This abstract has been accepted at the 2024 DHIS2 Annual Conference
Digital Innovations Reshaping TB Patient Care: A Focus on DHIS2 and the PPM Hub in Pakistan’s Private Sector
Background: Tuberculosis prevention in Pakistan has historically faced challenges due to the dominant role of the private healthcare sector, with over 86%s of the population seeking healthcare from private providers. Integrating this sector has been crucial, and the Public and Private Model (PPM) has proven effective in enhancing coordination between the public and private sectors, leading to increased TB case notifications. However, the traditional recording and reporting process has proven cumbersome, hindering timely registration of TB patients by field staff and private healthcare providers. Intervention and Response: To tackle these challenges, Mercy Corps Pakistan has introduced the digitalization of TB recording and reporting tools. This initiative involves the development and deployment of a case-based digital TB notification system through DHIS2. Simultaneously, the PPM Hub has been established to foster coordination between General Physicians (GPs), District Field Supervisors (DFS), and patients for real-time TB case notification and registration. The primary aim is to facilitate the digitalization of TB case registration, treatment adherence, contact screening, and follow-up through data integration in DHIS2. The plan is to implement these innovative modalities in all 120 districts of Pakistan. DHIS2 rollout has been executed in 58 geographically diverse districts, followed by the implementation of the PPM Hub in 29 districts. Results: The system has successfully registered 25,289 cases in DHIS2 to date. The PPM Hub has received 1651 calls and 2780 real-time notifications. The adoption of digital systems has unveiled previously unidentified gaps, such as an 89% lapse in timely patient follow-ups, resulting in treatment gaps, and the unavailability of follow-up testing results for 49% of the patients, making outcome determination challenging. Critical fields, including 81% of contact numbers and 59% of national ID card numbers, needed inclusion, causing delays in duplication identification. Overall, data quality proved lower compared to the perceived quality of the paper-based system. The results of PPM Hub implementation revealed that GPs and DFSs need assistance with the adjustment process, finding it challenging to adapt. Conclusion: In conclusion, the initial phase of implementing DHIS2 and the PPM Hub has provided valuable insights, showcasing successes and challenges. Despite the challenges, the system is registering new cases through real-time notifications. Addressing these challenges is vital as we progress with this transformative initiative, aiming to harness the full potential of digitalization in TB patient management.
Primary Author: Abdullah Latif
Keywords:
Digitalization, TB, Tracker, PPM HUB, DHIS2, Private Sector, Pakistan
2 Likes