Clinical Research Directory

The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Post-tuberculosis Lung Disease Diagnostic Algorithm in Uganda.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether a structured diagnostic algorithm improves the identification and referral of people with post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) in primary healthcare facilities in Uganda. The clinical trial will, in addition, assess how feasible and acceptable it is for health workers to use this algorithm as part of routine care. The main trial questions are: * Does the diagnostic algorithm increase identification and referral of patients with suspected PTLD compared to standard care? * Is the algorithm feasible to implement and acceptable to health providers and patients in real-world primary health care settings? The research team will compare four health centre level III (HCIII) facilities ( two using the diagnostic algorithm and two using standard care) to see if the algorithm helps with early diagnosis and referral of PTLD. Health centre level III in Uganda are the primary health facilities and have provision for tuberculosis treatment. Participants will be screened for PTLD at the time they complete tuberculosis treatment at their local health facility. At intervention sites, participants will undergo assessment using a structured PTLD diagnostic algorithm developed in earlier stages of this research. The algorithm will be based on a symptom questionnaire and clinical criteria. At control sites, participants will be evaluated using standard practices (consensus clinical definition only). Participants clinically suspected to have PTLD. will be referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Primary care health facilities will: * Be randomly assigned to use either the diagnostic algorithm or standard care. * Receive a baseline training on PTLD and ongoing support through monthly video conference * Submit triplicate referral forms to track referrals.