Conference Material > Abstract
Oza S, Harris P, Ansbro E, Perel P, Frieden M, et al.
MSF Scientific Days International 2020: Research. 2020 May 20
INTRODUCTION
Globally, hypertension is responsible for approximately half of all heart disease and stroke deaths. Over 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. However globally, hypertension awareness, treatment, and control remain low (39%, 29%, and 10%, respectively). Reasons for poor control are multifactorial, and include patient-specific factors such as poor adherence, often associated with high pill-burden regimens. Health system factors are also important and may include the use of complex algorithms, leading to clinical inertia amongst healthcare workers. Fixed-dose combination (FDC) medications may be one way of reducing pill burden and simplifying clinical algorithms. To understand the use of multiple drug classes in the management of hypertension we analysed antihypertensive prescribing patterns and blood pressure (BP) control in cohorts from MSF treatment programmes in Jordan and Zimbabwe to determine the proportion of patients who may benefit from a FDC (those currently treated with more than two drug classes) and the potential extent of clinical inertia.
METHODS
We used routine, retrospective data from two cohorts of adult patients with hypertension; one from Jordan, a semi-urban clinic managed by doctors (using data from October 2016 to December 2018) and one from Zimbabwe, a rural setting managed by nurses (data from May 2016 to July 2019). We carried out descriptive analyses of prescribing patterns and their relationship with BP control.
Ethics
This study was approved by the ethics committees of Jordan and Zimbabwe and the MSF Ethics Review Board.
RESULTS
We analysed data from 3305 and 3957 hypertensive patients from Jordan and Zimbabwe respectively; with median ages in Jordan 61 (interquartile range, IQR, 53-69) and in Zimbabwe 63 (IQR 53-70); the majority were female (62.7% and 80.4% respectively). Retention and BP control at 12 months were 95% and 77% (Jordan) and 59% and 42.3% (Zimbabwe). The proportion of patients on two, three, or four-five antihypertensive drug classes at baseline were 42%, 19%, 4% in Jordan and 46%, 7%, <1% in Zimbabwe. At 12 months follow-up, proportions were 40%, 28%, 11% in Jordan and 46%, 17%, 1% in Zimbabwe. Proportions with controlled BP at 12 months on two, three, or four-five drug classes were 71%, 64% and 55% in Jordan, and 40%, 27%, 25% in Zimbabwe. No medication change for uncontrolled BP was made at the next visit for 1,843 (79.3%) of 2,325 visits in Jordan, and 4,763 (63.5%) of 7,497 visits in Zimbabwe. This included 545 (28.6%) and 2,549 (53.5%) visits with uncontrolled stage two or three hypertension respectively.
CONCLUSION
Most patients with hypertension required more than two antihypertensive medications, but a significant proportion persisted with uncontrolled BP. No additional class of antihypertensive was given in the majority of visits by patients with uncontrolled BP, suggesting possible clinical inertia by healthcare workers. Despite recent inclusion of FDC’s in MSF guidelines and WHO’s Essential Medicines List, their lack of inclusion in national guidelines, and procurement challenges, have hindered MSF’s implementation of FDC’s. Demonstrating feasibility of FDC use in MSF pilot projects could play an important role in furthering uptake.
Conflicts of Interest
None declared.
Globally, hypertension is responsible for approximately half of all heart disease and stroke deaths. Over 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. However globally, hypertension awareness, treatment, and control remain low (39%, 29%, and 10%, respectively). Reasons for poor control are multifactorial, and include patient-specific factors such as poor adherence, often associated with high pill-burden regimens. Health system factors are also important and may include the use of complex algorithms, leading to clinical inertia amongst healthcare workers. Fixed-dose combination (FDC) medications may be one way of reducing pill burden and simplifying clinical algorithms. To understand the use of multiple drug classes in the management of hypertension we analysed antihypertensive prescribing patterns and blood pressure (BP) control in cohorts from MSF treatment programmes in Jordan and Zimbabwe to determine the proportion of patients who may benefit from a FDC (those currently treated with more than two drug classes) and the potential extent of clinical inertia.
METHODS
We used routine, retrospective data from two cohorts of adult patients with hypertension; one from Jordan, a semi-urban clinic managed by doctors (using data from October 2016 to December 2018) and one from Zimbabwe, a rural setting managed by nurses (data from May 2016 to July 2019). We carried out descriptive analyses of prescribing patterns and their relationship with BP control.
Ethics
This study was approved by the ethics committees of Jordan and Zimbabwe and the MSF Ethics Review Board.
RESULTS
We analysed data from 3305 and 3957 hypertensive patients from Jordan and Zimbabwe respectively; with median ages in Jordan 61 (interquartile range, IQR, 53-69) and in Zimbabwe 63 (IQR 53-70); the majority were female (62.7% and 80.4% respectively). Retention and BP control at 12 months were 95% and 77% (Jordan) and 59% and 42.3% (Zimbabwe). The proportion of patients on two, three, or four-five antihypertensive drug classes at baseline were 42%, 19%, 4% in Jordan and 46%, 7%, <1% in Zimbabwe. At 12 months follow-up, proportions were 40%, 28%, 11% in Jordan and 46%, 17%, 1% in Zimbabwe. Proportions with controlled BP at 12 months on two, three, or four-five drug classes were 71%, 64% and 55% in Jordan, and 40%, 27%, 25% in Zimbabwe. No medication change for uncontrolled BP was made at the next visit for 1,843 (79.3%) of 2,325 visits in Jordan, and 4,763 (63.5%) of 7,497 visits in Zimbabwe. This included 545 (28.6%) and 2,549 (53.5%) visits with uncontrolled stage two or three hypertension respectively.
CONCLUSION
Most patients with hypertension required more than two antihypertensive medications, but a significant proportion persisted with uncontrolled BP. No additional class of antihypertensive was given in the majority of visits by patients with uncontrolled BP, suggesting possible clinical inertia by healthcare workers. Despite recent inclusion of FDC’s in MSF guidelines and WHO’s Essential Medicines List, their lack of inclusion in national guidelines, and procurement challenges, have hindered MSF’s implementation of FDC’s. Demonstrating feasibility of FDC use in MSF pilot projects could play an important role in furthering uptake.
Conflicts of Interest
None declared.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019 August 1; DOI:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30197-4.
Kehlenbrink S, Jaacks LM, Perone SA, Ansbro É, Ashbourne E, et al.
Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019 August 1; DOI:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30197-4.
Journal Article > CommentaryAbstract Only
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics
ENDOCRINOL METAB CLIN NORTH AM
Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2023 June 18; Volume 52 (Issue 4); 603-615.; DOI:10.1016/j.ecl.2023.05.010
Kehlenbrink S, Jobanputra K, Reddy A, Boulle P, Gomber A, et al.
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics
ENDOCRINOL METAB CLIN NORTH AM
Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2023 June 18; Volume 52 (Issue 4); 603-615.; DOI:10.1016/j.ecl.2023.05.010
Despite the increasing prevalence of diabetes in populations experiencing humanitarian crisis, along with evidence that people living with diabetes are at higher risk for poor outcomes in a crisis, diabetes care is not routinely included in humanitarian health interventions. We here describe 4 factors that have contributed to the inequities and lack of diabetes inclusion in humanitarian programmes: (1) evolving paradigms in humanitarian health care, (2) complexities of diabetes service provision in humanitarian settings, (3) social and cultural challenges, and (4) lack of financing. We also outline opportunities and possible interventions to address these challenges and improve diabetes care among crisis-affected populations.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Immigr Minor Health. 2022 October 22; Online ahead of print; DOI:10.1007/s10903-022-01408-7
Carrion-Martin AI, Alrawashdeh A, Karapanagos G, Mahmoud R, Ta’anii N, et al.
J Immigr Minor Health. 2022 October 22; Online ahead of print; DOI:10.1007/s10903-022-01408-7
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are high-prevalence health problems among Syrian refugees. In 2014, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) identified unmet NCD care needs and began providing free-of-charge services for Syrian refugees in Irbid, Jordan. This study aimed to describe current socioeconomic and medical vulnerabilities among MSF Irbid Syrian refugee patients and their households and raise awareness of their ongoing health needs that must be addressed. A cross-sectional survey among Syrian refugees attending MSF NCD services in Irbid Governorate, Jordan was conducted by telephone interviews in January 2021 to query sociodemographic characteristics, economic situation, self-reported NCD prevalence, and Ministry of Health (MoH) policy awareness. Descriptive analysis of indicators included proportions or means presented with 95% confidence intervals. The survey included 350 patient-participants in 350 households and 2157 household members. Mean age was 28.3 years. Only 13.5% of household members had paid or self-employed work; 44% of households had no working members. Mean monthly income was 258.3 JOD (95%CI: 243.5–273.1) per household. Mean expenditures were 320.0 JOD (95%CI: 305.1–334.9). Debt was reported by 93% of households. NCD prevalence among adults was 42% (95%CI: 40–45). Hypertension was most prevalent (31.1%, 95%CI: 28.7–33.7), followed by diabetes (21.8%, 95%CI: 19.7–24.1) and cardiovascular diseases (14.4%, 95%CI: 12.6–16.4). Only 23% of interviewees were aware of subsidized MoH rates for NCD care. Twenty-nine percent stated they will not seek MoH care, mainly due to the unaffordable price. Our findings highlight increased vulnerability among MSF Irbid Syrian refugee NCD patients and their households, including: an older population; a high percentage of unemployment and reliance on cash assistance; higher proportion of households in debt and a high number of households having to resort to extreme coping mechanisms when facing a health emergency; and a higher proportion of people with multiple comorbid NCDs and physical disability. Their awareness of subsidised MoH care was low. MoH care is expected to be unaffordable for many. These people are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It is vital that health actors providing care for Syrian refugees take action to reduce their risk, including implementing financial support mechanisms and free healthcare.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Health Policy Plan. 2020 July 4; Volume 35 (Issue 8); 931-940.; DOI:10.1093/heapol/czaa050
Ansbro É, Garry S, Karir V, Reddy A, Jobanputra K, et al.
Health Policy Plan. 2020 July 4; Volume 35 (Issue 8); 931-940.; DOI:10.1093/heapol/czaa050
The Syrian conflict has caused enormous displacement of a population with a high non-communicable disease (NCD) burden into surrounding countries, overwhelming health systems’ NCD care capacity. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) developed a primary-level NCD programme, serving Syrian refugees and the host population in Irbid, Jordan, to assist the response. Cost data, which are currently lacking, may support programme adaptation and system scale up of such NCD services. This descriptive costing study from the provider perspective explored financial costs of the MSF NCD programme. We estimated annual total, per patient and per consultation costs for 2015–17 using a combined ingredients-based and step-down allocation approach. Data were collected via programme budgets, facility records, direct observation and informal interviews. Scenario analyses explored the impact of varying procurement processes, consultation frequency and task sharing. Total annual programme cost ranged from 4 to 6 million International Dollars (INT$), increasing annually from INT$4 206 481 (2015) to INT$6 739 438 (2017), with costs driven mainly by human resources and drugs. Per patient per year cost increased 23% from INT$1424 (2015) to 1751 (2016), and by 9% to 1904 (2017), while cost per consultation increased from INT$209 to 253 (2015–17). Annual cost increases reflected growing patient load and increasing service complexity throughout 2015–17. A scenario importing all medications cut total costs by 31%, while negotiating importation of high-cost items offered 13% savings. Leveraging pooled procurement for local purchasing could save 20%. Staff costs were more sensitive to reducing clinical review frequency than to task sharing review to nurses. Over 1000 extra patients could be enrolled without additional staffing cost if care delivery was restructured. Total costs significantly exceeded costs reported for NCD care in low-income humanitarian contexts. Efficiencies gained by revising procurement and/or restructuring consultation models could confer cost savings or facilitate cohort expansion. Cost effectiveness studies of adapted models are recommended.
Conference Material > Slide Presentation
Ghergu P, Vogiazou Y, Galban Horcajo F, Reddy A, Tanaka M, et al.
MSF Scientific Days International 2021: Innovation. 2021 May 20
Conference Material > Video (demo)
Ghergu P, Vogiazou Y, Galban-Horcajo F, Reddy A, Tanaka M, et al.
MSF Scientific Days International 2021: Innovation. 2021 May 20
Journal Article > LetterFull Text
Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022 January 1; Volume 10 (Issue 1); 20-21.; DOI:10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00320-X
Reddy A
Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022 January 1; Volume 10 (Issue 1); 20-21.; DOI:10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00320-X
Technical Report > Policy Brief
Karir V, Bygrave H, Cepuch C, Davis B, Elder G, et al.
2019 September 23
This is a summary of work undertaken between March 2018 and May 2018 in order to increase understanding of accessibility to medicines for major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Jordanians and urban Syrian refugees. It includes multiple facets of accessibility - affordability, availability, price determinants, government and out-of-pocket expenditures, the pharmaceutical and health sectors, and prescriber and consumer behaviors.
Overall accessibility to medicines in Jordan for the NCDs studied here is relatively high. However, a minority of the population does not access treatment, mainly due to affordability (predominantly provider costs, but also medicines and transportation costs); these factors are most likely linked to capacity to pay given that expenditures exceed income among Jordanians and urban refugees, the majority of whom report debt. It is imperative to understand that price of medicines cannot be examined in isolation but needs to be considered in relation to capacity to pay, as even very low-priced generic medicines remain out of reach for lower-income households.
All World Health Organization (WHO) essential drugs (oral plus insulin) for the NCDs studied here were registered by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and procured by the government for the public sector. Based on the literature, public sector availability of medicines for NCDs is generally limited among lower income countries investigated. However, only a minority of urban Syrian refugees reported unavailability of medicines in the Jordanian public sector. From the literature, private sector NCD medication availability is higher and close to 80% among higher income countries and in urban settings; it is also higher in lower income countries, for medicines to treat cardiovascular disease. These findings should hold true for Jordan.
Jordan has sufficient healthcare resources. Government expenditure on health exceeds that of many Middle East North Africa (MENA) countries of the same income group, while the population has lower out-of-pocket expenditure compared to the same group of countries. Government purchases of medicines (availability) are likely sufficient for cardiovascular disease, hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes if 65% or fewer of the affected population access the public sector.
Most medicines used to treat major NCDs are procured at competitive prices (comparable to the international reference price) by the Jordanian government. Public tendering as well as pricing of medicines is transparent in Jordan. In the private sector, prices are essentially fixed by law, but despite this pricing is heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical sector, whose priorities lie with profitability and in general, the predominant export market.
The majority of medicines for major NCDs were determined to be affordable (less than one day’s wage to purchase a 30-day supply) in the public sector, even when multiple drugs were prescribed for hypertension, cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. Affordability in the private sector is predominantly the case for medicines for hypertension, cardiovascular disease and oral medicines for diabetes; notable exceptions include insulin, fixed-dose combination (FDC) inhalers and statins. Across both sectors, higher costs can be attributable to prescriber practices, consumer preferences and predominance of brand drugs, especially for insulin and FDC inhalers.
Risk factors for NCDs among Jordanians and Syrians surpass global averages, driving disability and death. While affordability comes through as the main obstacle in accessing health care, annually Jordanians are spending more on tobacco than medical expenses.
Considerations for humanitarian and other implementing organizations:
- Prior to engaging in NCD interventions, evaluation of the existing health system is key to determining how to plan (if at all), where along the continuum of NCD care the focus of the response should be and whom to target.
- Programming details and operational costs need to factor procurement options, as there may be governmental requirements for local and/or international sourcing.
- Prevention possibilities should be reviewed in relation to NCDs given known impact on reducing death and disability.
Overall accessibility to medicines in Jordan for the NCDs studied here is relatively high. However, a minority of the population does not access treatment, mainly due to affordability (predominantly provider costs, but also medicines and transportation costs); these factors are most likely linked to capacity to pay given that expenditures exceed income among Jordanians and urban refugees, the majority of whom report debt. It is imperative to understand that price of medicines cannot be examined in isolation but needs to be considered in relation to capacity to pay, as even very low-priced generic medicines remain out of reach for lower-income households.
All World Health Organization (WHO) essential drugs (oral plus insulin) for the NCDs studied here were registered by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and procured by the government for the public sector. Based on the literature, public sector availability of medicines for NCDs is generally limited among lower income countries investigated. However, only a minority of urban Syrian refugees reported unavailability of medicines in the Jordanian public sector. From the literature, private sector NCD medication availability is higher and close to 80% among higher income countries and in urban settings; it is also higher in lower income countries, for medicines to treat cardiovascular disease. These findings should hold true for Jordan.
Jordan has sufficient healthcare resources. Government expenditure on health exceeds that of many Middle East North Africa (MENA) countries of the same income group, while the population has lower out-of-pocket expenditure compared to the same group of countries. Government purchases of medicines (availability) are likely sufficient for cardiovascular disease, hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes if 65% or fewer of the affected population access the public sector.
Most medicines used to treat major NCDs are procured at competitive prices (comparable to the international reference price) by the Jordanian government. Public tendering as well as pricing of medicines is transparent in Jordan. In the private sector, prices are essentially fixed by law, but despite this pricing is heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical sector, whose priorities lie with profitability and in general, the predominant export market.
The majority of medicines for major NCDs were determined to be affordable (less than one day’s wage to purchase a 30-day supply) in the public sector, even when multiple drugs were prescribed for hypertension, cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. Affordability in the private sector is predominantly the case for medicines for hypertension, cardiovascular disease and oral medicines for diabetes; notable exceptions include insulin, fixed-dose combination (FDC) inhalers and statins. Across both sectors, higher costs can be attributable to prescriber practices, consumer preferences and predominance of brand drugs, especially for insulin and FDC inhalers.
Risk factors for NCDs among Jordanians and Syrians surpass global averages, driving disability and death. While affordability comes through as the main obstacle in accessing health care, annually Jordanians are spending more on tobacco than medical expenses.
Considerations for humanitarian and other implementing organizations:
- Prior to engaging in NCD interventions, evaluation of the existing health system is key to determining how to plan (if at all), where along the continuum of NCD care the focus of the response should be and whom to target.
- Programming details and operational costs need to factor procurement options, as there may be governmental requirements for local and/or international sourcing.
- Prevention possibilities should be reviewed in relation to NCDs given known impact on reducing death and disability.