Monitoring drug effectiveness in kala-azar in Bihar, India: cost and feasibility of periodic random surveys vs. a health service-based reporting system

摘要: Summary objective In 2009, a random survey was conducted in Muzaffarpur district to document the clinical outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis patients (VL) treated by public health care system 2008, assess effectiveness miltefosine against VL. We analysed operational feasibility and cost such periodic surveys as compared with facility-based routine monitoring. methods A sample 150 drawn from registers kept at Primary Health Care centres. Patient records were examined, located their residence. Patients physicians interviewed help two specifically designed questionnaires team one supervisor, physician field worker. Costs incurred during this properly documented, vehicle log books maintained for analysis. results Hundred 39 (76.7%) could be located. Eleven not traceable. Per patient, follow-up US$ 15.51 on average 2.27 visited per team-day. Human resource involvement constituted 75% total whereas costs 51% cost. conclusion is costly labour intensive but gives probably most accurate information drug effectiveness. service-based retrospective cohort reporting modelled monitoring developed tuberculosis programmes better alternative. Involvement community workers would offer additional advantage treatment supervision support.