Implementation efficiency of a diagnostic algorithm in sputum smear-negative presumptive tuberculosis patients

BACKGROUND: For the diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) recommends a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics after negative smear on initial sputum examination, followed by repeat sputum examination and chest X-ray (CXR). OBJECTIVES: 1) To ascertain the proportion of presumptive PTB patients smear-negative on initial sputum examination who completed the diagnostic algorithm, and 2) to investigate barriers to the completion of the algorithm. METHODS: In Karnataka State, India, 256 study participants were interviewed in 2012 to ascertain the number of days antibiotics had been prescribed and consumed, the number of re-visits to health centre(s), whether repeat sputum examinations had been performed, whether or not CXR had been performed and when, and whether PTB had been diagnosed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 medical officers. RESULTS: The diagnostic algorithm was completed in 13 (5.1%) of 256 participants; three were diagnosed with PTB without completing the algorithm. Most medical officers were unaware of the algorithm, had trained 5-10 years previously, prescribed antibiotics for <10 days and advised CXR without repeat sputum examination, irrespective of the number of days of antibiotic treatment. Other main reasons for non-completion of algorithm were patients not returning to the health centres and a proportion switching to the private sector. CONCLUSION: Refresher training courses, raising patient awareness and active follow-up of patients to complete the algorithm are suggested.