Adoption of Innovative Approaches to Ensure Continuity of Quality TB Services During COVID-19 Pandemic in Lusaka and Livingstone, Zambia. (Telemedicine in TB)

Overview

Following the negative impact of public health program services including TB services by the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, CIDRZ conducted a program evaluation for remote patient follow up for TB treatment and prevention through a differentiated service delivery model (DSD), offering clinical monitoring and psychosocial support while minimizing contact with the health facilities. The project was implemented between February 2022 to March 2023 and was funded through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 Response International Task Force - CARES funding. While DSD models have been widely adopted in HIV programs , DSD is a relatively new and exciting approach for TB treatment and prevention programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, government restrictions on movement decreased access to health care. Although DSD models have been widely adopted in HIV programs, this is a relatively new approach for TB programs. Zambia's NTLP has already changed policy to allow for such adaptations of service delivery, but these adaptations are not universally implemented and have not been evaluated at this time. This project aims to evaluate these DSD models for both TB treatment (Anti-TB Treatment ATT) and TPT using standardized indicators. To complement these DSD models, innovative approaches like digital (texting/SMS and phone) treatment support and remote monitoring of adverse events will be adopted using bi-directional SMS through use of the rapid pro system, a tool that allows medical information to be gathered and shared via a cell phone. 1. To implement TPT in 6MMD and ATT DSD models at 5 sites in Lusaka and Livingstone districts 2. To assess acceptability of TPT in 6MMD and ATT DSD models at implementation sties 3. To assess trends in TPT coverage and completion rates from pre-implementation through implementation periods using aggregate program performance data 4. To assess trends in ATT completion rates from pre-implementation through implementation periods using aggregate program performance data 5. To inform the Ministry of Health on a systematic approach for digital follow up and screening for TB and TPT RoCs aligned to MMD models of care.