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Xu P, Ying Y, Xu D, Huan S, Zhao L, Wang H. Impact of an innovative bundled payment to TB health care providers in China: an economic simulation analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:577. [PMID: 38702650 PMCID: PMC11069261 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11034-8] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis is the second most deadly infectious disease after COVID-19 and the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. Among the 30 countries with a high burden of TB, China ranks third in the estimated number of TB cases. China is in the top four of 75 countries with a deficit in funding for TB strategic plans. To reduce costs and improve the effectiveness of TB treatment in China, the NHSA developed an innovative BP method. This study aimed to simulate the effects of this payment approach on different stakeholders, reduce the economic burden on TB patients, improve the quality of medical services, facilitate policy optimization, and offer a model for health care payment reforms that can be referenced by other regions throughout the world. METHODS We developed a simulation model based on a decision tree analysis to project the expected effects of the payment method on the potential financial impacts on different stakeholders. Our analysis mainly focused on comparing changes in health care costs before and after receiving BPs for TB patients with Medicare in the pilot areas. The data that were used for the analysis included the TB service claim records for 2019-2021 from the health insurance agency, TB prevalence data from the local Centre for Disease Control, and health care facilities' revenue and expenditure data from the Statistic Yearbook. A Monte Carlo randomized simulation model was used to estimate the results. RESULTS After adopting the innovative BP method, for each TB patient per year, the total annual expenditure was estimated to decrease from $2,523.28 to $2,088.89, which is a reduction of $434.39 (17.22%). The TB patient out-of-pocket expenditure was expected to decrease from $1,249.02 to $1,034.00, which is a reduction of $215.02 (17.22%). The health care provider's revenue decreased from $2,523.28 to $2,308.26, but the health care provider/institution's revenue-expenditure ratio increased from -6.09% to 9.50%. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential of BPs to improve medical outcomes and control the costs associated with TB treatment. It demonstrates its feasibility and advantages in enhancing the coordination and sustainability of medical services, thus offering valuable insights for global health care payment reform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Xu
- School of Economics & Management, Southeast University, No. 2, Sipailou, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210096, China
| | - Yazhen Ying
- National Institute of Healthcare Security Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Debin Xu
- National Institute of Healthcare Security Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shitong Huan
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lindu Zhao
- School of Economics & Management, Southeast University, No. 2, Sipailou, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210096, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
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Nagar S, Nicholls D, Dawoud D. A systematic review of economic evaluations of pharmacological treatments for active tuberculosis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1201512. [PMID: 38689771 PMCID: PMC11060080 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1201512] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The continuing spread of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, especially drug-resistant TB, poses a major challenge to healthcare systems globally. Addressing this requires appraising the cost effectiveness of existing pharmacological interventions against TB to identify key drivers of cost effectiveness and value and guide pharmaceutical innovation and novel drug regimen development. Methods Studies were identified from a search of six database: MEDLINE MEDLINE-In Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Econlit in July 2022. Two reviewers independently assessed all identified studies and reports using pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study methodological quality was assessed, data were extracted in standard tables, and results were narratively synthesized. Results Overall, 991 studies and 53 HTA reports were identified with 20 studies and 3 HTA reports meeting the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of the 20 studies identified 4 with minor limitations, while the remainder were assessed as having potentially or very serious limitations. Sixteen studies conducted cost-utility analyses, 6 conducted cost-effectiveness analyses, and 2 conducted cost-comparison analyses with some studies performing multiple analyses. The majority (n = 16) were model-based. Eleven studies analyzed the cost-effectiveness of bedaquiline, 6 compared shorter to longer/standard duration regimens, 2 assessed ethambutol, and 1 assessed delamanid. Key drivers of cost effectiveness were drug costs, the number of TB cases, the portion of cases with sputum culture conversion, treatment delivery costs, and treatment efficacy. Common value elements considered included adverse events, drug resistance, and improving treatment adherence. Conclusion Our results suggest that out of the pharmacological treatments assessed, bedaquiline is likely a cost-effective addition to existing treatment regimens/background treatment regimens, while ethambutol is not likely to be. Newer shorter regimens, even if more costly, seem to be more cost-effective compared to longer regimens. These results illustrate the limited number of novel cost-effective pharmacological interventions and highlight a need to develop new drugs/regimens against TB to overcome resistance, taking into account the key drivers of cost effectiveness and other value attributes identified from this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarosh Nagar
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), London, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry & Department of Economics, Harvard College, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David Nicholls
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Dalia Dawoud
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Lesego A, Tsegaye T, Were LPO, Sakvarelidze G, Garg S, Morrison L, Nigussie S, Githendu P, Achoki T. Assessment of the Global Fund-supported procurement and supply chain reforms at the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073390. [PMID: 38101834 PMCID: PMC10729206 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073390] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) partnered with the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA) in 2018-2019 to reform procurement and supply chain management (PSCM) procedures within the Ethiopian healthcare system. This assessment sought to determine the impact of the reforms and document the lessons learnt. DESIGN Mixed-methods study incorporating qualitative and quantitative analysis. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were applied for the qualitative methods, and the data collected was transcribed in full and subjected to thematic content analysis. Descriptive analysis was applied to quantitative data. SETTING The study was based in Ethiopia and focused on the EPSA operations nationally between 2017 and 2021. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five Ethiopian healthcare decision-makers and health workers. INTERVENTION Global Fund training programme for health workers and infrastructural improvements OUTCOMES: Operational and financial measures for healthcare PSCM. RESULTS The availability of antiretrovirals, tuberculosis and malaria medicines, and other related commodities, remained consistently high. Line fill rate and forecast accuracy were average. Between 2018 and 2021, procurement lead times for HIV and malaria-related orders reduced by 43.0% relative to other commodities that reported an increase. Many interview respondents recognised the important role of the Global Fund support in improving the performance of EPSA and provided specific attributions to the observed successes. However, they were also clear that more needs to be done in specific critical areas such as financing, strategic reorganisation, data and information management systems. CONCLUSION The Global Fund-supported initiatives led to improvements in the EPSA performance, despite several persistent challenges. To sustain and secure the gains achieved so far through Global Fund support and make progress, it is important that various stakeholders, including the government and the donor community, work together to support EPSA in delivering on its core mandate within the Ethiopian health system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsion Tsegaye
- Ethiopian Procurement and Supply Agency, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - George Sakvarelidze
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
| | - Sunil Garg
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
| | - Linden Morrison
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrick Githendu
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria, Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
| | - Tom Achoki
- Africa Institute for Health Policy, Nairobi, Kenya
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Muniyandi M. Families affected by catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1492-e1493. [PMID: 37734785 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00422-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Malaisamy Muniyandi
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai 600031, India.
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Kairu A, Orangi S, Oyando R, Kabia E, Nguhiu P, Ong Ang O J, Mwirigi N, Laurence YV, Kitson N, Garcia Baena I, Vassall A, Barasa E, Sweeney S, Cunnama L. Cost of TB services in healthcare facilities in Kenya (No 3). Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2021; 25:1028-1034. [PMID: 34886934 PMCID: PMC8675875 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.21.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The reduction of Kenya´s TB burden requires improving resource allocation both to and within the National TB, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (NTLD-P). We aimed to estimate the unit costs of TB services for budgeting by NTLD-P, and allocative efficiency analyses for future National Strategic Plan (NSP) costing.METHODS: We estimated costs of all TB interventions in a sample of 20 public and private health facilities from eight counties. We calculated national-level unit costs from a health provider´s perspective using bottom-up (BU) and top-down (TD) approaches for the financial year 2017-2018 using Microsoft Excel and STATA v16.RESULTS: The mean unit cost for passive case-finding (PCF) was respectively US$38 and US$60 using the BU and TD approaches. The unit BU and TD costs of a 6-month first-line treatment (FLT) course, including monitoring tests, was respectively US$135 and US$160, while those for adult drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) treatment was respectively US$3,230.28 and US$3,926.52 for the 9-month short regimen. Intervention costs highlighted variations between BU and TD approaches. Overall, TD costs were higher than BU, as these are able to capture more costs due to inefficiency (breaks/downtime/leave).CONCLUSION: The activity-based TB unit costs form a comprehensive cost database, and the costing process has built-in capacity within the NTLD-P and international TB research networks, which will inform future TB budgeting processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kairu
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Orangi
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R Oyando
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E Kabia
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P Nguhiu
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J Ong Ang O
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - N Mwirigi
- Ministry of Health, Division of National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Lung Disease Program, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Y V Laurence
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Centre for Health Economics in London, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - N Kitson
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Centre for Health Economics in London, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - I Garcia Baena
- TB Monitoring and Evaluation, Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Centre for Health Economics in London, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - E Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - S Sweeney
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Centre for Health Economics in London, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - L Cunnama
- Health Economics Unit and Division, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Goscé L, Abou Jaoude GJ, Kedziora DJ, Benedikt C, Hussain A, Jarvis S, Skrahina A, Klimuk D, Hurevich H, Zhao F, Fraser-Hurt N, Cheikh N, Gorgens M, Wilson DJ, Abeysuriya R, Martin-Hughes R, Kelly SL, Roberts A, Stuart RM, Palmer T, Panovska-Griffiths J, Kerr CC, Wilson DP, Haghparast-Bidgoli H, Skordis J, Abubakar I. Optima TB: A tool to help optimally allocate tuberculosis spending. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009255. [PMID: 34570767 PMCID: PMC8496838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 85% of tuberculosis (TB) related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where health resources are scarce. Effective priority setting is required to maximise the impact of limited budgets. The Optima TB tool has been developed to support analytical capacity and inform evidence-based priority setting processes for TB health benefits package design. This paper outlines the Optima TB framework and how it was applied in Belarus, an upper-middle income country in Eastern Europe with a relatively high burden of TB. Optima TB is a population-based disease transmission model, with programmatic cost functions and an optimisation algorithm. Modelled populations include age-differentiated general populations and higher-risk populations such as people living with HIV. Populations and prospective interventions are defined in consultation with local stakeholders. In partnership with the latter, demographic, epidemiological, programmatic, as well as cost and spending data for these populations and interventions are then collated. An optimisation analysis of TB spending was conducted in Belarus, using program objectives and constraints defined in collaboration with local stakeholders, which included experts, decision makers, funders and organisations involved in service delivery, support and technical assistance. These analyses show that it is possible to improve health impact by redistributing current TB spending in Belarus. Specifically, shifting funding from inpatient- to outpatient-focused care models, and from mass screening to active case finding strategies, could reduce TB prevalence and mortality by up to 45% and 50%, respectively, by 2035. In addition, an optimised allocation of TB spending could lead to a reduction in drug-resistant TB infections by 40% over this period. This would support progress towards national TB targets without additional financial resources. The case study in Belarus demonstrates how reallocations of spending across existing and new interventions could have a substantial impact on TB outcomes. This highlights the potential for Optima TB and similar modelling tools to support evidence-based priority setting. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading global cause of death and morbidity, and 85% of deaths occur in countries where resources for TB care and control are limited. Many countries cannot finance all TB interventions or technologies, which means difficult decisions on what to prioritise and publically finance. Modelling tools can help decision-makers set priorities based on evidence, in a systematic and transparent way. This study presents Optima TB, a tool that estimates which allocations of spending across interventions will most likely maximise specified objectives—such as minimising TB deaths, prevalence and incidence. In partnership with local decision-makers and stakeholders, Optima TB was applied in Belarus. Recommendations from the model findings include focussing investment on outpatient rather than inpatient care and actively finding people with TB (e.g. through contact tracing) rather than mass testing of the population. The recommended reallocations of spending could reduce TB prevalence and deaths by up to 45% and 50%, respectively, by 2035 for the same amount of spending. Key stakeholders were engaged throughout the analysis and findings and uncertainty around the results were clearly communicated with decision-makers. The timeliness of the results helped inform national dialogue on TB care reform, among other key policy discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Goscé
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Clemens Benedikt
- World Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Alena Skrahina
- The Republican Scientific and Practice Centre for Pulmonology and Tuberculosis, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Dzmitry Klimuk
- The Republican Scientific and Practice Centre for Pulmonology and Tuberculosis, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Henadz Hurevich
- The Republican Scientific and Practice Centre for Pulmonology and Tuberculosis, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Feng Zhao
- World Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | | | - Nejma Cheikh
- World Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Marelize Gorgens
- World Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - David J. Wilson
- World Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Robyn M. Stuart
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tom Palmer
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Teo AKJ, Singh SR, Prem K, Hsu LY, Yi S. Duration and determinants of delayed tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in high-burden countries: a mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis. Respir Res 2021; 22:251. [PMID: 34556113 PMCID: PMC8459488 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01841-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thirty countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden bear 87% of the world's TB cases. Delayed diagnosis and treatment are detrimental to TB prognosis and sustain TB transmission in the community, making TB elimination a great challenge, especially in these countries. Our objective was to elucidate the duration and determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary TB in high TB-burden countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative studies by searching four databases for literature published between 2008 and 2018 following PRISMA guidelines. We performed a narrative synthesis of the covariates significantly associated with patient, health system, treatment, and total delays. The pooled median duration of delay and effect sizes of covariates were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. We identified key qualitative themes using thematic analysis. RESULTS This review included 124 articles from 14 low- and lower-middle-income countries (LIC and LMIC) and five upper-middle-income countries (UMIC). The pooled median duration of delays (in days) were-patient delay (LIC/LMIC: 28 (95% CI 20-30); UMIC: 10 (95% CI 10-20), health system delay (LIC/LMIC: 14 (95% CI 2-28); UMIC: 4 (95% CI 2-4), and treatment delay (LIC/LMIC: 14 (95% CI 3-84); UMIC: 0 (95% CI 0-1). There was consistent evidence that being female and rural residence was associated with longer patient delay. Patient delay was also associated with other individual, interpersonal, and community risk factors such as poor TB knowledge, long chains of care-seeking through private/multiple providers, perceived stigma, financial insecurities, and poor access to healthcare. Organizational and policy factors mediated health system and treatment delays. These factors included the lack of resources and complex administrative procedures and systems at the health facilities. We identified data gaps in 11 high-burden countries. CONCLUSIONS This review presented the duration of delays and detailed the determinants of delayed TB diagnosis and treatment in high-burden countries. The gaps identified could be addressed through tailored approaches, education, and at a higher level, through health system strengthening and provision of universal health coverage to reduce delays and improve access to TB diagnosis and care. PROSPERO registration: CRD42018107237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Kuo Jing Teo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, #10-01, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
| | - Shweta R Singh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kiesha Prem
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Li Yang Hsu
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siyan Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Center for Global Health Research, Touro University California, Vallejo, USA
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Samuels THA, Shete PB, Ojok C, Nalugwa T, Farr K, Turyahabwe S, Katamba A, Cattamanchi A, Moore DAJ. Where will it end? Pathways to care and catastrophic costs following negative TB evaluation in Uganda. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253927. [PMID: 34270582 PMCID: PMC8284677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253927] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Catastrophic costs incurred by tuberculosis (TB) patients have received considerable attention, however little is known about costs and pathways to care after a negative TB evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 70 patients with a negative TB evaluation at four community health centres in rural and peri-urban Uganda. Patients were traced 9 months post-evaluation using contact information from TB registers. We collected information on healthcare visits and implemented locally-validated costing questionnaires to assess the financial impact of their symptoms post-evaluation. RESULTS Of 70 participants, 57 (81%) were traced and 53 completed the survey. 31/53 (58%) surveyed participants returned to healthcare facilities post-evaluation, making a median of 2 visits each (interquartile range [IQR] 1-3). 11.3% (95%CI 4.3-23.0%) of surveyed patients and 16.1% (95%CI 5.5-33.7%) of those returning to healthcare facilities incurred catastrophic costs (i.e., spent >20% annual household income). Indirect costs related to lost work represented 80% (IQR 32-100%) of total participant costs. CONCLUSIONS Patients with TB symptoms who experience financial catastrophe after negative TB evaluation may represent a larger absolute number of patients than those suffering from costs due to TB. They may not be captured by existing definitions of non-TB catastrophic health expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H. A. Samuels
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Priya B. Shete
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Tuberculosis and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Ojok
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Talemwa Nalugwa
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Katherine Farr
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Tuberculosis and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stavia Turyahabwe
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Implementation Science Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Adithya Cattamanchi
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Tuberculosis and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - David A. J. Moore
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
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Wingfield T, Karmadwala F, MacPherson P, Millington KA, Walker NF, Cuevas LE, Squire SB. Challenges and opportunities to end tuberculosis in the COVID-19 era. Lancet Respir Med 2021; 9:556-558. [PMID: 33773121 PMCID: PMC7988354 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(21)00161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Wingfield
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; Social Medicine, Infectious diseases, and Migration Group, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Fatima Karmadwala
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Peter MacPherson
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kerry A Millington
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Naomi F Walker
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Luis E Cuevas
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; Zankli Research Centre, Bingham University, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
| | - S Bertel Squire
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Foster N, Cunnama L, McCarthy K, Ramma L, Siapka M, Sinanovic E, Churchyard G, Fielding K, Grant AD, Cleary S. Strengthening health systems to improve the value of tuberculosis diagnostics in South Africa: A cost and cost-effectiveness analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251547. [PMID: 33989317 PMCID: PMC8121360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, replacing smear microscopy with Xpert-MTB/RIF (Xpert) for tuberculosis diagnosis did not reduce mortality and was cost-neutral. The unchanged mortality has been attributed to suboptimal Xpert implementation. We developed a mathematical model to explore how complementary investments may improve cost-effectiveness of the tuberculosis diagnostic algorithm. METHODS Complementary investments in the tuberculosis diagnostic pathway were compared to the status quo. Investment scenarios following an initial Xpert test included actions to reduce pre-treatment loss-to-follow-up; supporting same-day clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis after a negative result; and improving access to further tuberculosis diagnostic tests following a negative result. We estimated costs, deaths and disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) averted from provider and societal perspectives. Sensitivity analyses explored the mediating influence of behavioural, disease- and organisational characteristics on investment effectiveness. FINDINGS Among a cohort of symptomatic patients tested for tuberculosis, with an estimated active tuberculosis prevalence of 13%, reducing pre-treatment loss-to-follow-up from ~20% to ~0% led to a 4% (uncertainty interval [UI] 3; 4%) reduction in mortality compared to the Xpert scenario. Improving access to further tuberculosis diagnostic tests from ~4% to 90% among those with an initial negative Xpert result reduced overall mortality by 28% (UI 27; 28) at $39.70/ DALY averted. Effectiveness of investment scenarios to improve access to further diagnostic tests was dependent on a high return rate for follow-up visits. INTERPRETATION Investing in direct and indirect costs to support the TB diagnostic pathway is potentially highly cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Foster
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Cunnama
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kerrigan McCarthy
- Division of Public Health, Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Disease of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lebogang Ramma
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mariana Siapka
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edina Sinanovic
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gavin Churchyard
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katherine Fielding
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison D. Grant
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Susan Cleary
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Biermann O, Klüppelberg R, Lönnroth K, Viney K, Caws M, Atkins S. 'A double-edged sword': Perceived benefits and harms of active case-finding for people with presumptive tuberculosis and communities-A qualitative study based on expert interviews. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247568. [PMID: 33705422 PMCID: PMC7951804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active case-finding (ACF), also referred to as community-based tuberculosis screening, is a component of the World Health Organization's End TB Strategy. ACF has potential benefits but also harms, which need to be carefully assessed when developing and implementing ACF policies. While empirical evidence on the benefits of ACF is still weak, evidence on the harms is even weaker. This study aimed to explore experts' views on the benefits and harms of ACF for people with presumptive TB and communities. METHODS This was an exploratory study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 39 experts from international, non-governmental/non-profit organizations, funders, government institutions, international societies, think tanks, universities and research institutions worldwide. Framework analysis was applied. RESULTS Findings elaborated perceived benefits of ACF, including reaching vulnerable populations, reducing patient costs, helping raise awareness for tuberculosis among individuals and engaging communities, and reducing tuberculosis transmission. Perceived harms included increasing stigma and discrimination, causing false-positive diagnoses, as well as triggering other unintended consequences related to screening for tuberculosis patients, such as deportation of migrants once confirmed to have tuberculosis. Most of the perceived benefits of ACF could be linked to its objective of finding and treating persons with tuberculosis early (theme 1), while ACF was also perceived as a "double-edged sword" and could cause harms, if inappropriately designed and implemented (theme 2). The analysis underlined the importance of considering the benefits and harms of ACF throughout the screening pathway. The study provides new insights into the perceived benefits and harms of ACF from the perspectives of experts in the field. CONCLUSION This study highlights gaps in the evidence base surrounding ACF and can stimulate further research, debate and analysis regarding the benefits and harms of ACF to inform contextual optimization of design and implementation of ACF strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Biermann
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raina Klüppelberg
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Knut Lönnroth
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kerri Viney
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Maxine Caws
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Birat Nepal Medical Trust, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Salla Atkins
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- New Social Research and Global Health and Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented health crisis and a substantial socioeconomic impact. It also affects tuberculosis (TB) control severely worldwide. Interruptions of many TB control programs because of the COVID-19 pandemic could result in significant setbacks. One of the targets that can be affected is the WHO's End TB Strategy goal to eliminate catastrophic costs of TB-affected households by 2030. Disruptions to TB programs and healthcare services due to COVID-19 could potentially prolong diagnostic delays and worsen TB treatment adherence and outcomes. The economic recession caused by the pandemic could significantly impact household financial capacity because of the reduction of income and the rise in unemployment rates. All of these factors increase the risk of TB incidence and the gravity of economic impact on TB-affected households, and hamper efforts to eliminate catastrophic costs and control TB. Therefore, efforts to eliminate the incidence of TB-affected households facing catastrophic costs will be very challenging. Because financial constraint plays a significant role in TB control, the improvement of health and social protection systems is critical. Even before the pandemic, many TB-high-burden countries (HBCs) lacked robust health and social protection systems. These challenges highlight the substantial need for a more robust engagement of patients and civil society organizations and international support in addressing the consequences of COVID-19 on the control of TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Fuady
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tanja A. J. Houweling
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Cilloni L, Kranzer K, Stagg HR, Arinaminpathy N. Trade-offs between cost and accuracy in active case finding for tuberculosis: A dynamic modelling analysis. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003456. [PMID: 33264288 PMCID: PMC7710036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active case finding (ACF) may be valuable in tuberculosis (TB) control, but questions remain about its optimum implementation in different settings. For example, smear microscopy misses up to half of TB cases, yet is cheap and detects the most infectious TB cases. What, then, is the incremental value of using more sensitive and specific, yet more costly, tests such as Xpert MTB/RIF in ACF in a high-burden setting? METHODS AND FINDINGS We constructed a dynamic transmission model of TB, calibrated to be consistent with an urban slum population in India. We applied this model to compare the potential cost and impact of 2 hypothetical approaches following initial symptom screening: (i) 'moderate accuracy' testing employing a microscopy-like test (i.e., lower cost but also lower accuracy) for bacteriological confirmation and (ii) 'high accuracy' testing employing an Xpert-like test (higher cost but also higher accuracy, while also detecting rifampicin resistance). Results suggest that ACF using a moderate-accuracy test could in fact cost more overall than using a high-accuracy test. Under an illustrative budget of US$20 million in a slum population of 2 million, high-accuracy testing would avert 1.14 (95% credible interval 0.75-1.99, with p = 0.28) cases relative to each case averted by moderate-accuracy testing. Test specificity is a key driver: High-accuracy testing would be significantly more impactful at the 5% significance level, as long as the high-accuracy test has specificity at least 3 percentage points greater than the moderate-accuracy test. Additional factors promoting the impact of high-accuracy testing are that (i) its ability to detect rifampicin resistance can lead to long-term cost savings in second-line treatment and (ii) its higher sensitivity contributes to the overall cases averted by ACF. Amongst the limitations of this study, our cost model has a narrow focus on the commodity costs of testing and treatment; our estimates should not be taken as indicative of the overall cost of ACF. There remains uncertainty about the true specificity of tests such as smear and Xpert-like tests in ACF, relating to the accuracy of the reference standard under such conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that cheaper diagnostics do not necessarily translate to less costly ACF, as any savings from the test cost can be strongly outweighed by factors including false-positive TB treatment, reduced sensitivity, and foregone savings in second-line treatment. In resource-limited settings, it is therefore important to take all of these factors into account when designing cost-effective strategies for ACF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cilloni
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Research Centre Borstel, Sülfeld, Germany
| | - Helen R. Stagg
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nimalan Arinaminpathy
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Banu S, Haque F, Ahmed S, Sultana S, Rahman MM, Khatun R, Paul KK, Kabir S, Rahman SMM, Banu RS, Islam MS, Ross AG, Clemens JD, Stevens R, Creswell J. Social Enterprise Model (SEM) for private sector tuberculosis screening and care in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241437. [PMID: 33226990 PMCID: PMC7682881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bangladesh, about 80% of healthcare is provided by the private sector. Although free diagnosis and care is offered in the public sector, only half of the estimated number of people with tuberculosis are diagnosed, treated, and notified to the national program. Private sector engagement strategies often have been small scale and time limited. We evaluated a Social Enterprise Model combining external funding and income generation at three tuberculosis screening centres across the Dhaka Metropolitan Area for diagnosing and treating tuberculosis. METHODS AND FINDINGS The model established three tuberculosis screening centres across Dhaka Metropolitan Area that carried the icddr,b brand and offered free Xpert MTB/RIF tests to patients visiting the screening centres for subsidized, digital chest radiographs from April 2014 to December 2017. A network of private and public health care providers, and community recommendation was formed for patient referral. No financial incentives were offered to physicians for referrals. Revenues from radiography were used to support screening centres' operation. Tuberculosis patients could choose to receive treatment from the private or public sector. Between 2014 and 2017, 1,032 private facilities networked with 8,466 private providers were mapped within the Dhaka Metropolitan Area. 64, 031 patients with TB symptoms were referred by the private providers, public sector and community residents to the three screening centres with 80% coming from private providers. 4,270 private providers made at least one referral. Overall, 10,288 pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases were detected and 7,695 were bacteriologically positive by Xpert, corresponding to 28% of the total notifications in Dhaka Metropolitan Area. CONCLUSION The model established a network of private providers who referred individuals with presumptive tuberculosis without financial incentives to icddr,b's screening centres, facilitating a quarter of total tuberculosis notifications in Dhaka Metropolitan Area. Scaling up this approach may enhance national and international tuberculosis response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayera Banu
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- * E-mail:
| | - Farhana Haque
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahriar Ahmed
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sonia Sultana
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mahfuzur Rahman
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Razia Khatun
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kishor Kumar Paul
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Senjuti Kabir
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S. M. Mazidur Rahman
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rupali Sisir Banu
- National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shamiul Islam
- National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Allen G. Ross
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John D. Clemens
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Chittamany P, Yamanaka T, Suthepmany S, Sorsavanh T, Siphanthong P, Sebert J, Viney K, Vixaysouk T, Nagai M, Seevisay V, Izumi K, Morishita F, Nishikiori N. First national tuberculosis patient cost survey in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Assessment of the financial burden faced by TB-affected households and the comparisons by drug-resistance and HIV status. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241862. [PMID: 33180777 PMCID: PMC7660466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) patients incur large costs for care seeking, diagnosis, and treatment. To understand the magnitude of this financial burden and its main cost drivers, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) National TB Programme carried out the first national TB patient cost survey in 2018–2019. Method A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a nationally representative sample of TB patients from public health facilities across 12 provinces. A total of 848 TB patients including 30 drug resistant (DR)-TB and 123 TB-HIV coinfected patients were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. Information on direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs, as well as coping mechanisms was collected. We estimated the percentage of TB-affected households facing catastrophic costs, which was defined as total TB-related costs accounting for more than 20% of annual household income. Result The median total cost of TB care was US$ 755 (Interquartile range 351–1,454). The costs were driven by direct non-medical costs (46.6%) and income loss (37.6%). Nutritional supplements accounted for 74.7% of direct non-medical costs. Half of the patients used savings, borrowed money or sold household assets to cope with TB. The proportion of unemployment more than doubled from 16.8% to 35.4% during the TB episode, especially among those working in the informal sector. Of all participants, 62.6% of TB-affected households faced catastrophic costs. This proportion was higher among households with DR-TB (86.7%) and TB-HIV coinfected patients (81.1%). Conclusion In Lao PDR, TB patients and their households faced a substantial financial burden due to TB, despite the availability of free TB services in public health facilities. As direct non-medical and indirect costs were major cost drivers, providing free TB services is not enough to ease this financial burden. Expansion of existing social protection schemes to accommodate the needs of TB patients is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takuya Yamanaka
- Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Jacques Sebert
- National TB Programme, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Kerri Viney
- Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Moeko Nagai
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Vilath Seevisay
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Kiyohiko Izumi
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Fukushi Morishita
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Nobuyuki Nishikiori
- Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Lu L, Jiang Q, Hong J, Jin X, Gao Q, Bang H, DeRiemer K, Yang C. Catastrophic costs of tuberculosis care in a population with internal migrants in China. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:832. [PMID: 32887605 PMCID: PMC7602335 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The internal rural-to-urban migration is one of the major challenges for tuberculosis (TB) control in China. Patient costs incurred during TB diagnosis and treatment could cause access and adherence barriers, particularly among migrants. Here, we estimated the prevalence of catastrophic costs of TB patients and its associated factors in an urban population with internal migrants in China. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted to enroll culture-confirmed pulmonary TB patients in Songjiang district, Shanghai, between December 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015. Consenting participants completed a questionnaire, which collected direct and indirect costs before and after the diagnosis of TB. The catastrophic cost was defined as the annual expenses of TB care that exceeds 20% of total household disposable income. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with catastrophic costs. RESULTS Overall, 248 drug-susceptible TB patients were enrolled, 70% (174/248) of them were from migrants. Migrant patients were significantly younger compared to resident patients. The total costs were 25,824 ($3689) and 13,816 ($1974) Chinese Yuan (RMB) in average for resident and migrant patients, respectively. The direct medical cost comprised about 70% of the total costs among both migrant and resident patients. Overall, 55% (132 of 248) of patients experienced high expenses (>10% of total household income), and 22% (55 of 248) experienced defined catastrophic costs. The reimbursement for TB care only reduced the prevalence of catastrophic costs to 20% (49 of 248). Meanwhile, 52% (90 of 174) of the internal migrants had no available local health insurance. Hospitalizations, no available insurance, and older age (> 45-year-old) contributed significantly to the occurrence of catastrophic costs. CONCLUSIONS The catastrophic cost of TB service cannot be overlooked, despite the free policy. Migrants have difficulties benefiting from health insurance in urban cities. Interventions, including expanded medical financial assistance, are needed to secure universal TB care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Lu
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Songjiang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Hong
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Songjiang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoping Jin
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Songjiang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heejung Bang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn DeRiemer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Chongguang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Huang Y, Huang J, Su X, Chen L, Guo J, Chen W, Zhang L. Analysis of the economic burden of diagnosis and treatment on patients with tuberculosis in Bao'an district of Shenzhen City, China. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237865. [PMID: 32866187 PMCID: PMC7458315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illness-related costs experienced by tuberculosis patients produce a severe economic impact on households, especially poor families. Few studies have investigated the full costs, including direct and indirect costs, at the patient and household levels in south-east China. METHODS A case follow-up study was conducted in the Bao'an district of Shenzhen City, China. Eligible new and previously treated individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) during January 1st 2013 to June 30th 2013 were enrolled. Medical and non-medical costs as well as income loss were calculated in diagnosis and treatment periods, respectively. Factors associated with costs due to TB diagnosis, treatment and TB care (diagnosis + treatment) were explored respectively with a linear regression model. RESULTS Of the total 514 TB patients enrolled, 95% were from the migrant population, and 65% were males, with a mean age of 32.25 (±10.11). The median costs due to TB diagnosis and TB treatment were 79 United States dollar (USD), 748USD (6.2897 China Yuan (CNY) = 1USD, 2013) per patient, respectively. The median costs due to TB care (diagnosis and treatment) per patient was 1218USD, corresponding to 26% of patients' annual income pre-illness. Those who visited more times to health facilities, hospitalized, received higher education, or occupied in national civil servant/services/retired staff might expense more before diagnosis. Costs due to TB treatment was significantly higher among migrant patients, sputum smear positive patients, and widowed/divorced population. Factors associated with less total costs were native patients, fewer times of visiting to health-care facilities and those with no hospitalization history due to TB. CONCLUSIONS Although a free TB control policy is in force, patients with TB are still facing a heavy economic burden. More available interventions to reduce the financial burden on tuberculosis patients are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Huang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Xiaoting Su
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Centre for Tuberculosis Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Guo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqing Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, United States of America
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Cunnama L, Gomez GB, Siapka M, Herzel B, Hill J, Kairu A, Levin C, Okello D, DeCormier Plosky W, Garcia Baena I, Sweeney S, Vassall A, Sinanovic E. A Systematic Review of Methodological Variation in Healthcare Provider Perspective Tuberculosis Costing Papers Conducted in Low- and Middle-Income Settings, Using An Intervention-Standardised Unit Cost Typology. Pharmacoeconomics 2020; 38:819-837. [PMID: 32363543 PMCID: PMC7437656 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for easily accessible tuberculosis unit cost data, as well as an understanding of the variability of methods used and reporting standards of that data. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to descriptively review papers reporting tuberculosis unit costs from a healthcare provider perspective looking at methodological variation; to assess quality using a study quality rating system and machine learning to investigate the indicators of reporting quality; and to identify the data gaps to inform standardised tuberculosis unit cost collection and consistent principles for reporting going forward. METHODS We searched grey and published literature in five sources and eight databases, respectively, using search terms linked to cost, tuberculosis and tuberculosis health services including tuberculosis treatment and prevention. For inclusion, the papers needed to contain empirical unit cost estimates for tuberculosis interventions from low- and middle-income countries, with reference years between 1990 and 2018. A total of 21,691 papers were found and screened in a phased manner. Data were extracted from the eligible papers into a detailed Microsoft Excel tool, extensively cleaned and analysed with R software (R Project, Vienna, Austria) using the user interface of RStudio. A study quality rating was applied to the reviewed papers based on the inclusion or omission of a selection of variables and their relative importance. Following this, machine learning using a recursive partitioning method was utilised to construct a classification tree to assess the reporting quality. RESULTS This systematic review included 103 provider perspective papers with 627 unit costs (costs not presented here) for tuberculosis interventions among a total of 140 variables. The interventions covered were active, passive and intensified case finding; tuberculosis treatment; above-service costs; and tuberculosis prevention. Passive case finding is the detection of tuberculosis cases where individuals self-identify at health facilities; active case finding is detection of cases of those not in health facilities, such as through outreach; and intensified case finding is detection of cases in high-risk populations. There was heterogeneity in some of the reported methods used such cost allocation, amortisation and the use of top-down, bottom-up or mixed approaches to the costing. Uncertainty checking through sensitivity analysis was only reported on by half of the papers (54%), while purposive and convenience sampling was reported by 72% of papers. Machine learning indicated that reporting on 'Intervention' (in particular), 'Urbanicity' and 'Site Sampling', were the most likely indicators of quality of reporting. The largest data gap identified was for tuberculosis vaccination cost data, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in particular. There is a gap in available unit costs for 12 of 30 high tuberculosis burden countries, as well as for the interventions of above-service costs, tuberculosis prevention, and active and intensified case finding. CONCLUSION Variability in the methods and reporting used makes comparison difficult and makes it hard for decision makers to know which unit costs they can trust. The study quality rating system used in this review as well as the classification tree enable focus on specific reporting aspects that should improve variability and increase confidence in unit costs. Researchers should endeavour to be explicit and transparent in how they cost interventions following the principles as laid out in the Global Health Cost Consortium's Reference Case for Estimating the Costs of Global Health Services and Interventions, which in turn will lead to repeatability, comparability and enhanced learning from others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Cunnama
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Gabriela B Gomez
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mariana Siapka
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ben Herzel
- Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Hill
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Angela Kairu
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carol Levin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dickson Okello
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Inés Garcia Baena
- TB Monitoring and Evaluation (TME), Global TB Programme, The World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sedona Sweeney
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Edina Sinanovic
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
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Sweeney S, Vassall A, Guinness L, Siapka M, Chimbindi N, Mudzengi D, Gomez GB. Examining Approaches to Estimate the Prevalence of Catastrophic Costs Due to Tuberculosis from Small-Scale Studies in South Africa. Pharmacoeconomics 2020; 38:619-631. [PMID: 32239479 PMCID: PMC7307451 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE In context of the End TB goal of zero tuberculosis (TB)-affected households encountering catastrophic costs due to TB by 2020, the estimation of national prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB is a priority to inform programme design. We explore approaches to estimate the national prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB from existing datasets as an alternative to nationally representative surveys. METHODS We obtained, standardized and merged three patient-level datasets from existing studies on patient-incurred costs due to TB in South Africa. A deterministic cohort model was developed with the aim of estimating the national prevalence of catastrophic costs, using national data on the prevalence of TB and likelihood of loss to follow-up by income quintile and HIV status. Two approaches were tested to parameterize the model with existing cost data. First, a meta-analysis summarized study-level data by HIV status and income quintile. Second, a regression analysis of patient-level data also included employment status, education level and urbanicity. We summarized findings by type of cost and examined uncertainty around resulting estimates. RESULTS Overall, the median prevalence of catastrophic costs for the meta-analysis and regression approaches were 11% (interquartile range [IQR] 9-13%) and 6% (IQR 5-8%), respectively. Both approaches indicated that the main burden of catastrophic costs falls on the poorest households. An individual-level regression analysis produced lower uncertainty around estimates than a study-level meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS This paper presents a novel application of existing data to estimate the national prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB. This type of model could be useful for researchers and policy makers looking to inform certain policy decisions; however, some uncertainties remain due to limitations in data availability. There is an urgent need for standardized reporting of cost data and improved guidance on methods to collect income data to improve these estimates going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedona Sweeney
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Room 327, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Room 327, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Room 327, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Mariana Siapka
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Room 327, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | | | | | - Gabriela B Gomez
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Room 327, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
- Vaccine Epidemiology and Modelling, Sanofi Pasteur SA, Lyon, France
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Braier M, García Pérez FJ, Ancochea Bermúdez J. [Network against tuberculosis and for solidarity: the commitment of civil society]. Rev Esp Salud Publica 2020; 94:e202005025. [PMID: 32425178] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress made in the last years, the Tuberculosis remains a relevant public health problem in many geographic areas of the world. Tuberculosis is the paradigm of infectious disease with a high social component, and in its approach, measures aimed at reducing poverty, economic inequality and the integration of the most vulnerable groups cannot be ignored. Therefore, solidarity and social justice are terms associated with the control of this disease. The TBS Network, made up of various institutions born from civil society, tries to inform society and professionals about aspects of tuberculosis prevention, control, diagnosis, treatment and investigation, trying to avoid the stigma that still accompanies many patients. Among the activities organized by the TBS Network are, among others, the Solidarity Cinema Forum (in prisons, Red Cross premises and NGOs), Informa TB and Update Days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Braier
- Red contra la Tuberculosis y por la Solidaridad. España
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Global Burden of Disease Health Financing Collaborator Network. Health sector spending and spending on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and development assistance for health: progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3. Lancet 2020; 396:693-724. [PMID: 32334655 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 aims to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages". While a substantial effort has been made to quantify progress towards SDG3, less research has focused on tracking spending towards this goal. We used spending estimates to measure progress in financing the priority areas of SDG3, examine the association between outcomes and financing, and identify where resource gains are most needed to achieve the SDG3 indicators for which data are available. METHODS We estimated domestic health spending, disaggregated by source (government, out-of-pocket, and prepaid private) from 1995 to 2017 for 195 countries and territories. For disease-specific health spending, we estimated spending for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis for 135 low-income and middle-income countries, and malaria in 106 malaria-endemic countries, from 2000 to 2017. We also estimated development assistance for health (DAH) from 1990 to 2019, by source, disbursing development agency, recipient, and health focus area, including DAH for pandemic preparedness. Finally, we estimated future health spending for 195 countries and territories from 2018 until 2030. We report all spending estimates in inflation-adjusted 2019 US$, unless otherwise stated. FINDINGS Since the development and implementation of the SDGs in 2015, global health spending has increased, reaching $7·9 trillion (95% uncertainty interval 7·8-8·0) in 2017 and is expected to increase to $11·0 trillion (10·7-11·2) by 2030. In 2017, in low-income and middle-income countries spending on HIV/AIDS was $20·2 billion (17·0-25·0) and on tuberculosis it was $10·9 billion (10·3-11·8), and in malaria-endemic countries spending on malaria was $5·1 billion (4·9-5·4). Development assistance for health was $40·6 billion in 2019 and HIV/AIDS has been the health focus area to receive the highest contribution since 2004. In 2019, $374 million of DAH was provided for pandemic preparedness, less than 1% of DAH. Although spending has increased across HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria since 2015, spending has not increased in all countries, and outcomes in terms of prevalence, incidence, and per-capita spending have been mixed. The proportion of health spending from pooled sources is expected to increase from 81·6% (81·6-81·7) in 2015 to 83·1% (82·8-83·3) in 2030. INTERPRETATION Health spending on SDG3 priority areas has increased, but not in all countries, and progress towards meeting the SDG3 targets has been mixed and has varied by country and by target. The evidence on the scale-up of spending and improvements in health outcomes suggest a nuanced relationship, such that increases in spending do not always results in improvements in outcomes. Although countries will probably need more resources to achieve SDG3, other constraints in the broader health system such as inefficient allocation of resources across interventions and populations, weak governance systems, human resource shortages, and drug shortages, will also need to be addressed. FUNDING The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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MARTINI M, BARBERIS I, GAZZANIGA V, ICARDI G. The fight to end tuberculosis: a global challenge in strong partnership. J Prev Med Hyg 2020; 61:E1-E2. [PMID: 32529096 PMCID: PMC7263067 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.1s1.1489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. MARTINI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - I. BARBERIS
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: Ilaria Barberis, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, largo R. Benzi, University of Genoa, Italy - Tel./Fax +39 010 35385.02 - E-mail:
| | - V. GAZZANIGA
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
- President of Italian Society of Human Sciences in Medicine (SISUMed), Rome, Italy
| | - G. ICARDI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy
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Long Q, Jiang W, Dong D, Chen J, Xiang L, Li Q, Huang F, Lucas H, Tang S. A New Financing Model for Tuberculosis (TB) Care in China: Challenges of Policy Development and Lessons Learned from the Implementation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17041400. [PMID: 32098125 PMCID: PMC7068311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: With support from the Gates Foundation, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) introduced a new financing model for tuberculosis (TB) care. This paper reviews the development of the associated financing policies and payment methods in three project sites and analyzes the factors impacting on policy implementation and outcomes. Methods: We reviewed policy papers and other relevant documents issued in the project sites. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with key stakeholders at provincial, city and county levels. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes and develop interpretations. Results: The China CDC guideline proposed the introduction of a case-based payment based on TB treatment clinical pathways, increased reimbursement rates and financial assistance for the poorest TB patients. Contrary to expectations, TB patients with complications and/or comorbidities were often excluded from the program by hospitals that were concerned the cost of care would exceed the case-based payment ceiling. In addition, doctors frequently prescribed services and/or drugs beyond the coverage of the benefit package for those in the program. Consequently, actual reimbursement rates were low and poor patients still faced a heavy financial burden, though the utilization of services increased, especially by poorer patients. Qualitative interviews revealed three main factors affecting payment policy implementation. They were: hospital managers’ concern on the potential for reduced revenue generation; their fear that patients would regard the service provided as sub-standard if they were not prescribed the full range of available treatments; and a lack of mechanisms to effectively monitor and support the implementation process. Conclusions: While the intervention had some success in improving access to TB care, the challenges of implementing the policy in what proved to be an unreceptive and often antagonistic context resulted in divergences from the original design that frustrated its aim of reducing the financial burden on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Long
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215316, Jiangsu, China; (W.J.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Weixi Jiang
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215316, Jiangsu, China; (W.J.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
| | - Di Dong
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215316, Jiangsu, China; (W.J.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
| | - Jiaying Chen
- School of Policy & Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China;
| | - Li Xiang
- Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China;
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shanxi, China;
| | - Fei Huang
- National Center for Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China;
| | - Henry Lucas
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN19RE, UK;
| | - Shenglan Tang
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215316, Jiangsu, China; (W.J.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Muniyandi M, Thomas BE, Karikalan N, Kannan T, Rajendran K, Saravanan B, Vohra V, Okorosobo T, Lönnroth K, Tripathy SP. Association of Tuberculosis With Household Catastrophic Expenditure in South India. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e1920973. [PMID: 32049293 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.20973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The high household costs associated with tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment can create barriers to access and adherence, highlighting the urgency of achieving the World Health Organization's End TB Strategy target that no TB-affected households should face catastrophic costs by 2020. OBJECTIVE To estimate the occurrence of catastrophic costs associated with TB diagnosis and treatment and to identify socioeconomic indicators associated with catastrophic costs in a setting where TB control strategies have been implemented effectively. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cross-sectional study, 455 patients with TB in the Chennai metropolitan area of South India who were treated under the TB control program between February 2017 and March 2018 were interviewed. Patients were interviewed by trained field investigators at 3 time points: at the initiation of treatment, at the end of the intensive phase of treatment, and at the end of the continuation phase of treatment. A precoded interview schedule was used to collect information on demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics and direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs. Data analysis was performed from August 2018 to November 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Direct, indirect, and total costs to patients with TB. Catastrophic costs associated with TB were defined as costs exceeding 20% of the household's annual income. A binary response model was used to determine the factors that were significantly associated with catastrophic costs. RESULTS Of 455 patients with TB interviewed, 205 (53%) were aged 19 to 45 years (mean [SD] age, 38.4 [16.0] years), 128 (33%) were female, 72 (19%) were illiterate, 126 (33%) were employed, and 186 (48%) had a single earning member in the family (percentages are based on the 384 patients who were interviewed through the end of the continuation phase of treatment). Sixty-one percent of patients (234 patients) had pulmonary smear positive TB. The proportion of patients with catastrophic costs was 31%. Indirect costs contributed more toward catastrophic cost than did direct costs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that unemployment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5; P < .001) and higher annual household income (Rs 1-200 000, adjusted odds ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7; P = .004; Rs >200 000, adjusted odds ratio, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5; P < .001) were associated with a decreased likelihood of experiencing catastrophic costs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Despite the implementation of free diagnostic and treatment services under a national TB control program, TB-affected households had a high risk of catastrophic costs and further impoverishment. There is an urgent demand to provide additional financial protection for patients with TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malaisamy Muniyandi
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Beena Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Nagarajan Karikalan
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Thiruvengadam Kannan
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Krishnan Rajendran
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Balakrishnan Saravanan
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Vikram Vohra
- National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Knut Lönnroth
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Srikanth Prasad Tripathy
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
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Biermann O, Lönnroth K, Caws M, Viney K. Factors influencing active tuberculosis case-finding policy development and implementation: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031284. [PMID: 31831535 PMCID: PMC6924749 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore antecedents, components and influencing factors on active case-finding (ACF) policy development and implementation. DESIGN Scoping review, searching MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the World Health Organization (WHO) Library from January 1968 to January 2018. We excluded studies focusing on latent tuberculosis (TB) infection, passive case-finding, childhood TB and studies about effectiveness, yield, accuracy and impact without descriptions of how this evidence has/could influence ACF policy or implementation. We included any type of study written in English, and conducted frequency and thematic analyses. RESULTS Seventy-three articles fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Most (67%) were published after 2010. The studies were conducted in all WHO regions, but primarily in Africa (22%), Europe (23%) and the Western-Pacific region (12%). Forty-one percent of the studies were classified as quantitative, followed by reviews (22%) and qualitative studies (12%). Most articles focused on ACF for tuberculosis contacts (25%) or migrants (32%). Fourteen percent of the articles described community-based screening of high-risk populations. Fifty-nine percent of studies reported influencing factors for ACF implementation; mostly linked to the health system (eg, resources) and the community/individual (eg, social determinants of health). Only two articles highlighted factors influencing ACF policy development (eg, politics). Six articles described WHO's ACF-related recommendations as important antecedent for ACF. Key components of successful ACF implementation include health system capacity, mechanisms for integration, education and collaboration for ACF. CONCLUSION We identified some main themes regarding the antecedents, components and influencing factors for ACF policy development and implementation. While we know much about facilitators and barriers for ACF policy implementation, we know less about how to strengthen those facilitators and how to overcome those barriers. A major knowledge gap remains when it comes to understanding which contextual factors influence ACF policy development. Research is required to understand, inform and improve ACF policy development and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Biermann
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Knut Lönnroth
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maxine Caws
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Birat Nepal Medical Trust, Kathmandu, Lazimpat, Nepal
| | - Kerri Viney
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Oliwa JN, Gathara D, Ogero M, van Hensbroek MB, English M, van’t Hoog A. Diagnostic practices and estimated burden of tuberculosis among children admitted to 13 government hospitals in Kenya: An analysis of two years' routine clinical data. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221145. [PMID: 31483793 PMCID: PMC6726144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND True burden of tuberculosis (TB) in children is unknown. Hospitalised children are low-hanging fruit for TB case detection as they are within the system. We aimed to explore the process of recognition and investigation for childhood TB using a guideline-linked cascade of care. METHODS This was an observational study of 42,107 children admitted to 13 county hospitals in Kenya from 01Nov 15-31Oct 16, and 01Nov 17-31Oct 18. We estimated those that met each step of the cascade, those with an apparent (or "Working") TB diagnosis and modelled associations with TB tests amongst guideline-eligible children. RESULTS 23,741/42,107 (56.4%) met step 1 of the cascade (≥2 signs and symptoms suggestive of TB). Step 2(further screening of history of TB contact/full respiratory exam) was documented in 14,873/23,741 (62.6%) who met Step 1. Step 3(chest x-ray or Mantoux test) was requested in 2,451/14,873 (16.5%) who met Step 2. Step 4(≥1 bacteriological test) was requested in 392/2,451 (15.9%) who met Step 3. Step 5("Working TB" diagnosis) was documented in 175/392 (44.6%) who met Step 4. Factors associated with request of TB tests in patients who met Step 1 included: i) older children [AOR 1.19(CI 1.09-1.31)]; ii) co-morbidities of HIV, malnutrition or pneumonia [AOR 3.81(CI 3.05-4.75), 2.98(CI 2.69-3.31) and 2.98(CI 2.60-3.40) respectively]; iii) sicker children, readmitted/referred [AOR 1.24(CI 1.08-1.42) and 1.15(CI 1.04-1.28) respectively]. "Working TB" diagnosis was made in 2.9%(1,202/42,107) of all admissions and 0.2%(89/42,107) were bacteriologically-confirmed. CONCLUSIONS More than half of all paediatric admissions had symptoms associated with TB and nearly two-thirds had more specific history documented. Only a few amongst them got TB tests requested. TB was diagnosed in 2.9% of all admissions but most were inadequately investigated. Major challenges remain in identifying and investigating TB in children in hospitals with access to Xpert MTB/RIF and a review is needed of existing guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquie Narotso Oliwa
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Health Services Research Group, Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Nairobi, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nairobi, Kenya
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Gathara
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Health Services Research Group, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Morris Ogero
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Health Services Research Group, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michaël Boele van Hensbroek
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mike English
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Health Services Research Group, Nairobi, Kenya
- Oxford University, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Anja van’t Hoog
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Jiang J, Lucas H, Long Q, Xin Y, Xiang L, Tang S. The Effect of an Innovative Financing and Payment Model for Tuberculosis Patients on Health Service Utilization in China: Evidence from Hubei Province of China. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16142494. [PMID: 31336947 PMCID: PMC6678436 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major social and public health problem in China. The "China-Gates TB Project" started in 2012, and one of its objectives was to reduce the financial burden on TB patients and to improve access to quality TB care. The aims of this study were to determine if the project had positive impacts on improving health service utilization. Methods: The 'China-Gates TB Project' was launched in Yichang City (YC), Hubei Province in April 2014 and ended in March 2015, lasting for one year. A series of questionnaire surveys of 540 patients were conducted in three counties of YC at baseline and final evaluations. Inpatient and outpatient service utilization were assessed before and after the program, with descriptive statistics. Propensity score matching was used to evaluate the impact of the China-Gates TB Project on health service utilization by minimizing the differences in the other characteristics of baseline and final stage groups. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were held to further enrich the results. Results: A total of 530 patients were included in this study. Inpatient rates significantly increased from 33.5% to 75.9% overall (p < 0.001), with the largest increase occurring for low income patients. Outpatient visits increased from 4.6 to 5.6 (p < 0.001), and this increase was also greatest for the poorest patients. Compared with those who lived in developed counties, the overall increase in outpatient visits for illness in the remote Wufeng county was higher. Conclusions: The China-Gates TB Project has effectively improved health service utilization in YC, and poor patients benefited more from it. TB patients in remote underdeveloped counties are more likely to increase the use of outpatient services rather than inpatient services. There is a need to tilt policy towards the poor, and various measures need to be in place in order to ensure health services utilization in undeveloped areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnan Jiang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Henry Lucas
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK
| | - Qian Long
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan 215316, China
| | - Yanjiao Xin
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Li Xiang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Shenglan Tang
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Lee DJ, Kumarasamy N, Resch SC, Sivaramakrishnan GN, Mayer KH, Tripathy S, Paltiel AD, Freedberg KA, Reddy KP. Rapid, point-of-care diagnosis of tuberculosis with novel Truenat assay: Cost-effectiveness analysis for India's public sector. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218890. [PMID: 31265470 PMCID: PMC6605662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Truenat is a novel molecular assay that rapidly detects tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin-resistance. Due to the portability of its battery-powered testing platform, it may be valuable in peripheral healthcare settings in India. Methods Using a microsimulation model, we compared four TB diagnostic strategies for HIV-negative adults with presumptive TB: (1) sputum smear microscopy in designated microscopy centers (DMCs) (SSM); (2) Xpert MTB/RIF in DMCs (Xpert); (3) Truenat in DMCs (Truenat DMC); and (4) Truenat for point-of-care testing in primary healthcare facilities (Truenat POC). We projected life expectancy, costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and 5-year budget impact of deploying Truenat POC in India’s public sector. We defined a strategy “cost-effective” if its ICER was <US$990/year-of-life saved (YLS). Model inputs included: TB prevalence, 15% (among those not previously treated for TB) and 27% (among those previously treated for TB); sensitivity for TB detection, 89% (Xpert) and 86% (Truenat); per test cost, $12.63 (Xpert) and $13.20 (Truenat); and linkage-to-care after diagnosis, 84% (DMC) and 95% (POC). We varied these parameters in sensitivity analyses. Results Compared to SSM, Truenat POC increased life expectancy by 0.39 years and was cost-effective (ICER $210/YLS). Compared to Xpert, Truenat POC increased life expectancy by 0.08 years due to improved linkage-to-care and was cost-effective (ICER $120/YLS). In sensitivity analysis, the cost-effectiveness of Truenat POC, relative to Xpert, depended on the diagnostic sensitivity of Truenat and linkage-to-care with Truenat. Deploying Truenat POC instead of Xpert increased 5-year expenditures by $270 million, due mostly to treatment costs. Limitations of our study include uncertainty in Truenat’s sensitivity for TB and not accounting for the “start-up” costs of implementing Truenat in the field. Conclusions Used at the point-of-care in India, Truenat for TB diagnosis should improve linkage-to-care, increase life expectancy, and be cost-effective compared with smear microscopy or Xpert.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Lee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJL); (KPR)
| | - Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy
- Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Clinical Research Site, Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, India
| | - Stephen C. Resch
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - A. David Paltiel
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A. Freedberg
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Krishna P. Reddy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJL); (KPR)
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Deo S, Jindal P, Gupta D, Khaparde S, Rade K, Sachdeva KS, Vadera B, Shah D, Patel K, Dave P, Chopra R, Jha N, Papineni S, Vijayan S, Dewan P. What would it cost to scale-up private sector engagement efforts for tuberculosis care? Evidence from three pilot programs in India. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214928. [PMID: 31166942 PMCID: PMC6550378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Private providers dominate health care in India and provide most tuberculosis (TB) care. Yet efforts to engage private providers were viewed as unsustainably expensive. Three private provider engagement pilots were implemented in Patna, Mumbai and Mehsana in 2014 based on the recommendations in the National Strategic Plan for TB Control, 2012-17. These pilots sought to improve diagnosis and treatment of TB and increase case notifications by offering free drugs and diagnostics for patients who sought care among private providers, and monetary incentives for providers in one of the pilots. As these pilots demonstrated much higher levels of effectiveness than previously documented, we sought to understand program implementation costs and predict costs for their national scale-up. METHODS AND FINDINGS We developed a common cost structure across these three pilots comprising fixed and variable cost components. We conducted a retrospective, activity-based costing analysis using programmatic data and qualitative interviews with the respective program managers. We estimated the average recurring costs per TB case at different levels of program scale for the three pilots. We used these cost estimates to calculate the budget required for a national scale up of such pilots. The average cost per privately-notified TB case for Patna, Mumbai and Mehsana was estimated to be US$95, US$110 and US$50, respectively, in May 2016 when these pilots were estimated to cover 50%, 36% and 100% of the total private TB patients, respectively. For Patna and Mumbai pilots, the average cost per case at full scale, i.e. 100% coverage of private TB patients, was projected to be US$91 and US$101, respectively. In comparison, the national TB program's budget for 2015 averages out to $150 per notified TB case. The total annual additional budget for a national scale up of these pilots was estimated to be US$267 million. CONCLUSIONS As India seeks to eliminate TB, extensive national engagement of private providers will be required. The cost per privately-notified TB case from these pilots is comparable to that already being spent by the public sector and to the projected cost per privately-notified TB case required to achieve national scale-up of these pilots. With additional funds expected to execute against national TB elimination commitments, the scale-up costs of these operationally viable and effective private provider engagement pilots are likely to be financially viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarang Deo
- Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pankaj Jindal
- UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daksha Shah
- Mumbai Mission for TB Control, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | | | - Nita Jha
- World Health Partners, Patna, India
| | | | | | - Puneet Dewan
- Independent Consultant, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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McFeely SJ, Yu J, Zhao P, Hershenson S, Kern S, Ragueneau‐Majlessi I, Hartman D. Drug-Drug Interactions of Infectious Disease Treatments in Low-Income Countries: A Neglected Topic? Clin Pharmacol Ther 2019; 105:1378-1385. [PMID: 30771252 PMCID: PMC6563420 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in recognizing and reducing the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in developed countries, there are still significant challenges in managing DDIs in low-income countries (LICs) worldwide. In the treatment of major infectious diseases in these regions, multiple factors contribute to ineffective management of DDIs that lead to loss of efficacy or increased risk of adverse events to patients. Some of these difficulties, however, can be overcome. This review aims to evaluate the inherent complexities of DDI management in LICs from pharmacological standpoints and illustrate the unique barriers to effective management of DDIs, such as the challenges of co-infection and treatment settings. A better understanding of comprehensive drug-related properties, population-specific attributes, such as physiological changes associated with infectious diseases, and the use of modeling and simulation techniques are discussed, as they can facilitate the implementation of optimal treatments for infectious diseases at the individual patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingjing Yu
- School of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Ping Zhao
- The Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Steven Kern
- The Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Dan Hartman
- The Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Gotsadze G, Chikovani I, Sulaberidze L, Gotsadze T, Goguadze K, Tavanxhi N. The Challenges of Transition From Donor-Funded Programs: Results From a Theory-Driven Multi-Country Comparative Case Study of Programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Supported by the Global Fund. Glob Health Sci Pract 2019; 7:258-272. [PMID: 31249022 PMCID: PMC6641812 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-18-00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the era of declining development assistance for health, transitioning externally funded programs to governments becomes a priority for donors. However, the process requires a careful approach not only to preserve the public health gains that have already been achieved but also to expand on them. In the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, countries are expected to graduate from support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in or before 2025. We aim to describe transition risks and identify possible means to address them. METHODS Using a theory-based conceptual framework-Transition Preparedness Assessment of Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS programs-we investigated transition-related challenges through a health systems lens in 10 countries of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region during 2015-2017. Study findings were derived from systematic collection of quantitative data on socioeconomic indicators and disease epidemics as well as qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 264 stakeholders. These findings were then compared with other donor transition experiences documented elsewhere. RESULTS We found numerous common transition challenges, such as poor monitoring of a country's macroeconomic performance along with weakness in estimating financial needs for successful transition; limited political will of governments to replace donor-funded programs; punitive legislation criminalizing certain behaviors and constraining the government's ability to allocate funds and contract civil society organizations essential to providing services for key populations; limited coordination function of governments and weak decision-making power of coordinating mechanisms obscuring the latter's future role; and inadequate function of national procurement and supply chain management systems undermining an uninterrupted supply of quality-assured drugs and commodities. These challenges are compounded by the risks related to health workforce management leading to specialist shortages and/or inadequately skilled and qualified professionals and by limited funding for critical surveillance activities. CONCLUSION The complex and multidimensional transition process requires a multipronged approach through well-planned collective and coordinated responses from global, bilateral, and national partners in coming years. Other similar transition processes may provide guidance. Although no "one-size-fits-all" approach exists, previous experiences highlight a need for both early planning and monitoring of the transition along several key dimensions. Issues that could threaten the maintenance of health gains include ongoing stigma against key populations; continued heavy reliance on external funding in some countries, especially for preventive services; the institutional viability of the country coordinating mechanisms; and emerging difficulties with procurement of quality drugs at reasonable prices.
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Choi H, Chung H, Muntaner C. Social selection in historical time: The case of tuberculosis in South Korea after the East Asian financial crisis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217055. [PMID: 31095637 PMCID: PMC6522038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The perspectives of social selection and causation have long been debated. Social selection theory is as “social” as social causation theory, since all diseases are social and no biological process occurs outside society. To identify the social selection pathway and historical juncture affected by socioeconomic and political changes, we investigated the reciprocal impact of suffering from tuberculosis (TB) on the current socioeconomic position (SEP), stratified by childhood SEP. We also examined the extent to which the social consequences of ill health changed since the East Asian economic downturn. Data were collected for 2007–2012 from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. To identify associations between TB history and current household income (HHI), we constructed an ordinal logistic regression model adjusted for covariates, including age, gender, educational attainment, and job status. We adopted a recursive regression model to examine trend changes in this association from 1980–2012 to 2003–2012. Of 28,136 participants, 936 had experienced TB. In the first ordinal logistic regression, the TB group was more likely to have lower HHI than the non-TB group. The odds ratios (ORs) increased from 1.30 (1980–2012) to 1.86 (2003–2012) for the TB group, increasing their probability of having low HHI. Among the low childhood SEP group, the TB group’s probability of having low HHI was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.57) during 1980–2012, which increased to 2.01 (95% CI: 1.37–2.95) during 2003–2012. For the high childhood SEP group, the TB group’s OR range fluctuated, similar to that for the non-TB group. The results support the social selection pathway from TB history to adverse impact on current SEP. Our study identified downward social mobility due to TB history among the low childhood SEP group. Moreover, negative social consequences deteriorated since the East Asian economic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjo Choi
- Department of Research and Development, Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Haejoo Chung
- BK21PLUS Program in Embodiment: Health-Society Interaction, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Health Policy & Management, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Carles Muntaner
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Friebel R, Silverman R, Glassman A, Chalkidou K. On results reporting and evidentiary standards: spotlight on the Global Fund. Lancet 2019; 393:2006-2008. [PMID: 30691700 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)33055-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Friebel
- Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Center for Global Development, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | | | | - Kalipso Chalkidou
- Center for Global Development, Washington, DC, USA; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Mhalu G, Hella J, Mhimbira F, Said K, Mosabi T, Mlacha YP, Schindler C, Gagneux S, Reither K, de Hoogh K, Weiss MG, Zemp E, Fenner L. Pathways and associated costs of care in patients with confirmed and presumptive tuberculosis in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025079. [PMID: 31005914 PMCID: PMC6528007 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess pathways and associated costs of seeking care from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis in patients with confirmed and presumptive tuberculosis (TB). DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING District hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. PARTICIPANTS Bacteriologically confirmed TB and presumptive TB patients. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES We calculated distance in metres and visualised pathways to healthcare up to five visits for the current episode of sickness. Costs were described by medians and IQRs, with comparisons by gender and poverty status. RESULTS Of 100 confirmed and 100 presumptive TB patients, 44% of confirmed patients sought care first at pharmacies after the onset of symptoms, and 42% of presumptive patients did so at hospitals. The median visits made by confirmed patients was 2 (range 1-5) and 2 (range 1-3) by presumptive patients. Patients spent a median of 31% of their monthly household income on health expenditures for all visits. The median total direct costs were higher in confirmed compared with presumptive patients (USD 27.4 [IQR 18.7-48.4] vs USD 19.8 [IQR 13.8-34.0], p=0.02), as were the indirect costs (USD 66.9 [IQR 35.5-150.0] vs USD 46.8 [IQR 20.1-115.3], p<0.001). The indirect costs were higher in men compared with women (USD 64.6 [IQR 31.8-159.1] vs USD 55.6 [IQR 25.1-141.1], p<0.001). The median total distance from patients' household to healthcare facilities for patients with confirmed and presumptive TB was 2338 m (IQR 1373-4122) and 2009 m (IQR 986-2976) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients with confirmed TB have complex pathways and higher costs of care compared with patients with presumptive TB, but the costs of the latter are also substantial. Improving access to healthcare and ensuring integration of different healthcare providers including private, public health practitioners and patients themselves could help in reducing the complex pathways during healthcare seeking and optimal healthcare utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Mhalu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jerry Hella
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francis Mhimbira
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Khadija Said
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Yeromin P Mlacha
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Gagneux
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Reither
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell G Weiss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Zemp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Fenner
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Duan W, Zhang W, Wu C, Wang Q, Yu Y, Lin H, Liu Y, Hu D. Extent and determinants of catastrophic health expenditure for tuberculosis care in Chongqing municipality, China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026638. [PMID: 30975682 PMCID: PMC6500361 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the extent and associations of patient/diagnostic delay and other potential factors with catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) for tuberculosis (TB) care in Chongqing municipality, China. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Four counties of Chongqing municipality, China. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1199 patients with active pulmonary TB beyond 16 years and without mental disorders were consecutively recruited in the four counties' designated TB medical institutions. OUTCOME MEASURES The incidence and intensity of CHE for TB care were described. The association between patients' 'sociodemographic and clinical characteristics such as patient delay, diagnostic delay, forms of TB, health insurance status and hospitalisation and CHE were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS The incidence of CHE was 52.8% and out-of-pocket (OOP) payments were 93% of the total costs for TB care. Compared with patients without delay, the incidence and intensity of CHE were higher in patients who had patient delay or diagnostic delay. Patients who experienced patient delay or diagnostic delay, who was a male, elderly (≥60 years), an inhabitant, a peasant, divorced/widow, the New Cooperative Medical Scheme membership had greater risks of incurring CHE for TB care. Having a higher educational level appeared to be a protective factor. However, hospitalisation was not associated with CHE after controlling for other variables. CONCLUSION The incidence and intensity of CHE for TB care are high, which provides baseline data about catastrophic costs that TB-related households faced in Chongqing of China. Variety of determinants of CHE implicate that it is essential to take effective measures to promote early seeking care and early diagnosis, improve the actual reimbursement rates of health insurance, especially for outpatients, and need more fine-tuned interventions such as precise poverty alleviation to reduce catastrophic costs of the vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixia Duan
- Department of Prevention, Chongqing Institute of Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, Chongqing, China
- The center of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Occupational Diseases Prevention Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Prevention, Chongqing Institute of Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengguo Wu
- Department of Prevention, Chongqing Institute of Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingya Wang
- Department of Prevention, Chongqing Institute of Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya Yu
- Department of Prevention, Chongqing Institute of Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Prevention, Chongqing Institute of Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, Chongqing, China
| | - Daiyu Hu
- Department of Prevention, Chongqing Institute of Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, Chongqing, China
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Duncan K, Sinanovic E. A cost comparison analysis of paediatric intermediate care in a tertiary hospital and an intermediate care facility in Cape Town, South Africa. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214492. [PMID: 30943223 PMCID: PMC6447196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214492] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In South Africa, 600–700 new cases of paediatric cancers have been reported every year for the past 25 years, and in the year 2000, HIV/AIDS was responsible for 42,479 deaths in children under five. These children need intermediate care but research in the field is lacking, with the few costing studies conducted in South Africa reporting a range of inpatient day costs. Methods A retrospective cost analysis for the period April 2014-March 2015 was undertaken from the provider perspective in the public sector, using a step down costing approach. Costs of paediatric intermediate care were estimated for an intermediate care facility (ICF) and a tertiary hospital in Cape Town. Costs were inflated to 2016 prices and reported in US dollars. Results Cost per inpatient day was $713.09 at the hospital and $695.17 at the ICF for any child requiring care at these institutions. The cost for a paediatric patient who is HIV/TB co-infected was $7 130.94 and $6 951.67 at the hospital and ICF respectively, assuming an average length of stay of 10 days. For a patient with terminal brain carcinoma the cost was $19 966.63 and $19 464.69 at the hospital and ICF respectively, assuming an average length of stay of 28 days. Personnel costs accounted for 60% and 17% of the total cost at the hospital and ICF respectively. Overhead costs accounted for 12.33% at the ICF and 4.48% at the hospital. Conclusions The drivers of cost are not uniform across settings. Providing intermediate care at an ICF could be less costly than providing this care at a hospital, however more in-depth analysis is needed. The costs presented in this study were considerably higher than those found in other studies, however, the paucity of cost data available in this area makes comparisons difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristal Duncan
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Edina Sinanovic
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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40
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequent occurrence of medicine stockouts represents a significant obstacle to tuberculosis control in South Africa. Stockouts can lead to treatment alterations or interruptions, which can impact treatment outcomes. This study investigates the determinants and effects of TB drug stockouts and whether poorer districts are disproportionately affected. METHODS TB stockout data, health system indicators and TB treatment outcomes at the district level were extracted from the District Health Barometer for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013. Poverty terciles were constructed using the Census 2011 data to investigate whether stockouts and poor treatment outcomes were more prevalent in more impoverished districts. Fixed-effects regressions were used to estimate the effects of TB stockouts on TB treatment outcomes. RESULTS TB stockouts occurred in all provinces but varied across provinces and years. Regression analysis showed a significant association between district per capita income and stockouts: a 10% rise in income was associated with an 8.50% decline in stockout proportions. In terms of consequences, after controlling for unobserved time invariant heterogeneity between districts, a 10% rise in TB drug stockouts was found to lower the cure rate by 2.10% (p < 0.01) and the success rate by 1.42% (p < 0.01). These effects were found to be larger in poorer districts. CONCLUSIONS The unequal spread of TB drug stockouts adds to the socioeconomic inequality in TB outcomes. Not only are stockouts more prevalent in poorer parts of South Africa, they also have a more severe impact on TB treatment outcomes in poorer districts. This suggests that efforts to cut back TB drug stockouts would not only improve TB treatment outcomes on average, they are also likely to improve equity because a disproportionate share of this burden is currently borne by the poorer districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. E. M. Koomen
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, PA 3062 The Netherlands
| | - R. Burger
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - E. K. A. van Doorslaer
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, PA 3062 The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, PA 3062 The Netherlands
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41
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Muniyandi M, Ramachandran R. No families affected by tuberculosis to face catastrophic costs by 2020: India's new strategic plan to eliminate tuberculosis. Indian J Tuberc 2019; 66:219-221. [PMID: 31151487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Malaisamy Muniyandi
- Department of Health Economics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India.
| | - Rajeswari Ramachandran
- Department of Clinical Research, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India; Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai, India
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Klein K, Bernachea MP, Irribarren S, Gibbons L, Chirico C, Rubinstein F. Evaluation of a social protection policy on tuberculosis treatment outcomes: A prospective cohort study. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002788. [PMID: 31039158 PMCID: PMC6490910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) still represents a major public health problem in Latin America, with low success and high default rates. Poor adherence represents a major threat for TB control and promotes emergence of drug-resistant TB. Expanding social protection programs could have a substantial effect on the global burden of TB; however, there is little evidence to evaluate the outcomes of socioeconomic support interventions. This study evaluated the effect of a conditional cash transfer (CCT) policy on treatment success and default rates in a prospective cohort of socioeconomically disadvantaged patients. METHODS AND FINDINGS Data were collected on adult patients with first diagnosis of pulmonary TB starting treatment in public healthcare facilities (HCFs) from 16 health departments with high TB burden in Buenos Aires who were followed until treatment completion or abandonment. The main exposure of interest was the registration to receive the CCT. Other covariates, such as sociodemographic and clinical variables and HCFs' characteristics usually associated with treatment adherence and outcomes, were also considered in the analysis. We used hierarchical models, propensity score (PS) matching, and inverse probability weighting (IPW) to estimate treatment effects, adjusting for individual and health system confounders. Of 941 patients with known CCT status, 377 registered for the program showed significantly higher success rates (82% versus 69%) and lower default rates (11% versus 20%). After controlling for individual and system characteristics and modality of treatment, odds ratio (OR) for success was 2.9 (95% CI 2, 4.3, P < 0.001) and default was 0.36 (95% CI 0.23, 0.57, P < 0.001). As this is an observational study evaluating an intervention not randomly assigned, there might be some unmeasured residual confounding. Although it is possible that a small number of patients was not registered into the program because they were deemed not eligible, the majority of patients fulfilled the requirements and were not registered because of different reasons. Since the information on the CCT was collected at the end of the study, we do not know the exact timing for when each patient was registered for the program. CONCLUSIONS The CCT appears to be a valuable health policy intervention to improve TB treatment outcomes. Incorporating these interventions as established policies may have a considerable effect on the control of TB in similar high-burden areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Klein
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Paula Bernachea
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sarah Irribarren
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, School of Nursing HSB, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Luz Gibbons
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina Chirico
- Tuberculosis Control Program of the 5th Health Region, Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires, Hospital Cetrángolo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Rubinstein
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Sarin S, Huddart S, Raizada N, Parija D, Kalra A, Rao R, Salhotra VS, Khaparde SD, Boehme C, Denkinger CM, Sohn H. Cost and operational impact of promoting upfront GeneXpert MTB/RIF test referrals for presumptive pediatric tuberculosis patients in India. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214675. [PMID: 30933997 PMCID: PMC6443160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Outreach and promotion programs are essential to ensuring uptake of new public health interventions and guidelines. We assessed the costs and operation dynamics of outreach and promotion efforts for up front Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) testing for pediatric presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients in four major Indian cities. Methods Xpert test costs were assessed as weighted average per-test costs based on the daily workload dynamics matched by test volume specific Xpert unit cost at each study site. Costs of outreach programs to recruit health providers to refer pediatric patients for Xpert testing were assessed as cost per referral for each quarter based on total program costs and referral data. All costs were assessed in the health service provider’s perspective and expressed in 2015 USD. Results Weighted average per-test costs ranged from $14.71 to $17.81 at the four laboratories assessed. Differences between laboratories were associated with unused testing capacity and/or frequencies of overtime work to cope with increasing demand and same-day testing requirements. Outreach activities generated between 825 and 2,065 Xpert testing referrals on average each quarter across the four study sites, translating into $0.63 to $2.55 per patient referred. Overall outreach costs per referral decreased with time, stabilizing at an average cost of $1.10, and demonstrated a clear association with increased referrals. Conclusions Xpert test and outreach program costs within and across study sites were mainly driven by the dynamics of Xpert testing demand resulting from the combined outreach activities. However, these increases in demand required considerable overtime work resulting in additional costs and operational challenges at the study laboratories. Therefore, careful laboratory operational adjustment should be evaluated at target areas in parallel to the anticipated demand from the Xpert referral outreach program scale-up in other Indian regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Sarin
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, New Delhi, India
| | - Sophie Huddart
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Neeraj Raizada
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Aakshi Kalra
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, New Delhi, India
| | - Raghuram Rao
- Central TB Division, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Hojoon Sohn
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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44
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The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Fuelling the Global Fund. Lancet Infect Dis 2019; 19:113. [PMID: 30722994 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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45
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Rieder HL. Reflections on the end TB strategy. Indian J Tuberc 2019; 66:167-169. [PMID: 30878063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hans L Rieder
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Tuberculosis Consultant Services, Kirchlindach, Switzerland.
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Granich
- Independent Public Health Consultant, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA.
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47
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Zhao X, Yuan Y, Lin Y, Zhang T, Bai Y, Kang D, Li X, Kang W, Dlodlo RA, Harries AD. Vitamin D status of tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus in different economic areas and associated factors in China. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206372. [PMID: 30383776 PMCID: PMC6211694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D could be a mediator in the association between tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM). A large scale multi-center study confirmed that TB patients with DM had significantly lower serum vitamin D level compared with those without DM and reported that DM was a strong independent risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVES This study was undertaken to determine amongst patients with both TB and DM living in different economically defined areas in China: i) their baseline characteristics, ii) their vitamin D status and iii) whether certain baseline characteristics were associated with vitamin D deficiency. METHODS In DM-TB patients consecutively attending seven clinics or hospitals, we measured 25 hydroxycholecalciferol at the time of registration using electrochemiluminescence in a COBASE 601 Roche analyser by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Data analysis was performed using chi square test and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS There were 178 DM-TB patients that included 50 from economically well-developed areas, 103 from better-off areas and 25 from a poverty area. Median vitamin D levels in well-developed, better-off and poverty areas were 11.5ng/ml, 12.2ng/ml and 11.5ng/ml respectively. Amongst all patients, 149 (84%) had vitamin D deficiency-91 (51%) with vitamin D deficiency (10-19.9 ng/ml) and 58 (33%) with severe deficiency (< 10 ng/ml). There was a significantly higher proportion with vitamin D deficiency in the poverty area. The adjusted odds of vitamin D deficiency (25-(OH)D3 <20 ng/ml) were significantly higher in those with longer history of DM (P = 0.038) and with HbA1c≥10% (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Over 80% of TB patients with DM in China were vitamin D deficient, with risk factors being residence in a poverty area, a long duration of DM and uncontrolled DM. TB programme managers and clinicians need to pay more attention to the vitamin D status of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanli Yuan
- Jilin Provincial Academy of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Lin
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Paris, France
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Tiejuan Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Academy of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Changchun, China
| | - Yunlong Bai
- Jilin Provincial Academy of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Changchun, China
| | - Demei Kang
- Liaoyuan City Tuberculosis Institute, Liaoyuan, China
| | - Xianhui Li
- Jilin City Tuberculosis Institute, Jilin, China
| | - Wanli Kang
- Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Riitta A. Dlodlo
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Anthony D. Harries
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Paris, France
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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48
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Floyd K, Glaziou P, Zumla A, Raviglione M. The global tuberculosis epidemic and progress in care, prevention, and research: an overview in year 3 of the End TB era. Lancet Respir Med 2018; 6:299-314. [PMID: 29595511 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(18)30057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis is the number one cause of death from infectious disease globally and drug-resistant forms of the disease are a major risk to global health security. On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day (March 24, 2018), we provide an up-to-date review of the status of the tuberculosis epidemic, recommended diagnostics, drug treatments and vaccines, progress in delivery of care and prevention, progress in research and development, and actions needed to accelerate progress. This Review is presented in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and WHO's End TB Strategy, which share the aim of ending the global tuberculosis epidemic. In 2016, globally there were an estimated 10·4 million new cases of tuberculosis, and 600 000 new cases with resistance to rifampicin (the most powerful first-line drug). All countries and age groups are affected by tuberculosis, but most cases (90%) in 2016 were in adults, and almost two-thirds were accounted for by seven countries: India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, and Nigeria. The sex ratio (male to female) was 1·9 and 10% of patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis were also HIV-positive. There were 1·7 million deaths from tuberculosis in 2016, including 0·4 million deaths among people co-infected with HIV (officially classified as deaths caused by HIV/AIDS). Progress in care and prevention means that the global mortality rate (deaths per 100 000 people per year) is decreasing by 3·4% per year and incidence (new cases per 100 000 people per year) is decreasing by 1·9% per year. From 2000 to 2016, the annual global number of tuberculosis deaths decreased by 24% and the mortality rate declined by 37%. Worldwide, an estimated 53 million deaths were averted through successful treatment. Nonetheless, major gaps in care and prevention remain. For example, the 6·3 million new cases of tuberculosis reported globally in 2016 represented only 61% of the estimated incidence; only one in five of the estimated number of people with drug-resistant tuberculosis was enrolled in treatment. Pipelines for new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines are progressing, but slowly. Actions needed to accelerate progress towards global milestones and targets for reductions in the burden of tuberculosis disease set for 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2035 include closing coverage gaps in testing, reporting of cases, and overall access to health care, especially in countries that account for the largest share of the global gap; multisectoral efforts to reduce prevalence of major risk factors for infection and disease; and increased investment in research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; UNZA-UCLMS Research and Training Programme, Lusaka, Zambia.
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J A Reid
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Eric Goosby
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- United Nations Special Envoy for Tuberculosis
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50
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Kendall EA, Brigden G, Lienhardt C, Dowdy DW. Would pan-tuberculosis treatment regimens be cost-effective? Lancet Respir Med 2018; 6:486-488. [PMID: 29859919 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(18)30197-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Kendall
- 1550 Orleans Street, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA.
| | - Grania Brigden
- The International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lienhardt
- Global TB Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Unité Mixte Internationale TransVIHMI (UMI 233 IRD - U1175 INSERM - Université de Montpellier), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France
| | - David W Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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