Sputum specimen referral cascades in resource-limited settings are characterized by losses of specimens, resulting in delays in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. Mpulungu District Health Office in Zambia conducted a quantitative based cross-sectional study using both primary and secondary data to identify points at which loss of specimens occurred in the sputum referral cascade. Primary data were collected through observations and interviews with 22 TB service providers. Secondary data were collected through examination of patient files and presumptive TB and laboratory registers to retrospectively track sputum specimens referred by ten health centers from April to September 2018. Proportions of specimens/laboratory results at every stage of the referral cascade were calculated using Epi Info v7. Only 49 (23%) out of 209 sputum specimens completed the referral cascade. The remaining 160 (76%) were lost at various stages of the referral cascade. The largest loss (51%) occurred between the release of laboratory results by the diagnostic facility and their receipt at referring facilities. Barriers included an inadequate number of staff oriented in sputum specimen referral, negative staff attitudes, and lack of specimen packaging material and specimen transportation. The district health office should strengthen the sputum specimen referral system by providing transport and specimen packaging material and by training staff in sputum collection transportation and tracking.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8834727 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031621 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Prostate-specific antigen screening at low thresholds of men with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants.
Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis
January 2025
Copenhagen Prostate Cancer Center, Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background: Men with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants are at higher risk of prostate cancer We included men with likely pathogenic/pathogenic (LP/P) variants in BRCA1/2 in a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening program after cascade germline testing since 2014. PSA was tested yearly and an age-specific low PSA threshold for biopsy was used, to determine if a low PSA threshold for biopsy is justified for men with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants.
Methods: From 2014 to 2023 a total of 340 men were included in the program.
Characteristics Associated with Engagement in the Early Detection Cascade of Care for Psychosis at a College Counseling Center.
Community Ment Health J
January 2025
Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Using the Cascade of Care framework, we explored the demographic and clinical characteristics of students at six stages in an early psychosis detection program at a college counseling center, with a focus on the transition between stages with the highest disengagement. We detailed and compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of those who (1) completed the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief (PQ-B, N = 1588); (2) met the PQ-B cutoff score (n = 486); (3) were referred for secondary phone screening (n = 404); (4) completed secondary phone screening (n = 198); (5) completed a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) eligibility assessment (n = 51); and (6) were enrolled in CSC (n = 21). Education level and gender identity were associated with engagement at multiple stages of the early detection cascade.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCascade of care for people with positive symptoms of common cancers in selected primary health centres of Puducherry: An explanatory mixed-method study.
Indian J Med Res
November 2024
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduation Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.
Background & objectives Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and constitutes a public health priority. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer can adversely impact survival, recovery, and cost of treatment. The objective of this study was to estimate the proportion seeking timely care among those having early warning signals for oral, breast or cervical cancer and to explore the facilitators and barriers to early detection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSystems analysis and improvement to optimize opioid use disorder care quality and continuity for patients exiting jail (SAIA-MOUD).
Implement Sci
December 2024
Department of Global Health, University of Washington Schools of Medicine and Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
Article Synopsis
- Opioid overdose deaths have significantly increased in the U.S. from 2012 to 2022, with a large number of individuals having past involvement with the criminal justice system, highlighting a critical need for effective treatment options like Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).
- WA State has made efforts to improve access to MOUD, particularly for those incarcerated, as they experience high overdose risk upon release, yet there's a lack of strategies to connect jail-based MOUD services with community resources.
- The SAIA-MOUD study aims to enhance MOUD care across jail and community clinics in King County, WA, through a structured implementation approach, ultimately seeking to reduce relapse and death rates among former inmates.
Background: The utility of diagnostic genetic testing in cardiomyopathy has grown significantly, due to the discovery of novel genes and greater awareness among healthcare professionals. However, a substantial proportion of cases (around 50%) yield no causative genetic variants or have variants of unknown significance (VUS), limiting their use in clinical management and familial screening. The increase in data quantity and quality in reference databases, coupled with variant interpretation guidelines, allows for periodic reanalysis of VUS, potentially reducing diagnostic gaps.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!