El VOT: una opción atractiva en la administración del tratamiento de la tuberculosis / Video Observed Treatment, an attractive option for the administration of tuberculosis therapy

Resumen El VOT (video observed treatment) es la autoadministración de la terapia certificada mediante registro de imágenes en video y podría constituir para algunos pacientes una alternativa complementaria al DOT (directly observed treatment) en la administración del tratamiento ambulatorio de la Tuberculosis en Centros de Salud Primarios. Existen evidencias internacionales en que la estrategia VOT mejora la adherencia al tratamiento, empodera a los pacientes, reduce los costos para pacientes y el sistema de salud y ahorra el tiempo dedicado por los pacientes al traslado a centros de terapia. La disponibilidad masiva de teléfonos portátiles con capacidad de trasmitir videos en la población de Chile podría permitir realizar una investigación piloto de VOT.

VOT (Video Observed Treatment) is a video certificated self-administration of therapy and could be complementary to DOT (Directly Observed Treatment) for the administration of ambulatory tuberculosis treatment at Primary Health Centers. Reviewed international experience and evidence indicates that VOT improves treatment adherence, empowers patients, reduces health system costs and saves patient's transfer time to Therapy Centers. Given the high penetration of smartphones with videocall software in the Chilean population, the pre-requisites are provided to consider a VOT pilot research in Chile.

Transmission and prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Brazilian setting under a directly observed therapy short-course strategy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a high-burden Brazilian setting under directly observed therapy short-course strategy. METHODS: Isolates of culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Guarulhos, Brazil, diagnosed in October 2007-2011 were subjected to drug susceptibility and IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism testing. RESULTS: The overall resistance prevalence was 11.5% and the multi-drug resistance rate was 4.2%. Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 drug-resistant isolates were clustered. Epidemiological relationships were identified in 11 (42.3%) patients; 30.8% of the cases were transmitted in households. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was relatively low and transmitted in households and the community.

Tratamento Diretamente Observado da tuberculose: análise crítica da descentralização / Directly Observed Therapy for treating tuberculosis: critical analysis of decentralization / Tratamiento Directamente Observado de tuberculosis: análisis crítico de la descentralización

O presente artigo discute a descentralização do Tratamento Diretamente Observado (TDO) da tuberculose (TB) em um município da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, RS. Após a implementação da estratégia, as taxas de abandono do tratamento diminuíram, mas o município não alcançou a meta preconizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que entrevistou profissionais da atenção primária e da vigilância em saúde. Os resultados apontaram que a descentralização apenas do procedimento pode significar somente o acréscimo de mais uma tarefa para a atenção primária e alimentar a compreensão de uma responsabilidade parcial, não coerente com esse nível de atenção. Como possibilidade para diminuir o abandono, sugere-se a descentralização completa do cuidado para atenção primária e a constituição de apoio matricial que envolva profissionais especializados e o núcleo de vigilância.(AU)

Abstract This article addresses decentralization of Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for treating tuberculosis (TB) in a Brazilian city in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul. After implementing the strategy, treatment dropout rates decreased, but the city has not achieved the goal recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This qualitative research was conducted through interviews with primary care and health surveillance professionals. The results showed that decentralizing the procedure can mean adding another task to primary care and can base the understanding of a partial responsibility that is not coherent with this level of care. As a possibility to reduce dropout, we suggest a complete decentralization of primary health care and the constitution of a matrix support involving specialized professionals and the surveillance center.(AU)

Resumen El artículo discute la descentralización del Tratamiento Directamente Observado (TDO) de la tuberculosis en un municipio de la región metropolitana de Porto Alegre/Estado de Rio Grande do Sul. Después de la implementación de la estrategia, las tasas de abandono del tratamiento disminuyeron, pero el municipio no alcanzó la meta determinada por la OMS. Encuesta cualitativa que entrevistó a profesionales de la atención primaria y de la vigilancia en salud. Los resultados señalaron que la descentralización únicamente del procedimiento puede significar tan solo añadir una tarea más a la atención primaria y alimentar la comprensión de una responsabilidad parcial no coherente con ese tipo de atención. Como una posibilidad de disminuir el abandono se sugiere la descentralización completa del cuidado para la atención primaria y la construcción de apoyo matricial que envuelva a profesionales especializados y el núcleo de vigilancia.(AU)

Transmission and prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Brazilian setting under a directly observed therapy short-course strategy

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a high-burden Brazilian setting under directly observed therapy short-course strategy. METHODS: Isolates of culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Guarulhos, Brazil, diagnosed in October 2007-2011 were subjected to drug susceptibility and IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism testing. RESULTS: The overall resistance prevalence was 11.5% and the multi-drug resistance rate was 4.2%. Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 drug-resistant isolates were clustered. Epidemiological relationships were identified in 11 (42.3%) patients; 30.8% of the cases were transmitted in households. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was relatively low and transmitted in households and the community.

Social incentives for adherence to tuberculosis treatment / Incentivos sociales en la adhesión al tratamiento de la tuberculosis / Incentivos sociais na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the influence of social incentives for adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Method: Qualitative study, in which 26 primary health care professionals of São Paulo were interviewed in 2015.Their testimonies were submitted to the speech analysis technique. The theoretical reference was the social determination of the health-disease process. Ethical procedures were observed. Results: TB is related to precarious living conditions. Incentives such as the basic food basket and transportation stipends are relevant for patients' adherence to treatment, as well as to the create bonds between the patient and the health team. Final considerations: The incentives strengthened adherence to TB treatment. However, interventions in the context of public measures must transcend the remedial dimension and be guided towards the transformation of the TB situation, which means supporting processes that modify living conditions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de los incentivos sociales en la adhesión al tratamiento de la tuberculosis (TB). Método: Estudio cualitativo, en el que 26 profesionales de la Atención Primaria a la Salud del municipio de São Paulo fueron entrevistados en 2015, y sus testimonios fueron sometidos a la técnica de análisis de discurso. El referencial teórico fue la determinación social del proceso salud-enfermedad. Se han resguardado los procedimientos éticos. Resultados: La TB se relaciona con las condiciones precarias de la vida, siendo que los incentivos como la canasta básica y la ayuda para el transporte son relevantes para la adhesión del paciente al tratamiento, así como para el vínculo entre el paciente y el equipo de salud. Consideraciones finales: Los incentivos fortalecen la adhesión al tratamiento de la TB. Sin embargo, las intervenciones en el marco de medidas públicas deben trascender la dimensión paliativa y orientarse para transformar la situación de la TB, lo que significa apoyar procesos que modifiquen las condiciones de vida.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a influência de incentivos sociais na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose (TB). Método: Estudo qualitativo, em que 26 profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde do município de São Paulo foram entrevistados em 2015, e seus depoimentos foram submetidos à técnica de análise de discurso. O referencial teórico foi a determinação social do processo saúde-doença. Os procedimentos éticos foram resguardados. Resultados: A TB está relacionada às condições precárias de vida, sendo que incentivos como a cesta básica e o vale-transporte são relevantes para a adesão do paciente ao tratamento, assim como para o vínculo entre o paciente e a equipe de saúde. Considerações finais: Os incentivos fortalecem a adesão ao tratamento da TB. Contudo, intervenções no âmbito de medidas públicas devem transcender a dimensão paliativa e orientarem-se para transformar a situação da TB, o que significa apoiar processos que modifiquem as condições de vida.

Directly observed treatment for tuberculosis in the State of São Paulo / Tratamiento directamente observado de la tuberculosis en el Estado de São Paulo / Tratamento diretamente observado da tuberculose no Estado de São Paulo

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe and analyze the coverage profile of directly observed treatment for tuberculosis in 59 priority municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, through the creation and comparison of groups homogenized by the number of people in each municipality from 2006 to 2012. Method: Quantitative, epidemiological and descriptive study based on the data available in the EPI-TB and the Statistica 7.0 software databases. Results: The mean and standard deviation of directly observed treatment for the 59 priority municipalities of the state of São Paulo were 77.0 ± 24.3%. The coverage of directly observed treatment increased in 34 municipalities (57.6%) but decreased in 25 (42.4%). Conclusion: Some municipalities could not keep the coverage reached at some point. This coverage heterogeneity should be examined in detail by searching for possible reasons in political-management, technical-operational and funding dimensions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir y analizar el perfil de cobertura del Tratamiento Directamente Observado (TDO) en 59 municipios relevantes del Estado de São Paulo/Brasil, mediante formación y comparación de subgrupos, homogeneizados por el número de habitantes/municipio, de 2006 a 2012. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, epidemiológico y descriptivo, utilizándose el Banco EPI-TB y el Statistica 7.0. Resultados: La media y el desvío estándar del TDO para los 59 municipios relevantes del Estado de São Paulo/Brasil fue del 77,0% ± 24,3. La cobertura del TDO resultó creciente en treinta y cuatro municipios (57,6%), aunque en veinticinco (42,4%) hubo una disminución del porcentaje de cobertura. Conclusión: Algunos municipios no consiguieron mantener la sustentabilidad de la cobertura alcanzada en algún momento. Esta heterogeneidad de cobertura necesita profundizarse, buscando las posibles explicaciones en las dimensiones político-gerenciales, técnico-operativas y de financiamiento de acciones en TB.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever e analisar o perfil da cobertura do Tratamento Diretamente Observado (TDO) em 59 municípios prioritários do Estado de São Paulo/Brasil, por meio da formação e comparação de subgrupos homogeneizados pelo número de habitantes/município, de 2006 a 2012. Método: Estudo quantitativo, epidemiológico e descritivo, utilizando-se o Banco EPI-TB e do Statistica 7.0. Resultados: A média e o desvio-padrão do TDO para os 59 municípios prioritários do Estado de São Paulo/Brasil foi de 77,0% ± 24,3. A cobertura do TDO foi crescente em trinta e quatro municípios (57,6%), porém, em vinte e cinco (42,4,houve uma diminuição da porcentagem de cobertura. Conclusão: Alguns municípios não conseguiram manter a sustentabilidade da cobertura alcançada em algum momento. Essa heterogeneidade de cobertura precisa ser aprofundada, buscando as possíveis explicações nas dimensões político-gerencial, técnico-operacional e do financiamento das ações em tuberculose (TB).

Directly observed treatment for tuberculosis in the State of São Paulo.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and analyze the coverage profile of directly observed treatment for tuberculosis in 59 priority municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, through the creation and comparison of groups homogenized by the number of people in each municipality from 2006 to 2012. METHOD: Quantitative, epidemiological and descriptive study based on the data available in the EPI-TB and the Statistica 7.0 software databases. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of directly observed treatment for the 59 priority municipalities of the state of São Paulo were 77.0 ± 24.3%. The coverage of directly observed treatment increased in 34 municipalities (57.6%) but decreased in 25 (42.4%). CONCLUSION: Some municipalities could not keep the coverage reached at some point. This coverage heterogeneity should be examined in detail by searching for possible reasons in political-management, technical-operational and funding dimensions.

Social incentives for adherence to tuberculosis treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of social incentives for adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment. METHOD: Qualitative study, in which 26 primary health care professionals of São Paulo were interviewed in 2015.Their testimonies were submitted to the speech analysis technique. The theoretical reference was the social determination of the health-disease process. Ethical procedures were observed. RESULTS: TB is related to precarious living conditions. Incentives such as the basic food basket and transportation stipends are relevant for patients' adherence to treatment, as well as to the create bonds between the patient and the health team. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The incentives strengthened adherence to TB treatment. However, interventions in the context of public measures must transcend the remedial dimension and be guided towards the transformation of the TB situation, which means supporting processes that modify living conditions.

Coordinated care for tuberculosis: data registration and implementation of a computerized system. / Coordenação da assistência à tuberculose: registro de dados e a implementação de um sistema informatizado.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze sources of data for tuberculosis (TB) before and after the implementation of the Computerized System to Record Care for TB in Ribeirão Preto - SP. METHOD: Intervention, descriptive-analytical epidemiological study. Data was collected from secondary sources using a structured form, and analyzed using Chi-squared or Fisher's Exact Test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: We found an association between the period before implementation of the system and placing the Directly Observed Treatment Card in the file, and registration of instructions for the return visit by the nursing team. The latter was associated with an increase in registered data regarding TB patient telephone number, address, end of treatment date, status at closing, sputum smear results for monthly control, HIV test, monthly checkups, tests ordered by physician, social worker visits, patient living conditions, contact control, social incentives and the use of drugs and alcohol. CONCLUSION: Implementing the system improved the registration of a number of variables, despite the fact that other sources of data other than the system continue to exist.

Coordenação da assistência à tuberculose: registro de dados e a implementação de um sistema informatizado / Coordinated care for tuberculosis: data registration and implementation of a computerized system

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar fontes de registro da tuberculose (TB) antes e após a implantação do Sistema Informatizado para Registro da Assistência à TB em Ribeirão Preto (SP). Estudo epidemiológico descritivo-analítico, do tipo intervenção. Os dados foram coletados em fontes secundárias, a partir de um formulário estruturado, e analisados através de teste Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher com nível de significância de 5%. Identificou-se associação entre o período anterior da implantação do sistema com o arquivamento da Ficha do Tratamento Diretamente Observado no prontuário e o registro de orientação de retorno às consultas pela equipe de enfermagem. O posterior esteve associado com o aumento do registro do contato telefônico e endereço do doente de TB, data de término do tratamento, situação de encerramento, resultado da baciloscopia de escarro para controle mensal, teste anti-HIV, consultas mensais e solicitação de exames realizados pelo médico, atendimento com assistente social, condições de vida do doente, controle de comunicantes, incentivos sociais e uso de álcool e drogas. A implantação do sistema possibilitou a melhora no registro de algumas variáveis, ainda que outras fontes de registro tenham permanecido que não fossem o próprio sistema.

Abstract Objective to analyze sources of data for tuberculosis (TB) before and after the implementation of the Computerized System to Record Care for TB in Ribeirão Preto - SP. Method Intervention, descriptive-analytical epidemiological study. Data was collected from secondary sources using a structured form, and analyzed using Chi-squared or Fisher’s Exact Test, with a significance level of 5%. Results We found an association between the period before implementation of the system and placing the Directly Observed Treatment Card in the file, and registration of instructions for the return visit by the nursing team. The latter was associated with an increase in registered data regarding TB patient telephone number, address, end of treatment date, status at closing, sputum smear results for monthly control, HIV test, monthly checkups, tests ordered by physician, social worker visits, patient living conditions, contact control, social incentives and the use of drugs and alcohol. Conclusion Implementing the system improved the registration of a number of variables, despite the fact that other sources of data other than the system continue to exist.

Directly observed therapy of tuberculosis in Brazil: associated determinants and impact on treatment outcome.

SETTING: All Brazilian states. OBJECTIVES: To assess the determinants of tuberculosis (TB) in patients undergoing directly observed therapy (DOT) and the impact of DOT on treatment outcomes. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study among TB patients aged ⩾18 years conducted in 2011. The primary outcome was the status of DOT received, while the secondary was the outcome of anti-tuberculosis treatment. RESULTS: In 2011, 35 775 (38.3%) subjects received DOT. The odds of receiving DOT were higher in patients with the following characteristics: brown/mestizo patients (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.14-1.22) and those of other ethnic groups (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.79-2.27) compared to Whites, alcohol users (OR 1.37, 95%CI 1.28-1.47) and those with mental disorders (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.54-2.29). The odds of receiving DOT were lower in human immunodeficiency virus positive patients (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.60-0.68). Patients who did not receive DOT were more likely to default from anti-tuberculosis treatment (OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.57-0.66), die due to TB (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.61-0.77) and to have unknown treatment outcomes (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.66-0.76). The adjusted preventable fraction of DOT in the reduction of unfavorable outcomes was 25%. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are determinants of anti-tuberculosis treatment outcomes in patients undergoing DOT; DOT use led to a 25% reduction in unfavorable outcomes.

Feasibility of tuberculosis treatment monitoring by video directly observed therapy: a binational pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Although directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended worldwide for monitoring anti-tuberculosis treatment, transportation and personnel requirements limit its use. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of 'video DOT' (VDOT), which allows patients to record and transmit medication ingestion via videos watched remotely by health care providers to document adherence. METHODS: We conducted a single-arm trial among tuberculosis (TB) patients in San Diego, California, USA, (n = 43) and Tijuana, Mexico (n = 9) to represent high- and low-resource settings. Pre-/post-treatment interviews assessed participant characteristics and experiences. Adherence was defined as the proportion of observed doses to expected doses. RESULTS: The mean age was 37 years (range 18-86), 50% were male, and 88% were non-Caucasian. The mean duration of VDOT use was 5.5 months (range 1-11). Adherence was similar in San Diego (93%) and Tijuana (96%). Compared to time on in-person DOT, 92% preferred VDOT, 81% thought VDOT was more confidential, 89% never/rarely had problems recording videos, and 100% would recommend VDOT to others. Seven (13%) participants were returned to in-person DOT and six (12%) additional participants had their phones lost, broken or stolen. CONCLUSIONS: VDOT was feasible and acceptable, with high adherence in both high- and low-resource settings. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness studies are needed.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of a fixed-dose combination regimen and separate formulations for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Fixed-dose combination formulations, which simplify the administration of drugs and prevent the development of drug resistance, have been recommended as a standard anti-tuberculosis treatment regimen. However, the composition and dosage recommendations for fixed-dose combination formulations differ from those for separate formulations. Thus, questions about the effectiveness and side effects of combination formulations remain. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of these two types of anti-tuberculosis regimens for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment. METHOD: A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted using the directly observed treatment short-course strategy. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two short-course regimens. One year after completing the treatment, these patients' outcomes were analyzed. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00979290. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were enrolled, 142 of whom were evaluable for safety assessment. The two regimens had a similar incidence of adverse effects. In the per-protocol population, serum bilirubin concentrations at the peak level, at week 4, and at week 8 were significantly higher for the fixed-dose combination formulation than for the separate formulations. All patients had negative sputum cultures at the end of the treatment, and no relapse occurred after one year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized study, transient higher serum bilirubin levels were noted for the fixed-dose combination regimen compared with the separate formulations during treatment. However, no significant difference in safety or efficacy was found between the groups when the directly observed treatment short-course strategy was used.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of a fixed-dose combination regimen and separate formulations for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment

OBJECTIVES: Fixed-dose combination formulations, which simplify the administration of drugs and prevent the development of drug resistance, have been recommended as a standard anti-tuberculosis treatment regimen. However, the composition and dosage recommendations for fixed-dose combination formulations differ from those for separate formulations. Thus, questions about the effectiveness and side effects of combination formulations remain. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of these two types of anti-tuberculosis regimens for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment. METHOD: A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted using the directly observed treatment short-course strategy. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two short-course regimens. One year after completing the treatment, these patients’ outcomes were analyzed. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00979290. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were enrolled, 142 of whom were evaluable for safety assessment. The two regimens had a similar incidence of adverse effects. In the per-protocol population, serum bilirubin concentrations at the peak level, at week 4, and at week 8 were significantly higher for the fixed-dose combination formulation than for the separate formulations. All patients had negative sputum cultures at the end of the treatment, and no relapse occurred after one year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized study, transient higher serum bilirubin levels were noted for the fixed-dose combination regimen compared with the separate formulations during treatment. However, no significant difference in safety or efficacy was found between the groups when the directly observed treatment short-course strategy was used. .

Supervised physical exercise improves endothelial function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supervised physical exercise on endothelial function, ergospirometric test variables and disease activity in SLE patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in which women with SLE who were available to perform physical exercise were allocated to the exercise group (EG) to practise supervised physical exercise for 1 h three times per week for 16 weeks. Those who were not available for this activity were allocated to the control group (CG). Intervention consisted of walking at a heart rate corresponding to the ventilatory 1 threshold obtained from ergospirometry and monitored by a frequency meter. At baseline (T0) and after 16 weeks (T16), patients were assessed for endothelial function by brachial artery (flow-mediated dilation), ergospirometry and disease activity (SLEDAI). Statistical analysis was performed through normality tests, Student's t-test and non-parametric tests for data with non-normal distribution. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were allocated in the EG and 20 in the CG. After 16 weeks there was an increase in FMD in the EG [6.3 (6.7)% vs 14.1 (9.1)%, P = 0.006] without a change in the CG [8.4 (8.2)% vs 9.4 (5.7)%, P = 0.598]. Regarding the ergospirometric test, we found improvement in exercise tolerance [12.3 (2.4) vs 13.4 (2.6) min, P = 0.027], maximum speed [7.7 (1.0) vs 8.3 (1.2) km/h, P = 0.027] and threshold speed [5.6 (0.7) vs 6.1 (0.9) km/h, P = 0.005] in the EG without a difference in the CG. There was no difference in the SLEDAI score in both groups. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise is a useful strategy to improve endothelial function and aerobic capacity without worsening disease activity in SLE patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION; ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov), NCT01712529.

Analysing policy transfer: perspectives for operational research.

Policy transfer occurs regularly. In essence, a strategy developed elsewhere is taken up and applied in another policy context. Yet what precisely is policy transfer and, more importantly, under what conditions does it occur? This paper describes policy transfer and addresses three main questions, exploring what perspectives of policy transfer might contribute to operational research (OR) efforts. First, what facilitates the transfer of OR results into policy and practice? Second, what facilitates effective lesson-drawing about OR results and processes between and within countries? And third, what would increase the amount of OR being carried out by low- and middle-income countries and used to inform policy and practice at local and global levels? Mexico's adoption and adaptation of the DOTS strategy is used here as an example of policy transfer. Policy transfer is relevant to all countries, levels and arenas of people, institutions and organisations involved in health. With a more systematic analysis of learning and policy processes, OR policy and practice outcomes could be improved at all levels, from local to global. Policy transfer offers theory and concepts for analysing OR from a new perspective. The present paper proposes a model of the policy transfer process for qualitative research use. Comprehensive policy transfer research, given its length, complexity and need for qualitative researchers, should not be envisaged for all OR projects. All OR projects could, however, incorporate some concepts and practical tools inspired from this model. This should help to plan, evaluate and improve OR processes and the resulting changes in policy and practice.

Compliance with tuberculosis treatment after the implementation of the directly observed treatment, short-course strategy in the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the compliance with tuberculosis treatment among patients enrolled the tuberculosis control program in the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil, before and after the implementation of the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) strategy. METHODS: A retrospective historical cohort study of operational aspects based on records of attendance and treatment evolution of patients in self-administered treatment (SAT) and of those submitted to DOTS. Monthly treatment outcome tables were created, and the probability of compliance with the treatment was calculated for both groups of patients. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients with tuberculosis met the inclusion criteria: 173 (48.1%) in the SAT group; and 187 (51.9%) in the DOTS group. Treatment compliance was 6.1% higher in the DOTS group than in the SAT group. The proportion of patients completing the six months of treatment was 91.6% and 85.5% in the DOTS group and in the SAT group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that DOTS can be successfully implemented at primary health care clinics. In this population of patients, residents of a city with low incomes and a high burden of tuberculosis infection, DOTS was more effective than was SAT.

Adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose após a instituição da estratégia de tratamento supervisionado no município de Carapicuíba, grande São Paulo / Compliance with tuberculosis treatment after the implementation of the directly observed treatment, short-course strategy in the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Verificar a adesão ao tratamento dos casos atendidos no programa de controle da tuberculose do município de Carapicuíba (SP), antes e após a implantação da estratégia directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS, tratamento supervisionado). MÉTODOS: Estudo operacional do tipo coorte histórica a partir dos registros de comparecimento e evolução do tratamento dos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento autoadministrado (TAA) e daqueles submetidos a DOTS. Tábuas de desfecho de tratamento mês a mês foram elaboradas, e a probabilidade de adesão foi calculada para cada grupo de pacientes. RESULTADOS: Um total de 360 pacientes com tuberculose preencheu os critérios de elegibilidade: 173 (48,1 por cento) no grupo TAA e 187 (51,9 por cento) no grupo TS. A adesão ao tratamento foi 6,1 por cento maior no grupo DOTS do que no grupo TAA. Ao final de seis meses, 91,6 por cento dos pacientes sob TS completaram o tratamento padrão, enquanto 85,5 por cento dos pacientes do grupo TAA completaram o tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostrou que a estratégia DOTS pode ser realizada com sucesso em unidades básicas de saúde e que essa estratégia foi mais efetiva que o TAA nesta população de pacientes de uma cidade com população de baixa renda e alta carga de tuberculose.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the compliance with tuberculosis treatment among patients enrolled the tuberculosis control program in the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil, before and after the implementation of the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) strategy. METHODS: A retrospective historical cohort study of operational aspects based on records of attendance and treatment evolution of patients in self-administered treatment (SAT) and of those submitted to DOTS. Monthly treatment outcome tables were created, and the probability of compliance with the treatment was calculated for both groups of patients. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients with tuberculosis met the inclusion criteria: 173 (48.1 percent) in the SAT group; and 187 (51.9 percent) in the DOTS group. Treatment compliance was 6.1 percent higher in the DOTS group than in the SAT group. The proportion of patients completing the six months of treatment was 91.6 percent and 85.5 percent in the DOTS group and in the SAT group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that DOTS can be successfully implemented at primary health care clinics. In this population of patients, residents of a city with low incomes and a high burden of tuberculosis infection, DOTS was more effective than was SAT.

Patients' costs and cost-effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment in DOTS and non-DOTS facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Costs of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment may represent a significant burden for the poor and for the health system in resource-poor countries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze patients' costs of tuberculosis care and to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the directly observed treatment (DOT) strategy per completed treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: We interviewed 218 adult patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Information on direct (out-of-pocket expenses) and indirect (hours lost) costs, loss in income and costs with extra help were gathered through a questionnaire. Healthcare system additional costs due to supervision of pill-intake were calculated considering staff salaries. Effectiveness was measured by treatment completion rate. The ICER of DOT compared to self-administered therapy (SAT) was calculated. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: DOT increased costs during the treatment phase, while SAT increased costs in the pre-diagnostic phase, for both the patient and the health system. Treatment completion rates were 71% in SAT facilities and 79% in DOT facilities. Costs per completed treatment were US$ 194 for patients and U$ 189 for the health system in SAT facilities, compared to US$ 336 and US$ 726 in DOT facilities. The ICER was US$ 6,616 per completed DOT treatment compared to SAT. CONCLUSIONS: Costs incurred by TB patients are high in Rio de Janeiro, especially for those under DOT. The DOT strategy doubles patients' costs and increases by fourfold the health system costs per completed treatment. The additional costs for DOT may be one of the contributing factors to the completion rates below the targeted 85% recommended by WHO.