Complex DR-TB Case Management
HAI tested the effectiveness of a tablet-based intervention to help National Tuberculosis Programs curb drug-resistance, prevent adverse treatment effects, and build tuberculosis capacity among health providers.
Two common adverse effects of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) treatment are irreversible hearing loss and sudden cardiac death. Early identification of these adverse effects and subsequent changes to patient treatment plans are a critical aspect of curbing TB drug resistance.
In partnership with the Mozambican National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), HAI supported the implementation of internet connected tablets at high volume DR-TB health facilities equipped with SHOEBOX audiometers and SmartHeart ECGs. A weekly case review system (made up of national DR-TB experts) using the ECHO model was also established for all DR-TB cases in which hearing loss or heart rhythm changes were detected.
Through the roll-out of these devices at subnational levels, HAI and Mozambique’s NTP helped frontline health workers 1) detect adverse side effects that stem from commonly-used DR-TB treatments; and 2) easily access national TB expertise to determine individualized treatment plans for these complex patient cases.
This novel method served as an initial test to determine whether National Tuberculosis Programs in other countries could adopt the intervention and ensure that these life-saving services reach the most vulnerable DR-TB patients.
HAI-LIGHTS
In July 2018, the Mozambican National TB Program distributed 53 SHOEBOX enabled tablets to health facilities across all provinces of Mozambique. Over a two year period, 1,331 audiology tests were performed and abnormal results were noted in 170 patients, resulting in medication change to reduce the impact of such adverse side effects.
Weekly DR-TB ECHO sessions over the two year implementation period covered 614 cases, and led to regimen changes for 510 patients, leading to the increased use of novel all-oral DR-TB medications, namely Bedaquiline and Delamanid, in Mozambique.
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Publications
News/Media
| Pilot of weekly ECHO model videoconferencing system in Mozambique to review complex drug-resistant TB cases | Abstract, 50th World Conference on Lung Health, 2019, Hyderabad, India |
| Proof of concept: integrated tablet-based hearing and ECG testing for Mozambican patients with drug-resistant TB | Abstract, 50th World Conference on Lung Health, 2019, Hyderabad, India |
| Harnessing systems integration: multi-device connectivity in Mozambique | Abstract, 49th Union World Conference on Lung Health, 2018, The Hague, The Netherlands |
| The experience of developing an MDR-TB ECHO programme in the country of Mozambique | Abstract, 49th Union World Conference on Lung Health, 2018, The Hague, The Netherlands |
Funding
[2018-2020] Optimizing the safety of drug resistant-TB treatment with mobile audiometry and ECG testing to prevent complications.
This project received funding support from the Stop TB Partnership.
[2017-2018] Improving Diagnostic, Linkage to Care, and Routing Reporting for TB, MDR/RR-TB and XDR-TB Patients in Mozambique.
This project received funding support from the Stop TB Partnership.
[2015-2018] Strengthening the HIV/MDR-TB Diagnostic and Care Cascade in Mozambique.
This project received funding support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease of the National Institutes of Health under award number 30AI027757-28, via a subagreement from the University of Washington.
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Our mission is to promote policies and support programs that strengthen government primary health care and foster social, economic, and health equity for all. Our vision is a just world that promotes health and well-being, including universal access to quality health care.
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Health Alliance International began in 1987 as a US-based international solidarity organization committed to supporting the public sector provision of health care for all. Over 35 years, HAI conducted programs in 17 countries, with flagship programs in Mozambique, Côte d'Ivoire, and Timor-Leste.
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In line with HAI’s commitment to support and strengthen local public health leadership, as of October 2021, HAI fully transitioned global operations and active programs to locally-based, locally-led NGOs. Learn more about this shift toward local autonomy and equity in global health.
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