Perceptions of drones, digital adherence monitoring technologies and educational videos for tuberculosis control in remote Madagascar: a mixed-method study protocol.

Journal: BMJ open
PMID: 31076475

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Poor road and communication infrastructure pose major challenges to tuberculosis (TB) control in many regions of the world. TB surveillance and patient support often fall to community health workers (CHWs) who may lack the time or knowledge needed for this work. To meet the End TB Strategy goal of reducing TB incidence by 90% by 2035, the WHO calls for intensified research and innovation including the rapid uptake of new tools, interventions and strategies. Technologies that 'leapfrog' infrastructure challenges and support CHWs in TB control responsibilities have the potential to dramatically change TB outcomes in remote regions. Such technologies may strengthen TB control activities within challenged national tuberculosis treatment and control programmes (NTPs), and be adapted to address other public health challenges. The deployment of innovative technologies needs to be differentially adapted to context-specific factors. The Drone Observed Therapy System (DrOTS) project was launched in Madagascar in 2017 and integrates a bundle of innovative technologies including drones, digital adherence monitoring technology and mobile device-based educational videos to support TB control.

Authors

  • Elysée Nouvet
    School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
  • Astrid M Knoblauch
    Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland.
  • Ian Passe
    Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA.
  • Andry Andriamiadanarivo
    Health Department, Center Valbio, Ranomafana, Madagascar.
  • Manualdo Ravelona
    Health Department, Center Valbio, Ranomafana, Madagascar.
  • Faniry Ainanomena Ramtariharisoa
    Health Department, Center Valbio, Ranomafana, Madagascar.
  • Kimmerling Razafimdriana
    Health Department, Center Valbio, Ranomafana, Madagascar.
  • Patricia C Wright
    Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA.
  • Jesse McKinney
    Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA.
  • Peter M Small
    Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA.
  • Niaina Rakotosamimanana
    Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
  • Simon Grandjean Lapierre
    Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

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