scholarly journals Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL): A software tool to prospectively link demographic surveillance and health facility data

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Rentsch ◽  
Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula ◽  
Jason Catlett ◽  
David Beckles ◽  
Richard Machemba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Linkage Algorithm ◽  
Rural Tanzania ◽  
Local Health Facility ◽  
Extraneous Information ◽  
The Individual

Linking a health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) to data from a health facility that serves the HDSS population generates a research infrastructure for directly observed data on access to and utilization of health facility services. Many HDSS sites, however, are in areas that lack unique national identifiers or suffer from data quality issues, such as incomplete records, spelling errors, and name and residence changes, all of which complicate record linkage approaches when applied retrospectively. We developed Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL) software that is used to prospectively link health records from a local health facility to an HDSS in rural Tanzania. This prospective approach to record linkage is carried out in the presence of the individual whose records are being linked, which has the advantage that any uncertainty surrounding their identity can be resolved during a brief interaction, whereby extraneous information (e.g., household membership) can be referred to as an additional criterion to adjudicate between multiple potential matches. Our software uses a probabilistic record linkage algorithm based on the Fellegi-Sunter model to search and rank potential matches in the HDSS data source. Key advantages of this software are its ability to perform multiple searches for the same individual and save patient-specific notes that are retrieved during subsequent clinic visits. A search on the HDSS database (n=110,000) takes less than 15 seconds to complete. Excluding time spent obtaining written consent, the median duration of time we spend with each patient is six minutes. In this setting, a purely automated retrospective approach to record linkage would have only correctly identified about half of the true matches and resulted in high linkage errors; therefore highlighting immediate benefit of conducting interactive record linkage using the PIRL software.

scholarly journals Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL): A software tool to prospectively link demographic surveillance and health facility data

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Rentsch ◽  
Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula ◽  
Jason Catlett ◽  
David Beckles ◽  
Richard Machemba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Linkage Algorithm ◽  
Rural Tanzania ◽  
Local Health Facility ◽  
Extraneous Information ◽  
The Individual

Linking a health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) to data from a health facility that serves the HDSS population generates a research infrastructure for directly observed data on access to and utilization of health facility services. Many HDSS sites, however, are in areas that lack unique national identifiers or suffer from data quality issues, such as incomplete records, spelling errors, and name and residence changes, all of which complicate record linkage approaches when applied retrospectively. We developed Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL) software that is used to prospectively link health records from a local health facility to an HDSS in rural Tanzania. This prospective approach to record linkage is carried out in the presence of the individual whose records are being linked, which has the advantage that any uncertainty surrounding their identity can be resolved during a brief interaction, whereby extraneous information (e.g., household membership) can be referred to as an additional criterion to adjudicate between multiple potential matches. Our software uses a probabilistic record linkage algorithm based on the Fellegi-Sunter model to search and rank potential matches in the HDSS data source. Key advantages of this software are its ability to perform multiple searches for the same individual and save patient-specific notes that are retrieved during subsequent clinic visits. A search on the HDSS database (n=110,000) takes less than 15 seconds to complete. Excluding time spent obtaining written consent, the median duration of time we spend with each patient is six minutes. In this setting, a purely automated retrospective approach to record linkage would have only correctly identified about half of the true matches and resulted in high linkage errors; therefore highlighting immediate benefit of conducting interactive record linkage using the PIRL software.

scholarly journals Point-of-contact interactive record linkage (PIRL) between demographic surveillance and health facility data in rural Tanzania

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Rentsch ◽  
Georges Reniers ◽  
Chodziwadziwa Kabudula ◽  
Richard Machemba ◽  
Baltazar Mtenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Linkage Algorithm ◽  
Viable Approach

IntroductionHealth and demographic surveillance systems (HDSS) have been an invaluable resource for monitoring the health status of populations, but often contain self-reported health service utilisation, which are subject to reporting bias. ObjectivesTo implement point-of-contact interactive record linkage (PIRL) between demographic and health facility systems data, characterise attributes associated with (un)successful record linkage, and compare findings with a fully automated retrospective linkage approach. MethodsIndividuals visiting the Kisesa Health Centre were matched to their HDSS records during a short uptake interview in the waiting area of the health facility. The search algorithm was used to rank potential matches, from which the true match(es) were selected after consultation with the patient. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify characteristics associated with being matched to an HDSS record. Records matched based on respondent’s clarifications were subsequently used as the gold-standard to evaluate fully automated retrospective record linkage by calculating sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). ResultsAmong 2,624 individuals who reportedly lived in the HDSS coverage area, we matched 2,206 (84.1%) to their HDSS records. Characteristics associated with a higher odds of being matched were increased age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.12; per 5-year increment), a later consent into the study (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.37, 3.12; in the most recent six-month period), and fieldworker level of experience. The main drivers of the linkage algorithm were name, sex, year of birth, village, sub-village, and household member name. At the lowest match score threshold, automated retrospective linkage would have only correctly identified and linked 55% (1440/2612) of the records with a PPV of 55% (1440/2612). ConclusionWhere resources are available, PIRL is a viable approach to link HDSS and other administrative data sources that outperforms purely retrospective approaches.

Review of reported adverse drug reactions in a local health facility

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-145
Author(s):  
Courtney Ierano ◽  
Hana Morrissey ◽  
Patrick Ball ◽  
Sharon Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Local Health Facility

scholarly journals Testing The Effect of an Integrated-Intervention To Promote Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and Rights Among Women With Disabilities In Ghana: A Quasi-Experimental Study Protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Ganle ◽  
Charlotte Ofori ◽  
Samuel Dery
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Third ◽  
Health Facility Level ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Facility Level ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background: There is evidence that women with disabilities (WWDs) experience the most difficulty accessing and using sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) services and information worldwide. However, there are currently no workable interventions to reach WWDs with essential SRHR services. This study aims to test the effect of an integrated health facility and individual-level intervention on access to SRHRs information and services among sexually active WWDs aged 15-49years in Ghana. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design with four arms will be implemented in four districts in the Northern region of Ghana to test the effect of three inter-related interventions. The inventions are (1) capacity building in disability-centred SRHRs information and service delivery for healthcare providers, (2) support for WWDs to access disability-unfriendly healthcare infrastructure, and (3) one-on-one regular SRHRs education, information provision, and referral. The first two interventions are at the health-facility level while the third one is at the individual/family level. The first arm of the experiment will expose eligible WWDs to all three interventions. In the second arm, WWDs will be exposed to only the two-health facility-level interventions. The third arm will expose WWDs to only the individual level intervention. The forth arm will constitute the control group. A total of 680 (170 in each arm) sexually active women with physical disability and visual impairments will take part in the study over a period of 12months. To assess the effect of the interventions on key study outcomes (i.e. awareness about, and use of modern contraceptive, ANC attendance, and skilled delivery among parous women), pre- and post-intervention surveys will be conducted. Difference-in-Difference analysis will be used to examine the effect of each intervention in comparison to the control group, while controlling for effect modifiers. Cost-effectiveness analyses will also be conducted on the three-intervention arms vis a vis changes in key outcome measures to identify which of the three interventions is likely to yield greater impact with lower costs. Discussion: Lack of access to SRHRs information and services for WWDs is not only a violation of their right to appropriate and quality SRH care but could also undermine efforts to achieve equitable healthcare access as envisaged under SDG 3. This research is expected to generate evidence to inform local health programmes to increase access to SRHRs among WWDs by strengthening local health system capacity to provide disability-sensitive SRHRs services.

Availability and satisfactoriness of latrines and hand washing stations in health facilities, and role in health seeking behavior of women: evidence from rural Pune district, India

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 474-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Steinmann ◽  
Martin W. Bratschi ◽  
Pallavi Lele ◽  
Uddhavi Chavan ◽  
Neisha Sundaram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Public Facilities ◽  
Local Health Facility ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) installations are indispensable in health care facilities. Their quality might also influence the decision whether to visit a health facility. We investigated the WASH infrastructure in small health facilities in rural Pune, India, and surveyed expectations and satisfactoriness among women. The availability and quality of WASH installations was assessed in 12 facilities using a checklist. Dedicated questions in a household survey provided the community perspective, complemented by qualitative methods. A few public facilities had no latrine or hand washing station. On the contrary, all private facilities offered such installations. The bed/outpatient-to-installation ratio was also lower in private compared to public facilities. While most latrines were functional and well maintained, they often lacked garbage bins. Soap was often missing from hand washing stations. Dedicated latrines for women were rare. Women were generally satisfied with the WASH installations in the local health facility, but considered private facilities as better. WASH installations in health facilities are generally acceptable in private facilities while improvements are needed in some government facilities. Women expect WASH installations in health facilities, and view their quality in a broader framework of ‘cleanliness,’ which they consider when choosing facilities.

scholarly journals Testing the effect of an integrated-intervention to promote access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights among women with disabilities in Ghana: a quasi-experimental study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Kuumuori Ganle ◽  
Charlotte Ofori ◽  
Samuel Dery
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Third ◽  
Health Facility Level ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Facility Level ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background There is evidence that women with disabilities (WWDs) experience the most difficulty accessing and using sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) services and information worldwide. However, there are currently no workable interventions to reach WWDs with essential SRHR services. This study aims to test the effect of an integrated health facility and individual-level intervention on access to SRHRs information and services among sexually active WWDs aged 15–49 years in Ghana. Methods A quasi-experimental study design with four arms will be implemented in four districts in the Northern region of Ghana to test the effect of three inter-related interventions. The inventions are (1) capacity building in disability-centred SRHRs information and service delivery for healthcare providers, (2) support for WWDs to access disability-unfriendly healthcare infrastructure, and (3) one-on-one regular SRHRs education, information provision, and referral. The first two interventions are at the health-facility level while the third one is at the individual/family level. The first arm of the experiment will expose eligible WWDs to all three interventions. In the second arm, WWDs will be exposed to only the two-health facility-level interventions. The third arm will expose WWDs to only the individual level intervention. The forth arm will constitute the control group. A total of 680 (170 in each arm) sexually active women with physical disability and visual impairments will take part in the study over a period of 12 months. To assess the effect of the interventions on key study outcomes (i.e. awareness about, and use of modern contraceptive, ANC attendance, and skilled delivery among parous women), pre- and post-intervention surveys will be conducted. Difference-in-Difference analysis will be used to examine the effect of each intervention in comparison to the control group, while controlling for confounders. Cost-effectiveness analyses will also be conducted on the three-intervention arms vis a vis changes in key outcome measures to identify which of the three interventions is likely to yield greater impact with lower costs. Discussion Lack of access to SRHRs information and services for WWDs is not only a violation of their right to appropriate and quality SRH care but could also undermine efforts to achieve equitable healthcare access as envisaged under SDG 3. This research is expected to generate evidence to inform local health programmes to increase access to SRHRs among WWDs by strengthening local health system capacity to provide disability-sensitive SRHRs services. Trial registration Name of the registry: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR). Trial ID: 14591. Date of registration: 02/01/2020. URL of trial registry record: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Researcher/TrialRegister.aspx?TrialID=14591

Using Photovoice to understand physical and social living environment influence on adherence to diabetes

2021 ◽  
pp. 136345932110200
Author(s):  
Alice Scavarda ◽  
Giuseppe Costa ◽  
Franca Beccaria
Keyword(s):  
Blood Sugar ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Bonding Social Capital ◽  
Physical Context ◽  
Individual Traits ◽  
Italian City ◽  
The Individual

Within the past several years, a considerable body of research on adherence to diabetes regimen has emerged in public health. However, the focus of the vast majority of these studies has been on the individual traits and attitudes affecting adherence. Still little is known on the role of the social and physical context in supporting or hindering diabetes self-management, particularly from a qualitative standpoint. To address these limitations, this paper presents the findings of a Photovoice study on a sample of 10 type 2 diabetic older adults living in a deprived neighbourhood of an Italian city. The findings reveal that the possibility to engage in diet, exercise and blood sugar monitoring seems to be more affected by physical and social elements of the respondents’ environment than by the interviewees’ beliefs and attitudes. Both environmental barriers and social isolation emerge as barriers to lifestyle changes and self-care activities related to blood sugar monitoring. The predominance of bonding social capital, the scant level of trust and the negative perception of local health services result in a low level of social cohesion, a limited circulation of health information on diabetes management and, consequently, in poor health outcomes.

scholarly journals Exploring the mechanisms of collaboration between the Tuberculosis and Diabetes Programs for the control of TB-DM Comorbidity in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Suhuyini Salifu ◽  
Khumbulani W. Hlongwana
Keyword(s):  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Local Health ◽  
National Tuberculosis Control Program ◽  
National Tuberculosis ◽  
Local Health Facility ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
And Control ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Abstract Objectives To explore the mechanisms of collaboration between the stakeholders, including National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) and the Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Program (NCDCP) at the national, regional, and local (health facility) levels of the health care system in Ghana. This is one of the objectives in a study on the “Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of the Collaborative Framework for the Care and Control of Tuberculosis and Diabetes in Ghana” Results The data analysis revealed 4 key themes. These were (1) Increased support for communicable diseases (CDs) compared to stagnant support for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), (2) Donor support, (3) Poor collaboration between NTP and NCDCP, and (4) Low Tuberculosis-Diabetes Mellitus (TB-DM) case detection.

scholarly journals Fully Data-Driven Pseudohealthy Synthesis for Planning Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Reconstruction using Conditional Variational Autoencoders

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-287
Author(s):  
Jannis Hagenah ◽  
Mohamad Mehdi ◽  
Floris Ernst
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Root ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Ground Truth ◽  
Representation Learning ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Specific Geometry ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Native Root ◽  
Original Information

AbstractAortic root aneurysm is treated by replacing the dilated root by a grafted prosthesis which mimics the native root morphology of the individual patient. The challenge in predicting the optimal prosthesis size rises from the highly patient-specific geometry as well as the absence of the original information on the healthy root. Therefore, the estimation is only possible based on the available pathological data. In this paper, we show that representation learning with Conditional Variational Autoencoders is capable of turning the distorted geometry of the aortic root into smoother shapes while the information on the individual anatomy is preserved. We evaluated this method using ultrasound images of the porcine aortic root alongside their labels. The observed results show highly realistic resemblance in shape and size to the ground truth images. Furthermore, the similarity index has noticeably improved compared to the pathological images. This provides a promising technique in planning individual aortic root replacement.

scholarly journals Could metabolomics drive the fate of COVID-19 pandemic? A narrative review on lights and shadows

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Mussap ◽  
Vassilios Fanos
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Host Metabolism

Abstract Human Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection activates a complex interaction host/virus, leading to the reprogramming of the host metabolism aimed at the energy supply for viral replication. Alterations of the host metabolic homeostasis strongly influence the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, forming the basis of a wide range of outcomes, from the asymptomatic infection to the onset of COVID-19 and up to life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome, vascular dysfunction, multiple organ failure, and death. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms associated with the individual susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection calls for a system biology approach; this strategy can address multiple goals, including which patients will respond effectively to the therapeutic treatment. The power of metabolomics lies in the ability to recognize endogenous and exogenous metabolites within a biological sample, measuring their concentration, and identifying perturbations of biochemical pathways associated with qualitative and quantitative metabolic changes. Over the last year, a limited number of metabolomics- and lipidomics-based clinical studies in COVID-19 patients have been published and are discussed in this review. Remarkable alterations in the lipid and amino acid metabolism depict the molecular phenotype of subjects infected by SARS-CoV-2; notably, structural and functional data on the lipids-virus interaction may open new perspectives on targeted therapeutic interventions. Several limitations affect most metabolomics-based studies, slowing the routine application of metabolomics. However, moving metabolomics from bench to bedside cannot imply the mere determination of a given metabolite panel; rather, slotting metabolomics into clinical practice requires the conversion of metabolic patient-specific data into actionable clinical applications.

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