The overarching goal of this implementation study is to determine if an enhanced model of hepatitis B testing and linkage to care could be integrated into a public healthcare facility. To answer this question, the investigators will 1. evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation program (overall impact or individual components) in increasing the use of testing services and linkage to hepatitis B care and treatment, 2. evaluate implementation fidelity, sustainability, and integration of the implementation study and 3. analyze the costs and cost-effectiveness of the implementation study.
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low-income countries like Viet Nam. Despite the development of various diagnostic and treatment tools for hepatitis B, the delivery of these services remains suboptimal. In response, the investigators seek to assess the feasibility of integrating an enhanced model for hepatitis B testing and linkage to care within a public healthcare facility. The study aims to address this issue through several key objectives: 1. Effectiveness Evaluation: The investigators will evaluate the impact of the implementation program on increasing the utilization of testing services and linkage to hepatitis B care and treatment. This includes assessing the overall impact as well as the effectiveness of individual program components. 2. Implementation Fidelity and Sustainability: The investigators aim to evaluate the fidelity of implementation, examine how well the program is executed, and assess its potential for sustainability and integration into routine healthcare practices. 3. Cost and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: The investigators will analyze the costs associated with the implementation of the program and its cost-effectiveness in improving hepatitis B testing and linkage to care. The implementation study is based at Le Van Thinh Hospital in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. This study is guided by the EPIS (Explore - Prepare - Implement - Sustain) conceptual framework, which informs our research development, implementation, and evaluation strategies. A mixed-method quasi-experimental type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation design will be employed. This involves implementing various strategies to enhance hepatitis B testing sequentially over a 12-month period. Strategies include medical education for primary care providers, electronic medical record-based reminders for testing, and point-of-care testing for CHB. Effectiveness will be assessed using interrupted time series analysis with electronic medical record data. Sustainability will be gauged through interviews or focus group discussions with healthcare providers and patients. Cost evaluation will utilize activity-based costing and cost-effectiveness analysis. The study aims to generate evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of an enhanced model for hepatitis B screening and care linkage within a primary care setting at a public hospital. The findings are anticipated to be applicable to similar settings in Viet Nam and other lower-middle-income countries globally.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Implementing CME sessions (\<50 attendees) at Le Van Thinh Hospital will focus on preventive strategies for hepatitis B (HBV). We'll collaborate with IT to integrate a Best Practice Advisory (BPA) system into the hospital's electronic records for hepatitis B testing reminders. The system prompts healthcare workers when a patient lacks HBV screening notes, ensuring timely education and testing. Also, we'll introduce Point-of-Care (POC) HBsAg testing using SD Bioline HBsAg WB® for efficient screening and counseling, with follow-up to ensure care linkage within two weeks.
Change in number or proportion HBsAg testing at primary care clinics between pre- and implementation periods, extracted from electronic health records at Le Van Thinh hospital.
The primary care clinics include general internal medicine clinics and family medicine clinics, located in the outpatient department.
Time frame: Up to 2 years (start one year before the implementation of the enhanced model and end one year after).
Sustainability of the implementation of the enhanced model, as assessed by EPIS-based semi-structured/structured questionnaires.
This is a qualitative outcome. The information will be collected through focus group discussions or in-depth interviews on healthcare staff. The EPIS (Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment) is a conceptual framework used to guide the questionnaire and the discussions/interviews
Time frame: At Month 12 of the implementation period
Activity-based costs
The scope of the costing was limited to program implementation costs.
Time frame: At Month 12 of the implementation period
Change in linkage to hepatitis B care between pre- and implementation periods, extracted from electronic health records at Le Van Thinh hospital.
Time frame: Up to 2 years (start one year before the implementation of the enhanced model and end one year after).
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