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Batura N, Saweri OP, Vallely A, Pomat W, Homer C, Guy R, Luchters S, Mola G, Vallely LM, Morgan C, Kariwiga G, Wand H, Rogerson S, Tabrizi SN, Whiley DM, Low N, Peeling RW, Siba PM, Riddell M, Laman M, Bolnga J, Robinson LJ, Morewaya J, Badman S, Kelly-Hanku A, Toliman PJ, Peter W, Peach E, Garland S, Kaldor J, Wiseman V. Point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted and genital infections during pregnancy in Papua New Guinea (WANTAIM trial): protocol for an economic evaluation alongside a cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046308. [PMID: 34385236 PMCID: PMC8362726 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Left untreated, sexually transmitted and genital infections (henceforth STIs) in pregnancy can lead to serious adverse outcomes for mother and child. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest prevalence of curable STIs including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis, and high neonatal mortality rates. Diagnosis and treatment of these STIs in PNG rely on syndromic management. Advances in STI diagnostics through point-of-care (PoC) testing using GeneXpert technology hold promise for resource-constrained countries such as PNG. This paper describes the planned economic evaluation of a cluster-randomised cross-over trial comparing antenatal PoC testing and immediate treatment of curable STIs with standard antenatal care in two provinces in PNG. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Cost-effectiveness of the PoC intervention compared with standard antenatal care will be assessed prospectively over the trial period (2017-2021) from societal and provider perspectives. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios will be calculated for the primary health outcome, a composite measure of the proportion of either preterm birth and/or low birth weight; for life years saved; for disability-adjusted life years averted; and for non-health benefits (financial risk protection and improved health equity). Scenario analyses will be conducted to identify scale-up options, and budget impact analysis will be undertaken to understand short-term financial impacts of intervention adoption on the national budget. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis will be conducted to account for uncertainty in key model inputs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the PNG Institute of Medical Research; the Medical Research Advisory Committee of the PNG National Department of Health; the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New South Wales; and the Research Ethics Committee of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Findings will be disseminated through national stakeholder meetings, conferences, peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN37134032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Batura
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Pm Saweri
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Andrew Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - William Pomat
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Caroline Homer
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Stanley Luchters
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Population Health, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glen Mola
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lisa M Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Grace Kariwiga
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, Papua New Guinea
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - David M Whiley
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter M Siba
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Michaela Riddell
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Moses Laman
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - John Bolnga
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Leanne J Robinson
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Jacob Morewaya
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, Papua New Guinea
| | - Steven Badman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Pamela J Toliman
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Wilfred Peter
- Madang Provincial Health Authority, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Suzanne Garland
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Burchett HED, Leurent B, Baiden F, Baltzell K, Björkman A, Bruxvoort K, Clarke S, DiLiberto D, Elfving K, Goodman C, Hopkins H, Lal S, Liverani M, Magnussen P, Mårtensson A, Mbacham W, Mbonye A, Onwujekwe O, Roth Allen D, Shakely D, Staedke S, Vestergaard LS, Whitty CJM, Wiseman V, Chandler CIR. Improving prescribing practices with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): synthesis of 10 studies to explore reasons for variation in malaria RDT uptake and adherence. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e012973. [PMID: 28274962 PMCID: PMC5353269 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The overuse of antimalarial drugs is widespread. Effective methods to improve prescribing practice remain unclear. We evaluated the impact of 10 interventions that introduced rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (mRDTs) on the use of tests and adherence to results in different contexts. DESIGN A comparative case study approach, analysing variation in outcomes across different settings. SETTING Studies from the ACT Consortium evaluating mRDTs with a range of supporting interventions in 6 malaria endemic countries. Providers were governmental or non-governmental healthcare workers, private retail sector workers or community volunteers. Each study arm in a distinct setting was considered a case. PARTICIPANTS 28 cases from 10 studies were included, representing 148 461 patients seeking care for suspected malaria. INTERVENTIONS The interventions included different mRDT training packages, supervision, supplies and community sensitisation. OUTCOME MEASURES Analysis explored variation in: (1) uptake of mRDTs (% febrile patients tested); (2) provider adherence to positive mRDTs (% Plasmodium falciparum positive prescribed/given Artemisinin Combination Treatment); (3) provider adherence to negative mRDTs (% P. falciparum negative not prescribed/given antimalarial). RESULTS Outcomes varied widely across cases: 12-100% mRDT uptake; 44-98% adherence to positive mRDTs; 27-100% adherence to negative mRDTs. Providers appeared more motivated to perform well when mRDTs and intervention characteristics fitted with their own priorities. Goodness of fit of mRDTs with existing consultation and diagnostic practices appeared crucial to maximising the impact of mRDTs on care, as did prior familiarity with malaria testing; adequate human resources and supplies; possible alternative treatments for mRDT-negative patients; a more directive intervention approach and local preferences for ACTs. CONCLUSIONS Basic training and resources are essential but insufficient to maximise the potential of mRDTs in many contexts. Programme design should respond to assessments of provider priorities, expectations and capacities. As mRDTs become established, the intensity of supporting interventions required seems likely to reduce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E D Burchett
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Baptiste Leurent
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frank Baiden
- Epidemiology Unit, Ensign College of Public Health, Kpong, Ghana
| | - Kimberly Baltzell
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, and Global Health Science, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anders Björkman
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katia Bruxvoort
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Siân Clarke
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Deborah DiLiberto
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kristina Elfving
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catherine Goodman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Heidi Hopkins
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sham Lal
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marco Liverani
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wilfred Mbacham
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, The Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Anthony Mbonye
- School of Public Health- Makerere University and Commissioner Health Services, Ministry of Health, Uganda
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria Enugu-Campus, Nigeria
| | | | - Delér Shakely
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Kungälv Hospital, Sweden
| | - Sarah Staedke
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lasse S Vestergaard
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Denmark
| | - Christopher J M Whitty
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Australia
| | - Clare I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Chandler CIR, Burchett H, Boyle L, Achonduh O, Mbonye A, DiLiberto D, Reyburn H, Onwujekwe O, Haaland A, Roca-Feltrer A, Baiden F, Mbacham WF, Ndyomugyenyi R, Nankya F, Mangham-Jefferies L, Clarke S, Mbakilwa H, Reynolds J, Lal S, Leslie T, Maiteki-Sebuguzi C, Webster J, Magnussen P, Ansah E, Hansen KS, Hutchinson E, Cundill B, Yeung S, Schellenberg D, Staedke SG, Wiseman V, Lalloo DG, Whitty CJM. Examining Intervention Design: Lessons from the Development of Eight Related Malaria Health Care Intervention Studies. Health Syst Reform 2016; 2:373-388. [PMID: 31514719 PMCID: PMC6176770 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2016.1179086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract—Rigorous evidence of “what works” to improve health care is in demand, but methods for the development of interventions have not been scrutinized in the same ways as methods for evaluation. This article presents and examines intervention development processes of eight malaria health care interventions in East and West Africa. A case study approach was used to draw out experiences and insights from multidisciplinary teams who undertook to design and evaluate these studies. Four steps appeared necessary for intervention design: (1) definition of scope, with reference to evaluation possibilities; (2) research to inform design, including evidence and theory reviews and empirical formative research; (3) intervention design, including consideration and selection of approaches and development of activities and materials; and (4) refining and finalizing the intervention, incorporating piloting and pretesting. Alongside these steps, projects produced theories, explicitly or implicitly, about (1) intended pathways of change and (2) how their intervention would be implemented.The work required to design interventions that meet and contribute to current standards of evidence should not be underestimated. Furthermore, the process should be recognized not only as technical but as the result of micro and macro social, political, and economic contexts, which should be acknowledged and documented in order to infer generalizability. Reporting of interventions should go beyond descriptions of final intervention components or techniques to encompass the development process. The role that evaluation possibilities play in intervention design should be brought to the fore in debates over health care improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Helen Burchett
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Louise Boyle
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Olivia Achonduh
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, The Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I , Yaoundé , Cameroon
| | - Anthony Mbonye
- School of Public Health-Makerere University & Commissioner Health Services, Ministry of Health , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Deborah DiLiberto
- Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Hugh Reyburn
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics , University of Nigeria Enugu-Campus , Enugu , Nigeria
| | - Ane Haaland
- Institute of Health and Society , Department of Community Medicine , Blindern , Oslo , Norway
| | | | - Frank Baiden
- Malaria Group, Kintampo Health Research Centre , Kintampo , Ghana
| | - Wilfred F Mbacham
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, The Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I , Yaoundé , Cameroon
| | | | - Florence Nankya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Lindsay Mangham-Jefferies
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Sian Clarke
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Hilda Mbakilwa
- Joint Malaria Programme, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre , Moshi , Tanzania
| | - Joanna Reynolds
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Sham Lal
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Toby Leslie
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | | | - Jayne Webster
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Evelyn Ansah
- Dangme West District Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service , Dodowa , Ghana
| | - Kristian S Hansen
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Eleanor Hutchinson
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Bonnie Cundill
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - David Schellenberg
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Disease Control Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine , Kensington , New South Wales , Australia
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Shahandeh K, Basseri HR, Majdzadeh R, Sadeghi R, Safari R, Shojaeizadeh D. Health Workers Adjustment for Elimination of Malaria in a Low Endemic Area. Int J Prev Med 2015; 6:105. [PMID: 26644905 PMCID: PMC4671174 DOI: 10.4103/2008-7802.169022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria elimination efforts face with substantial challenges and the role of health workers in address this challenge, particularly advocates and mobilizes communities. The aim of the study was to explore perceptions of health workers in relation to eliminating malaria in order to better understand the level their involvement in malaria elimination efforts. A qualitative approach was adopted based on key informant interviews with 26 health workers who working at community-level in malaria low endemic areas, southern Iran. METHODS Data were collected through key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Findings reveal that the majority of participants concerned with the imported malaria cases, without to address an effective solution to the issue. Health workers had positive perceptions on their basic knowledge and opinions in relation to their field work with emphases to integrate methods. Participants expressed willingness to contribute to malaria elimination effort. They also emphasized on continuous training, resource mobilization, and support. In addition, their perceptions on malaria elimination policy such as sustained financial investment to achieve elimination and integrated management of vector control were rather negative. CONCLUSIONS A mechanism should be considered that allow the health workers to feedback positively on their quality of their practice to health providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khandan Shahandeh
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Basseri
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Majdzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Sadeghi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Safari
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Hormozgan Province Health Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abass, Iran
| | - Davoud Shojaeizadeh
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Umeano-Enemuoh JC, Uzochukwu B, Ezumah N, Mangham-Jefferies L, Wiseman V, Onwujekwe O. A qualitative study on health workers' and community members' perceived sources, role of information and communication on malaria treatment, prevention and control in southeast Nigeria. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:437. [PMID: 26493559 PMCID: PMC4619100 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been widely acknowledged that well-planned and executed communication programmes can contribute to achieving malaria prevention and treatment goals. This however requires a good understanding of current sources and roles of information used by both health workers and communities. The study aimed at determining health workers’ and community members’ sources, value and use of information on malaria prevention and treatment in Nigeria. Methods Qualitative data was collected from six selected communities (three urban and three rural) in Enugu state, southeast Nigeria. A total of 18 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 179 community members and 26 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with health workers in public and private health facilities were used to collect data on where people receive treatment for malaria and access information on malaria. The FGDS and IDIs also provided data on the values, uses and effects of information and communication on malaria treatment seeking and provision of services. Results The findings revealed that the major sources of information on malaria for health workers and community members were advertisements in the mass media, workshops and seminars organized by donor agencies, facility supervision, posters, other health workers, television and radio adverts. Community involvement in the design and delivery of information on malaria control was seen as a strong strategy for improving both consumer and provider knowledge. Information from the different sources catalyzed appropriate provision and consumption of malaria treatment amongst health workers and community members. Conclusion Health workers and consumers receive information on malaria prevention and treatment from multiple sources of communication and information, which they find useful. Harnessing these information sources to encourage consistent and accurate messages around malaria prevention and treatment is a necessary first step in the design and implementation of malaria communication and behaviour change interventions and ultimately for the sustained control of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Umeano-Enemuoh
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria. .,Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus,, Enugu, Nigeria.
| | - Benjamim Uzochukwu
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria. .,Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus,, Enugu, Nigeria. .,Department of Health Adminstration and Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
| | - Nkoli Ezumah
- Department of Sociology/Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
| | - Lindsay Mangham-Jefferies
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. .,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus,, Enugu, Nigeria. .,Department of Health Adminstration and Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
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Mangham-Jefferies L, Wiseman V, Achonduh OA, Drake TL, Cundill B, Onwujekwe O, Mbacham W. Economic evaluation of a cluster randomized trial of interventions to improve health workers' practice in diagnosing and treating uncomplicated malaria in Cameroon. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2014; 17:783-791. [PMID: 25498773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are a valid alternative to malaria testing with microscopy and are recommended for the testing of febrile patients before prescribing an antimalarial. There is a need for interventions to support the uptake of RDTs by health workers. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing RDTs with basic or enhanced training in health facilities in which microscopy was available, compared with current practice. METHODS A three-arm cluster randomized trial was conducted in 46 facilities in central and northwest Cameroon. Basic training had a practical session on RDTs and lectures on malaria treatment guidelines. Enhanced training included small-group activities designed to change health workers' practice and reduce the consumption of antimalarials among test-negative patients. The primary outcome was the proportion of febrile patients correctly treated: febrile patients should be tested for malaria, artemisinin combination therapy should be prescribed for confirmed cases, and no antimalarial should be prescribed for patients who are test-negative. Individual patient data were obtained from facility records and an exit survey. Costs were estimated from a societal perspective using project reports and patient exit data. The analysis used bivariate multilevel modeling and adjusted for imbalance in baseline covariates. RESULTS Incremental cost per febrile patient correctly treated was $8.40 for the basic arm and $3.71 for the enhanced arm. On scale-up, it was estimated that RDTs with enhanced training would save $0.75 per additional febrile patient correctly treated. CONCLUSIONS Introducing RDTs with enhanced training was more cost-effective than RDTs with basic training when each was compared with current practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Mangham-Jefferies
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Olivia A Achonduh
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, University of Yaoundé I, The Biotechnology Center, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Thomas L Drake
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Rajwithi Road, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bonnie Cundill
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria (Enugu Campus), Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Wilfred Mbacham
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, University of Yaoundé I, The Biotechnology Center, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Mangham-Jefferies L, Hanson K, Mbacham W, Onwujekwe O, Wiseman V. Mind the gap: knowledge and practice of providers treating uncomplicated malaria at public and mission health facilities, pharmacies and drug stores in Cameroon and Nigeria. Health Policy Plan 2014; 30:1129-41. [PMID: 25339637 PMCID: PMC4597040 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czu118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) has been the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Cameroon since 2004 and Nigeria since 2005, though many febrile patients receive less effective antimalarials. Patients often rely on providers to select treatment, and interventions are needed to improve providers’ practice and encourage them to adhere to clinical guidelines. Methods Providers’ adherence to malaria treatment guidelines was examined using data collected in Cameroon and Nigeria at public and mission facilities, pharmacies and drug stores. Providers’ choice of antimalarial was investigated separately for each country. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine whether providers were more likely to choose ACT if they knew it was the first-line antimalarial. Multiple imputation was used to impute missing data that arose when linking exit survey responses to details of the provider responsible for selecting treatment. Results There was a gap between providers’ knowledge and their practice in both countries, as providers’ decision to supply ACT was not significantly associated with knowledge of the first-line antimalarial. Providers were, however, more likely to supply ACT if it was the type of antimalarial they prefer. Other factors were country-specific, and indicated providers can be influenced by what they perceived their patients prefer or could afford, as well as information about their symptoms, previous treatment, the type of outlet and availability of ACT. Conclusions Public health interventions to improve the treatment of uncomplicated malaria should strive to change what providers prefer, rather than focus on what they know. Interventions to improve adherence to malaria treatment guidelines should emphasize that ACT is the recommended antimalarial, and it should be used for all patients with uncomplicated malaria. Interventions should also be tailored to the local setting, as there were differences between the two countries in providers’ choice of antimalarial, and who or what influenced their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Mangham-Jefferies
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,
| | - Kara Hanson
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Wilfred Mbacham
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, University of Yaoundé 1, Nkolbisson, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria (Enugu Campus), Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Achonduh OA, Mbacham WF, Mangham-Jefferies L, Cundill B, Chandler C, Pamen-Ngako J, Lele AK, Ndong IC, Ndive SN, Ambebila JN, Orang-Ojong BB, Metoh TN, Akindeh-Nji M, Wiseman V. Designing and implementing interventions to change clinicians' practice in the management of uncomplicated malaria: lessons from Cameroon. Malar J 2014; 13:204. [PMID: 24885621 PMCID: PMC4041055 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective case management of uncomplicated malaria is a fundamental pillar of malaria control. Little is known about the various steps in designing interventions to accompany the roll out of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). This study documents the process of designing and implementing interventions to change clinicians’ practice in the management of uncomplicated malaria. Methods A literature review combined with formative quantitative and qualitative research were carried out to determine patterns of malaria diagnosis and treatment and to understand how malaria and its treatment are enacted by clinicians. These findings were used, alongside a comprehensive review of previous interventions, to identify possible strategies for changing the behaviour of clinicians when diagnosing and treating uncomplicated malaria. These strategies were discussed with ministry of health representatives and other stakeholders. Two intervention packages - a basic and an enhanced training were outlined, together with logic model to show how each was hypothesized to increase testing for malaria, improve adherence to test results and increase appropriate use of ACT. The basic training targeted clinicians’ knowledge of malaria diagnosis, rapid diagnostic testing and malaria treatment. The enhanced training included additional modules on adapting to change, professionalism and communicating effectively. Modules were delivered using small-group work, card games, drama and role play. Interventions were piloted, adapted and trainers were trained before final implementation. Results Ninety-six clinicians from 37 health facilities in Bamenda and Yaounde sites attended either 1-day basic or 3-day enhanced training. The trained clinicians then trained 632 of their peers at their health facilities. Evaluation of the training revealed that 68% of participants receiving the basic and 92% of those receiving the enhanced training strongly agreed that it is not appropriate to prescribe anti-malarials to a patient if they have a negative RDT result. Conclusion Formative research was an important first step, and it was valuable to engage stakeholders early in the process. A logic model and literature reviews were useful to identify key elements and mechanisms for behaviour change intervention. An iterative process with feedback loops allowed appropriate development and implementation of the intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01350752.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A Achonduh
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, The Biotechnology Centre, University of Yaoundé I, Box 8094, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Basic or enhanced clinician training to improve adherence to malaria treatment guidelines: a cluster-randomised trial in two areas of Cameroon. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2014; 2:e346-58. [PMID: 25103303 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(14)70201-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scale-up of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is intended to improve case management of fever and targeting of artemisinin-based combination therapy. Habitual presumptive treatment has hampered these intentions, suggesting a need for strategies to support behaviour change. We aimed to assess the introduction of RDTs when packaged with basic or enhanced clinician training interventions in Cameroon. METHODS We did a three-arm, stratified, cluster-randomised trial at 46 public and mission health facilities at two study sites in Cameroon to compare three approaches to malaria diagnosis. Facilities were randomly assigned by a computer program in a 9:19:19 ratio to current practice with microscopy (widely available, used as a control group); RDTs with a basic (1 day) clinician training intervention; or RDTs with an enhanced (3 days) clinician training intervention. Patients (or their carers) and fieldworkers who administered surveys to obtain outcome data were masked to study group assignment. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients treated in accordance with WHO malaria treatment guidelines, which is a composite indicator of whether patients were tested for malaria and given appropriate treatment consistent with the test result. All analyses were by intention to treat. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01350752. FINDINGS The study took place between June 7 and Dec 14, 2011. The analysis included 681 patients from nine facilities in the control group, 1632 patients from 18 facilities in the basic-training group, and 1669 from 19 facilities in the enhanced-training group. The proportion of patients treated in accordance with malaria guidelines did not improve with either intervention; the adjusted risk ratio (RR) for basic training compared with control was 1·04 (95% CI 0·53-2·07; p=0·90), and for enhanced training compared with control was 1·17 (0·61-2·25; p=0·62). Inappropriate use of antimalarial drugs after a negative test was reduced from 84% (201/239) in the control group to 52% (413/796) in the basic-training group (unadjusted RR 0·63, 0·28-1·43; p=0·25) and to 31% (232/759) in the enhanced-training group (0·29, 0·11-0·77; p=0·02). INTERPRETATION Enhanced clinician training, designed to translate knowledge into prescribing practice and improve quality of care, has the potential to halve overtreatment in public and mission health facilities in Cameroon. Basic training is unlikely to be sufficient to support the behaviour change required for the introduction of RDTs.
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Mangham-Jefferies L, Hanson K, Mbacham W, Onwujekwe O, Wiseman V. What determines providers' stated preference for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria? Soc Sci Med 2014; 104:98-106. [PMID: 24581067 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
As agents for their patients, providers often make treatment decisions on behalf of patients, and their choices can affect health outcomes. However, providers operate within a network of relationships and are agents not only for their patients, but also other health sector actors, such as their employer, the Ministry of Health, and pharmaceutical suppliers. Providers' stated preferences for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria were examined to determine what factors predict their choice of treatment in the absence of information and institutional constraints, such as the stock of medicines or the patient's ability to pay. 518 providers working at non-profit health facilities and for-profit pharmacies and drug stores in Yaoundé and Bamenda in Cameroon and in Enugu State in Nigeria were surveyed between July and December 2009 to elicit the antimalarial they prefer to supply for uncomplicated malaria. Multilevel modelling was used to determine the effect of financial and non-financial incentives on their preference, while controlling for information and institutional constraints, and accounting for the clustering of providers within facilities and geographic areas. 69% of providers stated a preference for artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT), which is the recommended treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Cameroon and Nigeria. A preference for ACT was significantly associated with working at a for-profit facility, reporting that patients prefer ACT, and working at facilities that obtain antimalarials from drug company representatives. Preferences were similar among colleagues within a facility, and among providers working in the same locality. Knowing the government recommends ACT was a significant predictor, though having access to clinical guidelines was not sufficient. Providers are agents serving multiple principals and their preferences over alternative antimalarials were influenced by patients, drug company representatives, and other providers working at the same facility and in the local area. Efforts to disseminate drug policy should target the full range of actors involved in supplying drugs, including providers, employers, suppliers and local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Mangham-Jefferies
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Kara Hanson
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | - Wilfred Mbacham
- Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, University of Yaoundé 1, Nkolbisson, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria (Enugu Campus), Old UNTH Road, 40001, Enugu, Nigeria.
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
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‘As a clinician, you are not managing lab results, you are managing the patient’: How the enactment of malaria at health facilities in Cameroon compares with new WHO guidelines for the use of malaria tests. Soc Sci Med 2012; 74:1528-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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