Experiences, challenges and looking to the future in a clinical tuberculosis cohort in the time of COVID-19 in the Philippines.

Ferrer, Julius Patrick; Suzuki, Shuichi; Alvarez, Cristelyn; Berido, Clarinda; Caballero, Michelle; Caraig, Bliss; Flores, Paul Ian; Juson, Romil Jeffrey; Lustresano, Ann; Opinion, Trivon; +5 more... Saavedra, Michelle; Verde, Ares; Faguer, Benjamin N; Cox, Sharon E; Solon, Juan A; (2021) Experiences, challenges and looking to the future in a clinical tuberculosis cohort in the time of COVID-19 in the Philippines. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 115 (6). pp. 579-582. ISSN 0035-9203 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/trab025

Abstract

A cohort study of Filipino tuberculosis patients is currently undergoing data collection amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In this article we present the current experiences, challenges and obstacles of our team during this period as we attempt to fulfil our roles and responsibilities in Metro Manila, Cebu and Negros Occidental in the Philippines. Each site had different lockdown restrictions and experienced problems to different degrees. The underlying themes were similar, covering the supply chain, mobility, communication, physical and mental health and disruption of health services due to reallocation of staff. While we maximized the use of mobile devices, logistical challenges remained. Institutional support for the field teams, creative problem solving and resilience are required to adapt in a rapidly changing environment.

Additional Information

Item Type	Article
Faculty and Department	Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health > Dept of Population Health (2012- )
Research Centre	Covid-19 Research
PubMed ID	33693916
Elements ID	158152