Determining the value of TB active case-finding: current evidence and methodological considerations.
Sohn, H;
Sweeney, S;
Mudzengi, D;
Creswell, J;
Menzies, NA;
Fox, GJ;
MacPherson, P;
Dowdy, DW;
(2021)
Determining the value of TB active case-finding: current evidence and methodological considerations.
The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 25 (3).
pp. 171-181.
ISSN 1027-3719
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.20.0565
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Active case-finding (ACF) is an important component of the End TB Strategy. However, ACF is resource-intensive, and the economics of ACF are not well-understood. Data on the costs of ACF are limited, with little consistency in the units and methods used to estimate and report costs. Mathematical models to forecast the long-term effects of ACF require empirical measurements of the yield, timing and costs of case detection. Pragmatic trials offer an opportunity to assess the cost-effectiveness of ACF interventions within a 'real-world´ context. However, such analyses generally require early introduction of economic evaluations to enable prospective data collection on resource requirements. Closing the global case-detection gap will require substantial additional resources, including continued investment in innovative technologies. Research is essential to the optimal implementation, cost-effectiveness, and affordability of ACF in high-burden settings. To assess the value of ACF, we must prioritize the collection of high-quality data regarding costs and effectiveness, and link those data to analytical models that are adapted to local settings.
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