Further observations on MDT blister-calendar packs in vertical leprosy eradication programmes--a multicentre study (phase II)

To improve operational efficiency as well as to improve patient compliance in leprosy programmes, DANIDA introduced blister-calendar packs (BCP) to deliver MDT in 4 MDT districts in India in 1987. An objective study (Phase II) involving 343 patients in a trial group (BCP group) and 253 patients in a control group (loose drug group) showed no significant difference in compliance rates for self-administered dose between the 2 groups. Hence, while assessing the use of BCPs in leprosy programmes, other operational benefits like safe storage, easy transportation, easy drug accounting and safe preservation at home are to be considered. These aspects were followed up from Phase I of the study.

Management information system for leprosy eradication programme--an alternative information system.

For efficient monitoring of multidrug therapy programmes for leprosy both at microlevel (individual patient monitoring) as well as microlevel (programme monitoring), DANIDA decided to develop an alternative, simple and quick information system using a computer. A patient data base system was designed using dBase III Plus package. The field workers of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme were trained in transcribing data on to coded data sheets. The data of 1750 patients of six leprosy control units from the 4 MDT districts were processed and feedback reports were sent to paramedical workers and programme managers. The initial experience in the field over the past year has shown that a computerized management information system is feasible and well accepted by the field staff for the purpose of improving monitoring.

Delivery of MDT through blister calendar packs in leprosy eradication programmes--a multicentre field study (phase I). Multicentre Study Group.

To overcome operational problems and improve patient compliance in leprosy programmes, DANIDA introduced blister calendar packs (BCP) to deliver MDT in four districts in India. A questionnaire study of 1470 patients from these districts showed that more than 90% accepted BCP and found them to be very convenient for domiciliary treatment. A similar study of 127 treatment providers indicated that delivery of MDT through BCP was found convenient to overcome logistic problems.