Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Treatment and case management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a significant challenge in tuberculosis (TB) control and prevention. This pilot study aims to apply and test a new electronic information system in order to help bolster case management of MDR-TB. METHODS: The MDR-TB Case Management System (CMS) was developed and piloted in the Yunnan Tuberculosis Clinical Center (TCC) in 2017. Next, 5 sites in Yunnan were randomly selected and sampled as pilots in 2018. The real-time regular follow-up rate (RFUR) was calculated for pilot sites. Loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates of MDR-TB treatment cohorts between pilot and non-pilot sites were compared by a chi-square test. LTFU for MDR-TB treatment cohorts was then assessed by univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The average regular follow-up rate was 90.7% in TCC and 73.7% in five other pilot sites of Yunnan Province respectively. The average LTFU rate for pilot sites (9.0%) was lower than non-pilot sites (20.6%, P<0.01). The risk of LTFU during MDR-TB treatment reduced 61.7% in CMS pilot cases (adjusted odds ratio: 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.60) compared with non-pilot cases. CONCLUSIONS: As a significant supplement to the Tuberculosis Information Management System, the CMS strengthened the collection, analysis, and utilization of strategic information for MDR-TB cases. The system improved case management by embedding it as a tool of the Comprehensive Supportive Care service model.