The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Post-tuberculosis Lung Disease Diagnostic Algorithm in Uganda.

Launched by MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · Jul 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help health workers in Uganda better identify and refer people who have lung problems after finishing treatment for tuberculosis (TB). These lung problems, called post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD), can cause ongoing breathing difficulties. The trial will test whether using a step-by-step guide, called a diagnostic algorithm, helps health centers find and send patients with these lung issues to a bigger hospital for further care, compared to the usual methods they use now. The study also wants to see if health workers find this new approach practical and easy to use during their regular work.

Adults who have completed treatment for pulmonary TB and still have breathing symptoms might take part in this study. The trial will include health centers near Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital that have TB clinics and staff to carry out the screening. Participants will be checked for lung problems using either the new guide or the standard method, depending on the health center they visit. If they are suspected to have PTLD, they will be referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for more care. Staff at these centers will get training and support to use the new system, and the trial will track how well it works. This research aims to improve early detection and care for people facing lung issues after TB treatment in Uganda.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • A health facility must meet all of the following criteria to participate in the study.
• • Located within a 10 km radius of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH).
• • Has an operational TB clinic with at least one designated TB clinician or nurse.
• • Facility in-charge (or designated representative) provides written informed consent for participation.
• • Willing to implement the PTLD screening procedures and participate in biweekly follow-up communications.
• • Agrees to assign a contact staff member to coordinate trial-related activities.
• Patients screened at participating facilities must meet all of the following:
• • Aged ≥18 years.
• • Completed microbiologically confirmed treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
• • Presenting with persistent or new respiratory symptoms following TB treatment completion.
• • Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• A facility will be excluded if:
• • It declines to participate or cannot commit to consistent follow-up activities.
• • It lacks the minimum staff or infrastructure to carry out screening and referral procedures.
• • It was previously included in a similar PTLD-related intervention trial.
• A patient will be excluded if:
• • They did complete treatment for pulmonary TB or lack documentation of cure.
• • They have a previously confirmed diagnosis of an unrelated chronic respiratory condition (e.g., pulmonary malignancy, cystic fibrosis).
• • They were already referred or diagnosed with PTLD prior to this screening.