Tuberculosis detection and the challenges of integrated care in rural China: A cross-sectional standardized patient study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite recent reductions in prevalence, China still faces a substantial tuberculosis (TB) burden, with future progress dependent on the ability of rural providers to appropriately detect and refer TB patients for further care. This study (a) provides a baseline assessment of the ability of rural providers to correctly manage presumptive TB cases; (b) measures the gap between provider knowledge and practice and; (c) evaluates how ongoing reforms of China's health system-characterized by a movement toward "integrated care" and promotion of initial contact with grassroots providers-will affect the care of TB patients.

Methods/findings

Unannounced standardized patients (SPs) presenting with classic pulmonary TB symptoms were deployed in 3 provinces of China in July 2

SUBMITTER: Sylvia S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5644979 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature