Variations and inequities in access to cardiac diagnostic services in Ontario Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Echocardiography is an essential diagnostic modality known to have wide regional utilization variations. This study's objectives were to quantify regional variations and to examine the extent to which they are explained by differences in population age, sex, cardiac disease prevalence (CDP), and social determinants of health (SDH) risk. METHODS: This is an observational study of all echocardiography exams performed in Ontario in 2019/20 (n = 695,622). We measured regional variations in echocardiography crude rates and progressively standardized rates for population age, sex, CDP, and SDH risk. RESULTS: After controlling for differences in population age, sex, and CDP, Ontario's highest rate regions had echocardiography rates 57% higher than its lowest rate regions. Forty eight percent of total variation was not explained by differences in age, sex, and CDP. CDP increased with SDH risk. Access to most cardiac diagnostics was negatively correlated with SDH risk, while cardiac catheterization rates were positively correlated with SDH risk. CONCLUSION: Variations analysis that adjusts for age and sex only without including clinical measures of need are likely to overestimate the unwarranted portion of total variation. Substantial variations persisted despite a mandatory provider accreditation policy aimed at curtailing them. The associations between variations and SDH risks imply a need to redress access and outcome inequities.

Availability and Geographic Access to Hospital-Based Breast Cancer Diagnostic Services in Ghana.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and second most common cause of cancer-related death in Ghana. Early detection and access to diagnostic services are vital for early treatment initiation and improved survival. This study characterizes the geographic access to hospital-based breast cancer diagnostic services in Ghana as a framework for expansion. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was completed in Ghana from November 2020 to October 2021. Early diagnostic services, as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Framework for Resource Stratification, was assessed at each hospital. Services were characterized as available >80% of the time in the previous year, <80%, or not available. ArcGIS was used to identify the proportion of the population within 20 and 45 km of services. RESULTS: Most hospitals in Ghana participated in this survey (95%; 328 of 346). Of these, 12 met full NCCN Basic criteria >80% of the time, with 43% of the population living within 45 km. Ten of the 12 met full NCCN Core criteria, and none met full NCCN Enhanced criteria. An additional 12 hospitals were identified that provide the majority of NCCN Basic services but lack select services necessary to meet this criterion. Expansion of services in these hospitals could result in an additional 20% of the population having access to NCCN Basic-level early diagnostic services within 45 km. CONCLUSION: Hospital-based services for breast cancer early diagnosis in Ghana are available but sparse. Many hospitals offer fragmented aspects of care, but only a limited number of hospitals offer the full NCCN Basic or Core level of care. Understanding current availability and geographical distribution of services provides a framework for potential targeted expansion of services.

Diagnostic services for developmental coordination disorder: Gaps and opportunities identified by parents.

BACKGROUND: Affecting one in 20 children, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder impacting a child's ability to learn motor skills. Despite its high prevalence, DCD is under-recognized and under-diagnosed, causing unnecessary frustration and stress for families who are seeking help for their child. This study aimed to understand how parents procure diagnostic services and their perspectives on needed supports and services to improve early identification and diagnosis of DCD. METHODS: Using a multi-pronged recruitment strategy, we circulated the impACT for DCD online questionnaire to parents of children (<18 years) in British Columbia with suspected or diagnosed DCD. Data were analysed descriptively using medians/interquartile ranges for continuous data and frequencies/percentages for categorical data. Open-ended questions were analysed using exploratory content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 237 respondent data were analysed. Parents identified poor awareness and understanding of health care professionals and educators regarding aetiology, symptomology, and impacts of DCD, affecting timely access to diagnostic services. Long waitlists were also a barrier that often led families with financial means to procure private diagnostic assessments. CONCLUSION: A standard of care is needed for streamlined diagnostic services, enabling early identification and early intervention. A publicly funded, family-centred, collaborative care approach is critical to assess, diagnose, and treat children with this disorder and to mitigate the secondary physical and mental health consequences associated with DCD.

Optimizing diagnostic networks to increase patient access to TB diagnostic services: Development of the diagnostic network optimization (DNO) approach and learnings from its application in Kenya, India and the Philippines.

Diagnostic network optimization (DNO) is an analytical approach that enables use of available country data to inform evidence-based decision-making to optimize access to diagnostic services. A DNO methodology was developed using available data sources and a commercial supply chain optimization software. In collaboration with Ministries of Health and partners, the approach was applied in Kenya, India and the Philippines to map TB diagnostic networks, identify misalignments, and determine optimal network design to increase patient access to TB diagnostic services and improve device utilization. The DNO analysis was successfully applied to evaluate and inform TB diagnostic services in Kenya, India and the Philippines as part of national strategic planning for TB. The analysis was tailored to each country's specific objectives and allowed evaluation of factors such as the number and placement of different TB diagnostics, design of sample referral networks and integration of early infant diagnosis for HIV at national and sub-national levels and across public and private sectors. Our work demonstrates the value of DNO as an innovative approach to analysing and modelling diagnostic networks, particularly suited for use in low-resource settings, as an open-access approach that can be applied to optimize networks for any disease.

Impact of COVID-19 on TB diagnostic services at primary healthcare clinics in eThekwini district, South Africa.

We assessed the impact of the pandemic on TB diagnostics at primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) during the different stages of COVID-19 in eThekwini district, South Africa. Data from the District Health Information System (DHIS) were used to conduct an interrupted time series analysis that assessed the changes in TB investigations and confirmed TB cases during four pandemic periods: lockdown and the subsequent three peaks of infection compared to the two years prior (2018-2022). The initial lockdown resulted in - 45% (95% CI - 55 to - 31) and - 40% (95% CI - 59 to - 28) immediate declines in TB investigations and confirmed cases, respectively. Both indicators showed substantial recovery in the months after the first wave (p < 0.05). However, while TB investigations sustained smaller declines throughout the pandemic, they rebounded and surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels by the end of the investigation period. On the other hand, confirmed cases experienced reductions that persisted until the end of the investigation period. TB diagnostic services at PHCs were considerably disrupted by COVID-19, with the confirmation of cases being the most adversely affected throughout the pandemic. The reasons for these persistent declines in TB detection must be determined to inform the development of sustainable diagnostic systems that are capable of withstanding future pandemics.

Geographic availability of and physical accessibility to tuberculosis diagnostic tests in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: In Ghana, tuberculosis (TB) case detection is low (< 34%). Existing scientific evidence suggest access to TB diagnostic tests play an essential role in TB case detection, yet little has been scientifically documented on it in Ghana. This study, therefore, sought to map TB diagnosis sites, and describe the geographic availability and physical accessibility to TB diagnosis in six regions of Ghana to inform scale-up and future placement of TB diagnostic tests. METHODS: We assembled the geolocation and attribute data of all health facilities offering TB diagnosis in Upper West Region (UWR), Upper East Region (UER), Ahafo, North-East, Northern, and Savannah regions. QGIS was employed to estimate the distance and travel time to TB diagnosis sites within regions. Travel time estimates were based on assumed motorised tricycle speed of 20 km (km)/hour. RESULTS: Of the total 1584 health facilities in the six regions, 86 (5.4%) facilities were providing TB diagnostic testing services. This 86 TB diagnosis sites comprised 56 (65%) microscopy sites, 23 (27%) both microscopy and GeneXpert sites, and 7 (8%) GeneXpert only sites (8%). Of the 86 diagnosis sites, 40 (46%) were in the UER, follow by Northern Region with 16 (19%), 12 (14%) in UWR, 9 (10%) in Ahafo Region, 5 (6%) in North East, and 4 (5%) in Savannah Region. The overall estimated mean distance and travel time to the nearest TB diagnosis site was 23.3 ± 13.8 km and 67.6 ± 42.6 min respectively. Savannah Region recorded the longest estimated mean distance and travel time with 36.1 ± 14.6 km and 108.3 ± 43.9 min, whilst UER recorded the shortest with 10.2 ± 5.8 km and 29.1 ± 17.4 min. Based on a 10 km buffer of settlement areas, an estimated 75 additional TB diagnosis sites will be needed to improve access to TB diagnosis services across the six regions. CONCLUSION: This study highlights limited availability of TB diagnosis sites and poor physical accessibility to TB diagnosis sites across five out of the six regions. Targeted implementation of additional TB diagnosis sites is needed to reduce travel distances to ≤ 10 km.

Evaluating supply chain management of SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care (POC) diagnostic services in primary healthcare clinics in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Access to point-of-care (POC) diagnostics in resource-limited settings, where laboratory-based diagnostics are limited, depends on efficient supply chain management (SCM). This study evaluated the SCM for SARS-CoV-2 POC diagnostic services in resource-limited settings to determine the effect of SCM on accessibility to SARS-CoV-2 POC tests and to identify barriers and enablers of accessibility to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic services in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. We purposively assessed 47 clinics providing POC diagnostic services between June and September 2022. One participant per clinic completed an audit tool developed by the authors with guidance from the World Health Organization and the Management Sciences for Health guidelines. The audit tool evaluated the following SCM parameters: selection, quantification, storage, procurement, quality assurance, distribution, redistribution, inventory management, and human resource capacity. Percentage rating scores between 90-100% indicated that the facility was compliant with SCM guidelines, while rating scores < 90% indicated non-compliance. The clinic audit scores were summarized and compared across clinics and sub-districts. Clinics had compliance scores ranging from 60.5% to 89.2%. Compliance scores were the highest for procurement, redistribution, and quality assurance (all 100%), followed by storage (mean = 95.2%, 95% CI: 90.7-99.7), quantification (mean = 89.4%, 95% CI: 80.2-98.5), and selection (mean = 87.5%, 95% CI: 87.5%-87.5%). Compliance scores were the lowest for inventory management (mean = 53.2%, 95% CI: 47.9%-58.5%), distribution (mean = 48.6%, 95% CI: 44.6%-52.7%), and human resource capacity (mean = 50.6%, 95% CI: 43.3%-58.0%). A significant correlation was found between compliance score and clinic headcount (r = 0.4, p = 0.008), and compliance score and ideal clinic score (r = 0.4, p = 0.0003). Overall, the 47 clinics audited did not comply with international SCM guidelines. Of the nine SCM parameters evaluated, only procurement, redistribution, and quality assurance did not need improvement. All parameters are key in ensuring full functionality of SCM systems and equitable access to SARS-CoV-2 POC diagnostics in resource limited settings.

Implementation of the updated NICE haematological cancers (NG47) improving outcomes guidelines across Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Services (SIHMDS) in England: a UK NEQAS LI survey.

AIMS: Haematological malignancies represent a diverse group of diseases with complex diagnostic requirements. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Haematological Cancer: Improving Outcomes Guidance was published in 2003 and updated in 2016 (NG47), providing recommendations for service delivery including Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Services (SIHMDSs). This survey assessed the implementation of NG47 guidelines, with a specific focus on implementation in relation to laboratory SIHMDS delivery. METHODS: A survey was issued to the 17 SIHMDSs identified in England. The questionnaire covered laboratory configuration, information systems, integrated reporting and multidisciplinary team (MDT) working recommendations. RESULTS: In the 10 responding SIHMDS, full implementation of recommendations was not achieved. Higher levels of implementation were reported in 'colocated' services compared with 'networked' SIHMDS. Increased guideline implementation was reported with longer duration since initial establishment of a SIHMDS and for laboratory based as opposed to clinical (MDT) reporting recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey highlights variable implementation of NICE guidance across SIHMDS, with likely inequity of access, standardisation and quality in haemato-oncology diagnostics. Provision of a more structured framework for guideline implementation could assist in increasing compliance to meet the goals of quality and equity of access to harmonised haemato-oncology diagnostics across the NHS in England. This would provide a basis for evaluating the clinical benefits and health economic impact of the SIHMDS model on patient care and outcomes.

Performance des explorations cliniques et de l'échographie mammaire dans le diagnostic des tumeurs bénignes du sein en milieu peu équipé d'Afrique subsaharienne / Performance of clinical investigations and breast ultrasound in the diagnosis of benign breast tumors in low-resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa

Contexte et objectif. Malgré leur fréquence élevée, très peu d'études ont été menées sur les tumeurs bénignes du sein (TBS) en Afrique subsaharienne. L'objectif de la présente étude a été d'évaluer la valeur diagnostique des explorations clinique et échographique mammaire des TBS en milieu peu équipé. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude documentaire, sur les TBS suivies aux Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, entre janvier 2016 et décembre 2021. La valeur diagnostique des explorations clinique et échographique mammaire des TBS (sensibilité, spécificité, valeur prédictive négative VPN, VPP, coefficient Kappa) a été calculée en prenant pour référence la découverte anatomopathologique des pièces biopsiques. Résultats. Au total, 81 dossiers de TBS ont été colligés. Le Fibroadénome 58 (71,6 %), la Maladie fibrokystique (MFK) 15 (18,5 %), l'Adénome tubuleux 6(7,4 %), la Tumeur Phyllode (TP) 1(1,2 %) et le kyste 1(1,2 %) étaient les tumeurs diagnostiquées à l'anatomopathologie, après tumorectomies. A l'examen clinique, la capacité diagnostique des TBS autres que le Fibroadénome était nulle. La spécificité, la VPN et le coefficient kappa étaient respectivement, de 60,0 %, 39,1 % et 32,2 % pour le diagnostic du Fibroadénome. L'échographie mammaire était faite dans 98,6 % tandis que la mammographie seulement dans 11,1 % des cas. La majorité des tumeurs étaient classées Breast Imaging reporting and Data system (BIRADS) 2 (70,0 %). La spécificité, la VPN et le coefficient kappa étaient respectivement, de 80,6 %, 40,9 % et 39,0 % pour le Fibroadénome, et de 84,4 %, 66,7 % et 1,9 % pour la MFK. La TP était classée BIRADS3. Conclusion. L'échographie mammaire très réalisée, est très performante dans la classification BIRADS des TBS; les cliniciens exerçant en milieu peu équipé peuvent donc sans équivoque suivre les recommandations sur la prise en charge des tumeurs classées BIRADS2 et BIRADS3 à l'échographie, bien que sa performance en ce qui concerne le diagnostic différentiel de ces tumeurs soit moindre.

Towards development of a novel approach for enhancement of TB diagnostic services during the pandemic: A case of primary health care clinics in eThekwini district KwaZulu-Natal: A study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted TB diagnostic services in high TB burden settings. This has caused cases to go undetected and increased the number of TB deaths in 2020. Renewed efforts to improve the resilience of TB services during pandemics are required. Therefore, the current study aims to propose a novel approach for conducting TB diagnostic services in high burden settings during the pandemic. METHODS/DESIGN: The proposed study will be conducted in three phases. During the first phase, a geospatial analysis to assess the geographic accessibility of TB diagnostic services will be conducted. In the second phase, the effect of COVID-19 on TB diagnostic services will be determined using an interrupted time series analysis. During the third phase, the barriers and enablers of TB diagnostic services will be explored using patient interviews and a vertical audit. The fourth phase of the study will be guided by the outcomes of the previous three phases where a nominal group technique with key stakeholders will be conducted to propose a novel means for conducting TB diagnostic services during the pandemic. The data of the study will be analyzed using the latest version of ArcGIS, Stata software. DISCUSSION: The study has received full ethical approval from ethics committees. The results together with input from relevant TB stakeholders will be used to develop a new approach to conducting TB diagnostic services at Primary healthcare clinics.

Utilidad de la mamografía y la ecografía en tejido fibroglandular denso como tamizaje de cáncer de mama / Usefulness of mammography and ultrasound in dense fibroglandular tissue for breast cancer screening

Introducción: La mamografía es el método de elección para el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, sin embargo en senos con tejidos densos, su rendimiento disminuye. El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer el valor de la mamografía y la ecografía para el tamizaje de cáncer de mama en mujeres con tejidos glandulares densos. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio transversal, que incluyó por conveniencia 97 casos consecutivos de mujeres con tejido glandular denso en mamografía, al que se realizó estudio ecográfico complementario, atendidas entre 1-01-2017 al 31-12-2019 en el servicio de Imágenes del hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo. Se incluyeron aquellas que poseían estudio de lesión de mama por biopsia y/o de anatomía patológica. Para el análisis de método se calcularon sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivos y negativos, cocientes de probabilidad positivos y negativos y porcentaje de exámenes correctamente realizado. Resultados: La prevalencia de Cáncer de mama en la muestra fue 95%. Para el BIRADS mamográfico el rendimiento diagnóstico fue: DC 12.37%, S 7.61%, E 98.13%, VPP 98.68% VPN 5.56%, CPP nv, CPN 0.92. Para el BIRADS ecográfico fue de DC 43.30%, S 41.30%, E 80%, VPP 97.44, VPN 6.90%, CPP 2.07, CPN 0.73. Para el criterio del ecografista fue de DC 86.60%, S 91.30%, E 8.00%, VPP 94.38, VPN 5.56%, CPP 0.91, CPN nv. Conclusión: La mamografía tuvo un bajo desempeño. En ecografía la utilización de BIRADS mejora el rendimiento. El criterio emitido por un ecografista experimentado logra el mayor desempeño para el diagnóstico de neoplasia maligna de mama en mujeres con tejido fibroglandular denso.

Introduction: Mammography is the method of choice for diagnosing breast cancer; however, its performance in breasts with dense tissues decreases. The present study aimed to establish the value of mammography and ultrasound for breast cancer screening in women with dense glandular tissues. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out, which included, for convenience, 97 consecutive cases of women with dense glandular tissue on mammography, to which a complementary ultrasound study was performed, attended between 01-01-2017 and 12-31-2019 in the Imaging service of the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital. Those who had a study of breast lesions by biopsy and pathology were included. For method analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and the percentage of tests correctly performed were calculated. Results: The prevalence of breast cancer in the sample was 95%. For the mammographic BI-RADS, the diagnostic yield was DC 12.37%, S 7.61%, E 98.13%, PPV 98.68%, NPV 5.56%, CPP NV, and CPN 0.92. For the ultrasound BI-RADS, it was DC 43.30%, S 41.30%, E 80%, PPV 97.44, NPV 6.90%, CPP 2.07, and CPN 0.73. The sonographer's criteria were DC 86.60%, S 91.30%, E 8.00%, PPV 94.38, NPV 5.56%, CPP 0.91, and CPN NV. Conclusion: Mammography had poor performance. In ultrasound, the use of BIRADS improves performance. The criterion issued by an experienced sonographer achieves the best performance for diagnosing breast malignancy in women with dense fibroglandular tissue.

Study protocol for developing a novel approach for improving supply chain management for SARS-CoV-2 point of care diagnostic services in resource-limited settings: a case study of Mopani District in Limpopo province, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence shows that point-of-care (POC) testing is a more feasible alternative for diagnosis of COVID-19 in settings that have poor access to laboratory diagnostic services. Equitable access to POC testing can be optimised through well-established supply chain management (SCM) systems. The proposed study aims to develop a novel approach for improving SCM for COVID-19 POC diagnostic services in resource-limited settings with poor access to laboratory diagnostic services, using Mopani District in Limpopo Province, South Africa as a study setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study was guided by results of the scoping review. Following the scoping review, we propose a mixed-methods study, which will be implemented in three phases. First, we will perform a geospatial analysis to investigate the spatial distribution of COVID-19 testing services. Second, we will perform an audit of POC diagnostic services including its supply chain to evaluate the effect of SCM on accessibility of COVID-19 POC diagnostic services and reveal SCM barriers and enablers of accessibility of COVID-19 POC diagnostic services. Third, we will perform a nominal group technique to collaborate with key stakeholders in co-creation of a novel approach for improving SCM systems for COVID-19 POC diagnostic services. For the geospatial analysis, we will employ the ArcGIS Software. For the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data that will be generated from the audit and nominal group discussion, we will employ Stata software and NVivo software, respectively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been ethically reviewed and approved by two institutional review boards: University of Pretoria Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (approval number 655/2021) and Limpopo Department of Health Research Ethics Committee (approval number LP-2021-12-007). The results of this study will be disseminated through national and international presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Judicious Use of Laboratory Diagnostic Services.

Null.

A comprehensive diagnostic service to clarify intervention needs when work participation is at risk: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial (GIBI, DRKS00027577).

BACKGROUND: Effective care services for people whose work participation is at risk require low-threshold access, a comprehensive diagnostic clarification of intervention needs, a connection to the workplace and job demands, and interdisciplinary collaboration between key stakeholders at the interface of rehabilitation and occupational medicine. We have developed a comprehensive diagnostic service to clarify intervention needs for employees with health restrictions and limited work ability: this service is initiated by occupational health physicians. METHODS/DESIGN: Our randomized controlled trial tests the effectiveness of a comprehensive diagnostic service for clarifying intervention needs (GIBI: Comprehensive clarification of the need for intervention for people whose work participation is at risk). The comprehensive intervention comprises three elements: initial consultation, two-day diagnostics at a rehabilitation center and follow-up consultations. We will include 210 employees with health restrictions and limited work ability, who are identified by occupational health physicians. All individuals will receive an initial consultation with their occupational health physician to discuss their health, work ability and job demands. After this, half the individuals are randomly assigned to the intervention group and the other half to the waiting-list control group. Individuals in the intervention group start two-day diagnostics, carried out by a multi-professional rehabilitation team in a rehabilitation center, shortly after the initial consultation. The diagnostics will allow first recommendations for improving work participation. The implementation of these recommendations is supported by an occupational health physician in four follow-up consultations. The control group will receive the comprehensive two-day diagnostic service and subsequent follow-up consultations six months after the initial consultation. The primary outcome of the randomized controlled trial is self-rated work ability assessed using the Work Ability Score (0 to 10 points) six months after study inclusion. Secondary outcomes include a range of patient-reported outcomes regarding physical and mental health, impairment, and the physical and mental demands of jobs. DISCUSSION: This randomized controlled trial is designed to test the effects of a new complex intervention involving a comprehensive clarification of intervention needs in order to promote work participation and prevent the worsening of health and work disability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00027577, February 01, 2022).

Amniotic band sequence in vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): Experience of the EDS National Diagnostic Services in the UK.

The association between vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vEDS) and amniotic band sequence (ABS) has been previously reported in the literature, mostly in single patient case reports. Here, we aim to extend the current knowledge of this association through a case series of five unrelated individuals with ABS in association with molecularly confirmed vEDS, in addition to undertaking a comprehensive literature review. All the individuals were recruited through the EDS national diagnostic service in the UK following appropriate history, physical examination and genetic investigations. Clinical presentation ranged from a single constriction ring to complex craniofacial clefts to limb reduction deformities, reflecting the spectrum of ABS presentation. vEDS was inherited paternally (n = 2), maternally (n = 2) and de novo (n = 1). Previously, maternal vEDS was considered the risk factor for ABS, but our findings suggest that it may be the disease status of the fetus which poses the main risk. It is established that amniotic membrane is derived from fetal tissue, which supports our conclusions. Our observations suggest the increased risk of ABS in fetuses with vEDS. Therefore, exploring family history and features that may suggest vEDS diagnosis in patients with ABS might be useful. We also recommend that a collaborative international study would be useful to help gain a better insight into this association.

Patient Preferences for Strategies to Improve Tuberculosis Diagnostic Services in Zambia.

Importance: Delayed engagement in tuberculosis (TB) services is associated with ongoing transmission and poor clinical outcomes. Objective: To assess whether patients with TB have differential preferences for strategies to improve the public health reach of TB diagnostic services. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in which a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was administered between September 18, 2019, and January 17, 2020, to 401 adults (>18 years of age) with microbiologically confirmed TB in Lusaka, Zambia. The DCE had 7 attributes with 2 to 3 levels per attribute related to TB service enhancements. Latent class analysis was used to identify segments of participants with unique preferences. Multiscenario simulations were used to estimate shares of preferences for different TB service improvement strategies. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were patient preference archetypes and estimated shares of preferences for different strategies to improve TB diagnostic services. Collected data were analyzed between January 3, 2022, to July 2, 2022. Results: Among 326 adults with TB (median [IQR] age, 34 [27-42] years; 217 [66.8%] male; 158 [48.8%] HIV positive), 3 groups with distinct preferences for TB service improvements were identified. Group 1 (192 participants [58.9%]) preferred a facility that offered same-day TB test results, shorter wait times, and financial incentives for testing. Group 2 (83 participants [25.4%]) preferred a facility that provided same-day TB results, had greater privacy, and was closer to home. Group 3 (51 participants [15.6%]) had no strong preferences for service improvements and had negative preferences for receiving telephone-based TB test results. Groups 1 and 2 were more likely to report at least a 4-week delay in seeking health care for their current TB episode compared with group 3 (29 [51.3%] in group 1, 95 [35.8%] in group 2, and 10 [19.6%] in group 3; P < .001). Strategies to improve TB diagnostic services most preferred by all participants were same-day TB test results alone (shares of preference, 69.9%) and combined with a small financial testing incentive (shares of preference, 79.3%), shortened wait times (shares of preference, 76.1%), or greater privacy (shares of preference, 75.0%). However, the most preferred service improvement strategies differed substantially by group. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, patients with TB had heterogenous preferences for TB diagnostic service improvements associated with differential health care-seeking behavior. Tailored strategies that incorporate features most valued by persons with undiagnosed TB, including same-day results, financial incentives, and greater privacy, may optimize reach by overcoming key barriers to timely TB care engagement.

[The strategic management of laboratory diagnostic service: analysis of organization models].

The modern trends in health care (strategies of optimizing costs, value-oriented medical care) require systematic development of laboratory services for administrative territories. The study was carried out to provide support for decision-making by systematizing models of laboratory services on the basis of principles of systematic approach. Four basic models (centralization, outsourcing, horizontal integration, point-of-care) were analyzed. The study applied such research methods as analytical and strategic SWOT-analysis. The SWOT-analysis was implemented using list of standard characteristics for each model of laboratory service organization. Each model is distinguished by complex combination of strengths, weaknesses, lines of functioning and development. The availability of implementing particular model depends on delicate balance of opportunities and risks against the background of local characteristics of administrative subject. The dynamics of the social economic and infrastructural development of administrative subject can significantly affect effectiveness of model implementation. The objective set of characteristics was obtained for each model of laboratory service organization. Actually it is impossible to select particular model for specific administrative subject. Hence, scientific substantiation of "flexible" model is needed to implement.

Reporting of diagnostic and laboratory tests by general hospitals as an indication of access to diagnostic laboratory services in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: Information on laboratory test availability and current testing scope among general hospitals in Kenya is not readily available. We sought to explore the reporting trends and test availability within clinical laboratories in Kenya over a 24-months period through analysis of the laboratory data reported in the District Health Information System (DHIS2). METHODS: Monthly hospital laboratory testing data were extracted from the Kenyan DHIS2 between January 2018 and December 2019. We used the national laboratory testing summary tool (MoH 706) to identify the tests of interest among 204 general hospitals in Kenya. A local practitioner panel consisting of individuals with laboratory expertise was used to classify the tests as common and uncommon. We compared the tests on the MoH 706 template with the Essential Diagnostic List (EDL) of the World Health Organisation and further reclassified them into test categories based on the EDL for generalisability of our findings. Evaluation of the number of monthly test types reported in each facility and the largest number of tests ever reported in any of the 24 months were used to assess test availability and testing scope, respectively. RESULTS: Out of the 204 general hospitals assessed, 179 (179/204) reported at least one of the 80 tests of interest in any of the 24 months. Only 41% (74/179) of the reporting hospitals submitted all their monthly DHIS2 laboratory reports for the entire 24 months. The median testing capacity across the hospitals was 40% with a wide variation in testing scope from one hospital laboratory to another (% IQR: 33.8-51.9). Testing scope was inconsistent within facilities as indicated by often large monthly fluctuations in the total number of recommended and EDL tests reported. Tests of anatomical pathology and cancer were the least reported with 4 counties' hospitals not reporting any cancer or anatomical pathology tests for the entire 24 months. CONCLUSION: The current reporting of laboratory testing information in DHIS2 is poor. Monitoring access and utilisation of laboratory testing across the country would require significant improvements in consistency and coverage of routine laboratory test reporting in DHIS2. Nonetheless, the available data suggest unequal and intermittent population access to laboratory testing provided by general hospitals in Kenya.

Insufficient Supply, Diagnostic Services, and Lack of Trained Personnel in Primary Hospitals in North-West Ethiopia Worsened Trauma Care: A Mixed-Method Study.

OBJECTIVE: Although there has been a massive expansion of hospitals in Ethiopia in the last 2 decades, most are primary-level hospitals. Assessing the capability of the hospitals in managing trauma victims is essential to strengthening the hospitals. METHODS: We employed a mixed-method approach using quantitative descriptive design triangulated with qualitative research. We audited 10 hospitals using WHO essential trauma care checklist. We interviewed 37 health care professionals, 9 hospital managers, and 12 decision-makers using a semi-structured interview guide. We used the COREQ checklist to report the qualitative finding. RESULTS: The physical structures of the hospitals were good in all cases. Airway, breathing and circulation management were partially available, with a score ranging from 0 - 3. The extent of injury, lack of radiology service, and scarcity of drugs and supplies were common causes for the referral of trauma victims to Gondar University hospital. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Unavailability of drugs and supplies, lack of diagnostic services, inability to recruit specialist professionals, lack of training, and inconvenient working and living environment were stated as the main barriers to providing trauma care. In the study area, the gaps in trauma care in the primary hospitals can be improved by further commitment of the hospitals, the district, zonal administrators, and the regional health bureau.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Diagnosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The Big New Bully Disrupting TB and HIV Diagnostic Services.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) undermines control of other infectious diseases. Diagnostics are critical in health care. This opinion paper explores approaches for leveraging diagnostics for COVID-19 while retaining diagnostics for other infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. The authors reflect on experiences with GeneXpert technology for TB detection and opportunities for integration with other diseases. They also reflect on benefits and risks of integration. Placement of diagnostics in laboratory networks is largely nonintegrated and designated for specific diseases. Restricting the use of diagnostics leaves gaps in detection of TB, HIV, malaria, and COVID-19. Integrated laboratory systems can lead to more efficient testing while increasing access to critical diagnostics. However, the authors have observed that HIV diagnosis within the TB diagnostic network displaced TB diagnosis. Subsequently, COVID-19 disrupted both TB and HIV diagnosis. The World Health Organization recommended rapid molecular diagnostic networks for infectious diseases and there is a need for more investment to achieve diagnostic capacity for TB, HIV, COVID-19, and other emerging infectious diseases. Integrated laboratory systems require mapping laboratory networks, assessing needs for each infectious disease, and identifying resources. Otherwise, diagnostic capacity for one infectious disease may displace another. Further, not all aspects of optimal diagnostic networks fit all infectious diseases, but many efficiencies can be gained where integration is possible.