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Kim Y, Ahn E, Lee S, Lim DH, Kim A, Lee SG, So MW. Changing Patterns of Medical Visits and Factors Associated with No-show in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis during COVID-19 Pandemic. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e423. [PMID: 33316859 PMCID: PMC7735912 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main barrier to the effective rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy is poor adherence. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to a significant change in the pattern and the number of medical visits. We assessed changing patterns of medical visits and no-show, and identified factors associated with no-show in patients with RA during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS RA patients treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs at least 6 months who had been in remission or those with mild disease activity were observed for 6 months from February to July 2020. No-show was defined as a missed appointment that was not previously cancelled by the patient and several variables that might affect no-show were examined. RESULTS A total of 376 patients and 1,189 appointments were evaluated. Among 376 patients, 164 patients (43.6%) missed appointment more than one time and no-show rate was 17.2% during COVID-19 pandemic. During the observation, face-to-face visits gradually increased and no-show gradually decreased. The logistic regression analysis identified previous history of no-show (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.225; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.422-3.479; P < 0.001) and fewer numbers of comorbidities (adjusted OR, 0.749; 95% CI, 0.584-0.961; P = 0.023) as the independent factors associated with no-show. CONCLUSION Monthly analysis showed that the no-show rate and the pattern of medical visits gradually changed in patients with RA during COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we found that previous history of no-show and fewer numbers of comorbidities as the independent factors associated with no-show.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yena Kim
- Department of Nursing, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Eunyoung Ahn
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sunggun Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Doo Ho Lim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Aran Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Seung Geun Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Min Wook So
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.
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Padmasawitri TIA, Saragih SM, Frederix GW, Klungel O, Hövels AM. Managing Uncertainties Due to Limited Evidence in Economic Evaluations of Novel Anti-Tuberculosis Regimens: A Systematic Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2020; 4:223-233. [PMID: 31297751 PMCID: PMC7248140 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-019-0162-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited evidence for the implementation of new health technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may lead to uncertainties in economic evaluations and cause the evaluations to produce inaccurate information for decision making. We performed a systematic review of economic evaluations on implementing new short-course regimens (SCR) for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), to explore how uncertainties due to the limited evidence in the studies were dealt with and to identify useful information for decision making from these studies. METHODS We searched in electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, NHSEED, and CEA registry for economic evaluations addressing the implementation of new anti-TB SCRs in LMICs published until September 2018. We included studies addressing both the cost and outcomes of implementing a new regimen for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB with a shorter treatment duration than the currently used regimens. The quality of the included studies was assessed using The Consensus Health Economic Criteria checklist. We extracted information from the included studies on uncertainties and how they were managed. The management of uncertainties was compared with approaches used in early health technology assessments (HTAs), including sensitivity analyses and pragmatic scenario analyses. We extracted information that could be useful for decision making such as cost-effectiveness conclusions, and barriers to implementing the intervention. RESULTS Four of the 322 studies found in the search met the eligibility criteria. Three studies were model-based studies that investigated the cost effectiveness of a new first-line SCR. One study was an empirical study investigating the cost effectiveness of new regimens for drug-resistant TB. The model-based studies addressed uncertainties due to limited evidence through various sensitivity analyses as in early HTAs. They performed a deterministic sensitivity analysis and found the main drivers of the cost-effectiveness outcomes, that is, the rate of treatment default and treatment delivery costs. Additionally, two of the model-based studies performed a pragmatic scenario analysis and found a potential barrier to implementing the new first-line SCR, that is, a weak health system with a low TB care utilization rate. The empirical study only performed a few scenario analyses with different regimen prices and volumes of TB care utilization. Therefore, the study could only provide information on the main cost drivers. CONCLUSION Using an approach similar to that used in early HTAs, where uncertainties due to the limited evidence are rigorously explored upfront, the economic evaluations could inform not only the decision to implement the intervention but also how to manage risks and implementation barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Armina Padmasawitri
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Sarah Maria Saragih
- Department of Health Policy and Health Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Gerardus W Frederix
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anke M Hövels
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Balaky STJ, Mawlood AH, Shabila NP. Survival analysis of patients with tuberculosis in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan region. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:865. [PMID: 31638949 PMCID: PMC6805646 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4544-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis is an important health concern in Iraq, but limited research has examined the quality of tuberculosis care and the survival of the patients. This study aimed to assess the 12-month survival of tuberculosis patients and evaluate the effect of the associated risk factors on patients' survival. METHODS We reviewed the records of 728 patients with tuberculosis who were registered and treated at the Chest and Respiratory Disease Center in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, from January 2012 to December 2017. Demographic data, the site of the disease, and treatment outcomes were retrieved from patients' records. Data analysis included the use of the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test to calculate the estimates of the survival and assess the differences in the survival among the patients. The Cox regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS The mean period of the follow-up of the patients was 7.6 months. Of 728 patients with tuberculosis, 50 (6.9%) had died. The 12-month survival rate of our study was 93.1%. A statistically significant difference was detected in the survival curves of different age groups (P < 0.001) and the site of the disease (P = 0.012). In multivariate analysis, lower survival rates were only observed among patients aged ≥65 years (hazard ratio = 9.36, 95% CI 2.14-40.95) and patients with extrapulmonary disease (hazard ratio = 2.61, 95% CI 1.30-5.27). CONCLUSION The 12-month survival rate of tuberculosis patients managed at the Chest and Respiratory Disease Center in Erbil was similar to the international rates. The high rates of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and the low survival rate necessitate further studies and action with a possible revision to the tuberculosis management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Tofik Jalal Balaky
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Ahang Hasan Mawlood
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Nazar P. Shabila
- Department of Community Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
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Ali SM, Hussain S, Ishaq M, Ali S, Naureen F, Noor A, Rashid A, Anjum N. 3Ts of low cure rate: taxonomy, themes and theory of low cure rate in Pakistan's TB control programme and gathering a 360-degree perspective through qualitative, in-depth interviewing approach. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025707. [PMID: 31289061 PMCID: PMC6629416 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE WHO recommends cure of tuberculosis (TB) as the best prevention strategy; however, information about factors associated with low cure rate in patients with drug-susceptible TB is limited in Pakistan. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the factors that account for low TB cure rate. METHODOLOGY The present qualitative study recruited diverse informants through purposive sampling to explore low cure rate situation in Badin between March and June 2017. Data were collected from clinicians, paramedics, lab technicians, district field supervisors, patients and treatment supporters through indepth and face-to-face interviews. Interviews were conducted in local languages (Urdu and Sindhi) and transcribed into English. Coding structure was developed inductively and applied on textual data to draw output at the levels of taxonomy, themes and theory, as proposed by Bradley et al. FINDINGS Thirty-seven individuals consented to participate in this study and provided detailed account of the subject under enquiry. Review of interview data collected from a variety of informants resulted in the identification of four broad factors (taxonomy) that contributed to the situation of low cure rate in one of the districts implementing the public-private mix intervention. These factors were (1) health-seeking behaviour, (2) technical capacity of the healthcare provider, (3) managerial capacity of the healthcare provider, and (4) access to healthcare facility and services. Each factor is deconstructed into key dimensions (themes) that emerged from the dialogue between the interviewer and the respondents. Moreover, dimensions were exemplified through underlying concepts that correspond to theories for low cure rate. CONCLUSION Change in programme reporting requirement has demeaned the significance of having cure as treatment outcome. Therefore, returning the focus to achieving cure status for TB cases will be beneficial for assessing the effectiveness of TB control efforts. In parallel to the care delivery system, a mechanism for disseminating disease-related and treatment-related information should be introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Mustafa Ali
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Unit, Mercy Corps Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Ade S, Affolabi D, Adjobimey M, Ade G, Anagonou S, Kumar AMV, Harries AD. Operational research within the national tuberculosis control programme in Benin. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:651. [PMID: 29187248 PMCID: PMC5708179 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2987-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document whether the placement of operational research (OR) fellows within disease control programmes in low and middle income countries leads to the implementation of operational research and improvements in policy and practice. RESULT In 2012, an OR fellow was placed within the National TB Programme, Benin, to strengthen the implementation of operational research. From 2012 to 2015, eight OR projects were implemented, of which three contributed to changes in programme practice and five provided information which was not previously available from quarterly/annual reports. Two of these projects-one on the burden and treatment outcomes of childhood TB and one on tracing patients who had discontinued treatment-are discussed in more detail. OR should be strongly encouraged within national TB programme settings and an OR fellow facilitates this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Ade
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Parakou, Parakou, Benin. .,Programme National Contre la Tuberculose, 02BP: 8022, Cotonou, Benin. .,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.
| | - Dissou Affolabi
- Programme National Contre la Tuberculose, 02BP: 8022, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Mênonli Adjobimey
- Programme National Contre la Tuberculose, 02BP: 8022, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Gabriel Ade
- Programme National Contre la Tuberculose, 02BP: 8022, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Sévérin Anagonou
- Programme National Contre la Tuberculose, 02BP: 8022, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Ajay M V Kumar
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Anthony D Harries
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Outcomes of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Zambia: a cohort analysis. Infection 2017; 45:831-839. [PMID: 28779436 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-017-1054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to establish a baseline for measuring the impact of the programmatic management of drug-resistant TB program by following up on outcomes of all patients diagnosed with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Zambia between 2012 and 2014. METHODS A cohort study of all the MDR-TB patients diagnosed at the national TB reference laboratory from across Zambia. MDR-TB was diagnosed by culture and DST, whereas outcome data were collected in 2015 by patient record checks and home visits. RESULTS The total number of patients diagnosed was 258. Of those, 110 (42.6%) patients were traceable for this study. There were 67 survivor participants (60.9%); 43 (39.1%) were deceased. Out of the 110 patients who were traced, only 71 (64.5%) were started on second-line treatment. Twenty-nine (40.8%) patients were declared cured and 16.9% were still on treatment; 8.4% had failed treatment. The survival rate was 20.2 per 100 person-years of follow-up. Taking ARVs was associated with a decreased risk of dying (hazard ratio 0.12, p = 0.002). Sex, age, marital status and treatment category were not important predictors of survival in MDR-TB patients. CONCLUSIONS More than half of the patients diagnosed with MDR-TB were lost to follow-up before second-line treatment was initiated.
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