Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach to Prevent TB

Launched by BOSTON COLLEGE · Mar 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving the care and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in rural clinics in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Researchers are using a method called the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach (SAIA-TB) to see if it can help increase the number of people screened for TB, start preventive treatment, and begin treatment for those who have the disease. The goal is to see a 20% improvement in these areas over 18 months. The study will take place in 16 clinics, and the researchers want to understand what helps or hinders the success of this method in different settings.

To participate, clinics must be located in specific areas within the Sarah Baartman district and have a minimum number of patients and staff. For individual participants, they should be 18 years or older and involved in TB management or care. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to gather important information that could lead to better TB care in the future. If you or someone you know is in the eligible age group and works in a relevant capacity in these clinics, this study might be an opportunity to contribute to improving health outcomes for TB patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Aim 1:
• 1. Inclusion Criteria for clinics:
• • Location in the municipalities of Dr. Beyers Naude, Blue Crane Route, Makana, Ndlambe, Sundays River Valley, Kou-Kamma, or Kouga within the Sarah Baartman district, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• • Within 2 hours' drive to Gqeberha, where the study office is located
• • Only one clinic per town/area/location to ensure a mix of rural, semi-rural, semi urban
• • Clinic capacity/Patient volume \> 700 total outpatient attendees per month (8,400 patients per year)
• • Staff size of at least 5 employees with a mixture of at least 2 professional nurses, 1 or 2 pharmacist/pharmacy technicians, at least 1 data capturer, a social worker, and multiple community health workers who are clinic-based or part of ward-based outreach teams.
• • Must have an acting Clinic Manager
• 2. Exclusion Criteria for clinics:
• • Clinic managers and/or staff are unwilling to participate
• Aim 2:
• 1. Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years and older
• • Frontline clinical and/or managerial staff, district-level TB management
• • Ability to provide informed consent
• 2. Exclusion Criteria:
• • Under age 18
• • Unwilling to provide informed consent