change in recommendation for artemether-lumefantrine use in the first trimester. Supervision of DO and HF practices is essential for correct treatment of malaria in pregnancy in the context of MFT programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Osoro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya.
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Feiko Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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Sagam CK, Were LM, Otieno JA, Mulaku MN, Kariuki S, Ochodo E. Quality assessment of clinical practice guidelines in Kenya using the AGREE II tool: a methodological review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074510. [PMID: 37429677 PMCID: PMC10335456 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the quality of available and accessible national Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) in Kenya using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. METHODS We searched the websites of the Kenyan Ministry of Health, professional associations and contacted experts in relevant organisations. Our scope was guidelines on maternal, neonatal, nutritional disorders, injuries, communicable and non-communicable diseases in Kenya published in the last 5 years until 30 June 2022. Study selection and data extraction were done by three independent reviewers with disagreements resolved via discussion or with a senior reviewer. We conducted a quality assessment using the online English version of AGREE II tool across six domains. Descriptive statistics were analysed using Stata software V.17. The primary outcome was the methodological quality of the included CPGs assessed by the AGREE II tool score. RESULTS We retrieved 95 CPGs and included 24 in the analysis after screening for eligibility. The CPGs scored best in clarity of presentation and least in the rigour of development. In descending order, the appraisal scores (mean and CI) per domain were as follows: Clarity of presentation 82.96% (95% CI 78.35% to 87.57%) with all guidelines scoring above 50%. Scope and purpose 61.75% (95% CI 54.19% to 69.31%) with seven guidelines scoring less than 50%. Stakeholder involvement 45.25% (95% CI 40.01% to 50.49%) with 16 CPGs scoring less than 50%. Applicability domain 19.88% (95% CI 13.32% to 26.43%) with only one CPG scoring above 50%. Editorial independence 6.92% (95% CI 3.47% to 10.37%) with no CPG scoring above 50% and rigour of development 3% (95% CI 0.61% to 5.39%) with no CPG scoring at least 50%. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the quality of CPGs in Kenya is limited mainly by the rigour of development, editorial independence, applicability and stakeholder involvement. Training initiatives on evidence-based methodology among guideline developers are needed to improve the overall quality of CPGs for better patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Kimutai Sagam
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Lisa M Were
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jenifer A Otieno
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Mercy N Mulaku
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape town, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape town, South Africa
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Spies R, Potter M, Hollamby R, van der Walt S, Hohlfeld A, Ochodo E, van Zyl-Smit R. Sputum Color as a Marker for Bacteria in Acute Exacerbations of COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:738-748. [PMID: 36724375 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202204-319oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Diagnosing bacterial infection as the aetiology in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) remains challenging. Sputum discolouration is an easily measured and often used as a marker of bacterial infection in AECOPD though high-quality evidence for this practice is lacking. OBJECTIVES We aim to determine the diagnostic accuracy of sputum colour as a marker for bacteria in AECOPD. METHODS Articles were searched for in electronic databases and the grey literature were reviewed. Quality assessment of included articles was performed using the QUADAS-2 tool. We conducted a meta-analysis using a bivariate logistic regression model with random effects. Analysis was conducted on individual sputum samples rather than individual participants such that each sample represented a unique index test. RESULTS Of the 1 600 candidate studies, 13 eligible studies satisfied our inclusion criteria. These included prospective cohort studies (n=3), cross-sectional studies (n=3) and secondary analyses of randomised-controlled trials (n=7). The included studies were all from Europe and North America. Most studies scored high risk of bias in at least one domain. In total, this systematic review and meta-analysis included 5 770 sputum samples. The estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity was 81% (95% CI 70% -88%) and 50% (95%CI 35%-65%) respectively and these results were not significantly altered in a series of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION Sputum colour has limited value as a stand-alone test in diagnosing bacterial infection as the aetiology in AECOPD due to its moderate sensitivity and poor specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan Spies
- New Somerset Hospital, 535647, Department of Medicine, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Matthew Potter
- Rob Ferreira Hospital, Intensive Care Unit, Mbombela, South Africa
| | - Ruan Hollamby
- Kalafong Academic Hospital, 71833, Department of Medicine, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Ameer Hohlfeld
- Cochrane South Africa, 470584, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 121470, Centre for Evidence-based healthcare, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, 118982, Centre for Global Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard van Zyl-Smit
- University of Cape Town, 37716, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa;
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Albarqouni L, Palagama S, Chai J, Sivananthajothy P, Pathirana T, Bakhit M, Arab-Zozani M, Ranakusuma R, Cardona M, Scott A, Clark J, Smith CF, Effa E, Ochodo E, Moynihan R. Overuse of medications in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. Bull World Health Organ 2023; 101:36-61D. [PMID: 36593777 PMCID: PMC9795388 DOI: 10.2471/blt.22.288293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify and summarize the evidence about the extent of overuse of medications in low- and middle-income countries, its drivers, consequences and potential solutions. Methods We conducted a scoping review by searching the databases PubMed®, Embase®, APA PsycINFO® and Global Index Medicus using a combination of MeSH terms and free text words around overuse of medications and overtreatment. We included studies in any language published before 25 October 2021 that reported on the extent of overuse, its drivers, consequences and solutions. Findings We screened 3489 unique records and included 367 studies reporting on over 5.1 million prescriptions across 80 low- and middle-income countries - with studies from 58.6% (17/29) of all low-, 62.0% (31/50) of all lower-middle- and 60.0% (33/55) of all upper-middle-income countries. Of the included studies, 307 (83.7%) reported on the extent of overuse of medications, with estimates ranging from 7.3% to 98.2% (interquartile range: 30.2-64.5). Commonly overused classes included antimicrobials, psychotropic drugs, proton pump inhibitors and antihypertensive drugs. Drivers included limited knowledge of harms of overuse, polypharmacy, poor regulation and financial influences. Consequences were patient harm and cost. Only 11.4% (42/367) of studies evaluated solutions, which included regulatory reforms, educational, deprescribing and audit-feedback initiatives. Conclusion Growing evidence suggests overuse of medications is widespread within low- and middle-income countries, across multiple drug classes, with few data of solutions from randomized trials. Opportunities exist to build collaborations to rigorously develop and evaluate potential solutions to reduce overuse of medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Albarqouni
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Sujeewa Palagama
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Julia Chai
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Thanya Pathirana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Mina Bakhit
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Morteza Arab-Zozani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Respati Ranakusuma
- Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Magnolia Cardona
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Anna Scott
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | | | - Emmanuel Effa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ray Moynihan
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
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Nyanchoka M, Mulaku M, Nyagol B, Owino EJ, Kariuki S, Ochodo E. Implementing essential diagnostics-learning from essential medicines: A scoping review. PLOS Glob Public Health 2022; 2:e0000827. [PMID: 36962808 PMCID: PMC10121180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) model list of Essential In vitro Diagnostic (EDL) introduced in 2018 complements the established Essential Medicines List (EML) and improves its impact on advancing universal health coverage and better health outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on implementing the WHO essential lists in Africa to inform the implementation of the recently introduced EDL. We searched eight electronic databases for studies reporting on implementing the WHO EDL and EML in Africa. Two authors independently conducted study selection and data extraction, with disagreements resolved through discussion. We used the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence (SURE) framework to extract themes and synthesised findings using thematic content analysis. We used the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 to assess the quality of included studies. We included 172 studies reporting on EDL and EML after screening 3,813 articles titles and abstracts and 1,545 full-text papers. Most (75%, n = 129) studies were purely quantitative in design, comprising descriptive cross-sectional designs (60%, n = 104), 15% (n = 26) were purely qualitative, and 10% (n = 17) had mixed-methods approaches. There were no qualitative or randomised experimental studies about EDL. The main barrier facing the EML and EDL was poorly equipped health facilities-including unavailability or stock-outs of essential in vitro diagnostics and medicines. Financial and non-financial incentives to health facilities and workers were key enablers in implementing the EML; however, their impact differed from one context to another. Only fifty-six (33%) of the included studies were of high quality. Poorly equipped and stocked health facilities remain an implementation barrier to essential diagnostics and medicines. Health system interventions such as financial and non-financial incentives to improve their availability can be applied in different contexts. More implementation study designs, such as experimental and qualitative studies, are required to evaluate the effectiveness of essential lists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriasi Nyanchoka
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mercy Mulaku
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bruce Nyagol
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eddy Johnson Owino
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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12
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Spies R, Potter M, Hollamby R, van der Walt S, Hohlfeld A, Ochodo E, van Zyl-Smit RN. Sputum colour as a marker for bacteria in acute exacerbations of COPD: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2021; 10:211. [PMID: 34315541 PMCID: PMC8317370 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01767-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of years of life lost globally. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) drive disease progression, reduce quality of life and are a source of mortality in COPD. Approximately 50% of AECOPD are due to bacterial infections. Diagnosing bacterial infection as the aetiology of AECOPD however remains challenging as investigations are limited by practicality, accuracy and expense. Clinicians have traditionally used sputum colour as a marker of bacterial infection in AECOPD, despite the lack of high-quality evidence for this practice. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of sputum colour in the diagnosis of bacterial causes of AECOPD. METHODS Articles will be searched for in electronic databases (MEDLINE, Google Scholar Scopus, Web of Science, Africa-Wide, CINAHL and Health Source Nursing Academy) and we will conduct a review of citation indexes and the grey literature. Two reviewers will independently conduct study selection, against pre-defined eligibility criteria, data extraction and quality assessment of included articles using the QUADAS-2 tool. We will perform a meta-analysis using a bivariate logistic regression model with random effects. We will explore heterogeneity through the visual examination of the forest plots of sensitivities and specificities and through the inclusion of possible sources of heterogeneity as covariates in a meta-regression model if sufficient studies are included in the analysis. We also perform a sensitivity analysis to explore the effect of study quality on our findings. The results of this review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement and will be submitted for peer-review and publication. DISCUSSION The findings of this review will assist clinicians in diagnosing the aetiology of AECOPD and may have important implications for decision making in resource-limited settings, as well as for antimicrobial stewardship. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42019141498.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan Spies
- Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. .,Livingstone Tertiary Hospital, Stanford Road, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
| | - Matthew Potter
- Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | | | | | - Ameer Hohlfeld
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard N van Zyl-Smit
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Young T, Dizon J, Kredo T, McCaul M, Ochodo E, Grimmer K, Louw Q. Enhancing capacity for clinical practice guidelines in South Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 36:18. [PMID: 32774595 PMCID: PMC7388621 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.36.18.20800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Use of good quality, evidence-informed and up-to-date clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) has the potential to impact health outcomes. This paper describes the development, implementation and evaluation of a dedicated CPG training course to address the training needs of CPG stakeholders in South Africa. METHODS We first reviewed the content and teaching strategies of existing CPG courses. This review consisted of a systematic review of teaching and learning strategies for guideline teams and a document review of existing courses offered by international guideline groups, universities and professional groups. We then strengthened an existing CPG course and evaluated it. RESULTS We found no studies on teaching and learning strategies for guideline teams. We identified six CPG courses being offered as full courses (part of a postgraduate degree program) by universities or as independent training for continuing professional education by professional groups. Contents focused on new guideline development. One course included alternative methods of guideline approaches such as contextualization and adaptation. The format varied from face-to-face sessions, to online sessions, group exercises and discussions, seminar format and project based activities. The revised CPG four-month long course that we implemented was designed to be pragmatic, reflective and contextually relevant. It used local guideline examples, authentic tasks, and an online forum for discussions and resources. It covered de novo CPG development, alternative methods of development (adopting, contextualising, adapting), and implementing CPGs. Course evaluation identified strengths and areas for improvement. CONCLUSION Dedicated capacity development has potential to positively influence CPG development and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Young
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Janine Dizon
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), City East Campus, P4-18 North Terrace, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Tamara Kredo
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael McCaul
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Karen Grimmer
- Physiotherapy Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Clinical Education and Training, VITA, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5042
| | - Quinette Louw
- Physiotherapy Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Beyanga M, Kidenya BR, Gerwing-Adima L, Ochodo E, Mshana SE, Kasang C. Investigation of household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients increases case detection in Mwanza City, Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:110. [PMID: 29510670 PMCID: PMC5840829 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3036-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) contact tracing is a key strategy for containing TB and provides addition to the passive case finding approach. However, this practice has not been implemented in Tanzania, where there is unacceptably high treatment gap of 62.1% between cases estimated and cases detected. Therefore calls for more aggressive case finding for TB to close this gap. We aimed to determine the magnitude and predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB index cases in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods This study was carried out from August to December 2016 in Mwanza city at the TB outpatient clinics of Tertiary Hospital of the Bugando Medical Centre, Sekou-Toure Regional Hospital, and Nyamagana District Hospital. Bacteriologically-confirmed TB index cases diagnosed between May and July 2016 were identified from the laboratory registers book. Contacts were traced by home visits by study TB nurses, and data were collected using a standardized TB screening questionnaire. To detect the bacterioriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB, two sputum samples per household contact were collected under supervision for all household contacts following standard operating procedures. Samples were transported to the Bugando Medical Centre TB laboratory for investigation for TB using fluorescent smear microscopy, GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Löwenstein–Jensen (LJ) culture. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts. Results During the study period, 456 household contacts from 93 TB index cases were identified. Among these 456 household contacts, 13 (2.9%) were GeneXpert MTB/RIF positive, 18 (3.9%) were MTB-culture positive and four (0.9%) were AFB-smear positive. Overall, 29 (6.4%) of contacts had bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB. Predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts were7being married (Odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–8.0; p = 0.012) and consuming less than three meals a day (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.6–8.7; p = 0.009). Conclusions Our data suggest that in Mwanza, Tanzania, seven in 100 contacts living in the same house with a TB patient develop bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB. These results therefore underscore the need to implement routine TB contact tracing to control tuberculosis in high TB burden countries such as Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medard Beyanga
- Bugando Medical Centre, Department of Clinical Laboratory Services, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Benson R Kidenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Lisa Gerwing-Adima
- Bugando Medical Centre, Department of Clinical Laboratory Services, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Stellenbosch University Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephen E Mshana
- Department of Microbiology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the introduction of new tests and guidelines for diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), worldwide case detection rate of TB is still suboptimal. This could be in part explained by the poor implementation of TB diagnostic guidelines. We aim to identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative evidence exploring the barriers and facilitators to implementing TB diagnostic guidelines. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A systematic review of qualitative studies will be conducted. Relevant electronic databases will be searched and studies included based on predefined inclusion criteria. We will also search reference lists, grey literature, conduct forward citation searches and contact relevant content experts. An adaptation of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Two authors will review the search output, extract data and assess methodological quality independently, resolving any disagreements by consensus. We will use the thematic framework analysis approach based on the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence thematic framework to analyse and synthesise our data. We will apply the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach to transparently assess our confidence in the findings of the systematic review. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42016039790 TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO 2016: CRD42016039790. Available from http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tamara Kredo
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles Shey Wiysonge
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
Rapid diagnostic tests have the potential to reduce the overtreatment of malaria by 95%, but time and extensive logistical, behavioural, and technical interventions may be required to achieve this, argue Eleanor Ochodo and colleagues
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Paul Garner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Sinclair
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Kredo T, Bernhardsson S, Machingaidze S, Young T, Louw Q, Ochodo E, Grimmer K. Guide to clinical practice guidelines: the current state of play. Int J Qual Health Care 2016; 28:122-8. [PMID: 26796486 PMCID: PMC4767049 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzv115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Extensive research has been undertaken over the last 30 years on the methods underpinning clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), including their development, updating, reporting, tailoring for specific purposes, implementation and evaluation. This has resulted in an increasing number of terms, tools and acronyms. Over time, CPGs have shifted from opinion-based to evidence-informed, including increasingly sophisticated methodologies and implementation strategies, and thus keeping abreast of evolution in this field of research can be challenging. Methods This article collates findings from an extensive document search, to provide a guide describing standards, methods and systems reported in the current CPG methodology and implementation literature. This guide is targeted at those working in health care quality and safety and responsible for either commissioning, researching or delivering health care. It is presented in a way that can be updated as the field expands. Conclusion CPG development and implementation have attracted the most international interest and activity, whilst CPG updating, adopting (with or without contextualization), adapting and impact evaluation are less well addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Kredo
- South African Cochrane Centre (SACC), South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Susanne Bernhardsson
- Närhälsan Rehabilitation, Region VästraGötaland, Hönö, Sweden Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Shingai Machingaidze
- South African Cochrane Centre (SACC), South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- South African Cochrane Centre (SACC), South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7505, South Africa Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care (CEBHC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Quinette Louw
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care (CEBHC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Karen Grimmer
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, City East Campus, P4-18 North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, Australia
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Lewis JM, Macpherson P, Adams ER, Ochodo E, Sands A, Taegtmeyer M. Field accuracy of fourth-generation rapid diagnostic tests for acute HIV-1: a systematic review. AIDS 2015; 29:2465-71. [PMID: 26558545 PMCID: PMC4645957 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fourth-generation HIV-1 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) detect HIV-1 p24 antigen to screen for acute HIV-1. However, diagnostic accuracy during clinical use may be suboptimal. METHODS Clinical sensitivity and specificity of fourth-generation RDTs for acute HIV-1 were collated from field evaluation studies in adults identified by a systematic literature search. RESULTS Four studies with 17 381 participants from Australia, Swaziland, the United Kingdom and Malawi were identified. All reported 0% sensitivity of the HIV-1 p24 component for acute HIV-1 diagnosis; 26 acute infections were missed. Specificity ranged from 98.3 to 99.9%. CONCLUSION Fourth-generation RDTs are currently unsuitable for the detection of acute HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Lewis
- Wellcome Trust Tropical Centre
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Peter Macpherson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool
| | - Emily R. Adams
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Evidence-based Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anita Sands
- Department of Essential Medicines and Health Products, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
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van Enst WA, Ochodo E, Scholten RJPM, Hooft L, Leeflang MM. Investigation of publication bias in meta-analyses of diagnostic test accuracy: a meta-epidemiological study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2014; 14:70. [PMID: 24884381 PMCID: PMC4035673 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-14-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The validity of a meta-analysis can be understood better in light of the possible impact of publication bias. The majority of the methods to investigate publication bias in terms of small study-effects are developed for meta-analyses of intervention studies, leaving authors of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) systematic reviews with limited guidance. The aim of this study was to evaluate if and how publication bias was assessed in meta-analyses of DTA, and to compare the results of various statistical methods used to assess publication bias. Methods A systematic search was initiated to identify DTA reviews with a meta-analysis published between September 2011 and January 2012. We extracted all information about publication bias from the reviews and the two-by-two tables. Existing statistical methods for the detection of publication bias were applied on data from the included studies. Results Out of 1,335 references, 114 reviews could be included. Publication bias was explicitly mentioned in 75 reviews (65.8%) and 47 of these had performed statistical methods to investigate publication bias in terms of small study-effects: 6 by drawing funnel plots, 16 by statistical testing and 25 by applying both methods. The applied tests were Egger’s test (n = 18), Deeks’ test (n = 12), Begg’s test (n = 5), both the Egger and Begg tests (n = 4), and other tests (n = 2). Our own comparison of the results of Begg’s, Egger’s and Deeks’ test for 92 meta-analyses indicated that up to 34% of the results did not correspond with one another. Conclusions The majority of DTA review authors mention or investigate publication bias. They mainly use suboptimal methods like the Begg and Egger tests that are not developed for DTA meta-analyses. Our comparison of the Begg, Egger and Deeks tests indicated that these tests do give different results and thus are not interchangeable. Deeks’ test is recommended for DTA meta-analyses and should be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Annefloor van Enst
- Dutch Cochrane Centre and Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Cobelens F, van Kampen S, Ochodo E, Atun R, Lienhardt C. Research on implementation of interventions in tuberculosis control in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. PLoS Med 2012; 9:e1001358. [PMID: 23271959 PMCID: PMC3525528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several interventions for tuberculosis (TB) control have been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) over the past decade. These include isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for HIV-infected individuals and household contacts of infectious TB patients, diagnostic algorithms for rule-in or rule-out of smear-negative pulmonary TB, and programmatic treatment for multidrug-resistant TB. There is no systematically collected data on the type of evidence that is publicly available to guide the scale-up of these interventions in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the availability of published evidence on their effectiveness, delivery, and cost-effectiveness that policy makers need for scaling-up these interventions at country level. METHODS AND FINDINGS PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and several regional databases were searched for studies published from 1 January 1990 through 31 March 2012 that assessed health outcomes, delivery aspects, or cost-effectiveness for any of these interventions in low- or middle-income countries. Selected studies were evaluated for their objective(s), design, geographical and institutional setting, and generalizability. Studies reporting health outcomes were categorized as primarily addressing efficacy or effectiveness of the intervention. These criteria were used to draw landscapes of published research. We identified 59 studies on IPT in HIV infection, 14 on IPT in household contacts, 44 on rule-in diagnosis, 19 on rule-out diagnosis, and 72 on second-line treatment. Comparative effectiveness studies were relatively few (n = 9) and limited to South America and sub-Saharan Africa for IPT in HIV-infection, absent for IPT in household contacts, and rare for second-line treatment (n = 3). Evaluations of diagnostic and screening algorithms were more frequent (n = 19) but geographically clustered and mainly of non-comparative design. Fifty-four studies evaluated ways of delivering these interventions, and nine addressed their cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS There are substantial gaps in published evidence for scale-up for five WHO-recommended TB interventions settings at country level, which for many countries possibly precludes program-wide implementation of these interventions. There is a strong need for rigorous operational research studies to be carried out in programmatic settings to inform on best use of existing and new interventions in TB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Cobelens
- Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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