Training social workers to enhance patient-centered care for drug-resistant TB-HIV in South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is the epicenter of an epidemic of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, characterized by low rates of medication adherence and retention in care. Social workers may have a unique role to play in improving DR-TB-HIV outcomes. We designed, implemented and evaluated a model-based pilot training course on patient-centered care, treatment literacy in DR-TB and HIV coinfection, patient support group facilitation, and self-care. Ten social workers participated in a 1-day training course. Post-training questionnaire scores showed significant overall gains (P = 0.003). A brief training intervention may be a useful and feasible way to engage social workers in patient-centered care for DR-TB and HIV coinfection.

Health care provider perspectives on tuberculosis care for foreign-born populations in New York City

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) in foreign-born patients is a key determinant of TB epidemiology in low-burden settings. In New York City (NYC), foreign-born TB populations are heterogeneous and face diverse challenges in accessing care.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize barriers and facilitators to health care services and identify potential mechanisms to improve TB care for foreign-born patients in NYC.

DESIGN

Semi-structured interviews with health care providers identified through the NYC TB registry and snowball sampling. Transcripts were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Fourteen providers from private practice (21%), community clinic (36%), and hospitals (43%) were interviewed. Barriers clustered into thematic areas: interrelated social and economic issues that impact TB care and treatment (documentation status, poverty, mental/behavioral health issues), challenges of fragmented health system (care continuity, costs), latent tuberculous infection, and relative lack of resources and significant barriers for clinic and private practice providers. Health care providers' deep commitment to foreign-born TB patients was evidenced by their attitudes and actions.

CONCLUSION

Improving access to TB care for foreign-born patients in NYC requires strategies that address specific social, economic and structural barriers. Improving linkages between private providers and public health initiatives is a key challenge. Health care providers' commitment to foreign-born communities is a significant resource.

Re-inventing adherence: toward a patient-centered model of care for drug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV

BACKGROUND

Despite renewed focus on molecular tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics and new antimycobacterial agents, treatment outcomes for patients co-infected with drug-resistant TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain dismal, in part due to lack of focus on medication adherence as part of a patient-centered continuum of care.

OBJECTIVE

To review current barriers to drug-resistant TB-HIV treatment and propose an alternative model to conventional approaches to treatment support.

DISCUSSION

Current national TB control programs rely heavily on directly observed therapy (DOT) as the centerpiece of treatment delivery and adherence support. Medication adherence and care for drug-resistant TB-HIV could be improved by fully implementing team-based patient-centered care, empowering patients through counseling and support, maintaining a rights-based approach while acknowledging the responsibility of health care systems in providing comprehensive care, and prioritizing critical research gaps.

CONCLUSION

It is time to re-invent our understanding of adherence in drug-resistant TB and HIV by focusing attention on the complex clinical, behavioral, social, and structural needs of affected patients and communities.