TB CARE II FAST Project in Vietnam

The project focused on the FAST strategy, which involves Finding TB cases Actively, Separating them, and initiating Therapy early. The strategy aimed to reduce TB transmission among healthcare workers and patients in the healthcare facilities and the community. The project implemented several key activities, including reducing infection transmission at the points of entry, such as outpatient departments (OPDs) and intensive care units (ICUs). This was achieved by continuously providing masks to patients and improving screening of visiting patients through the use of patient information forms. The patient information forms were then entered into an easy-to-use MS Access database, which automatically generated reports for monitoring and reporting. The project also focused on increasing the detection of TB suspects who were in contact with MDR-TB patients. This was achieved through the use of MDR-TB information forms, which were used to contact and encourage TB suspects to come for medical examination. The project also implemented a patient tracking and reporting system, which allowed for the recording, tracking, and reporting of visiting patients. The project aimed to develop and deploy more comprehensive patient management databases, which would allow all departments to access the same databases on a single platform. This would enable the hospitals to monitor and detect, diagnose, and treat TB and MDR-TB patients more effectively. The project also aimed to exchange data files between the PHTB&LD and the National TB and MDR-TB surveillance databases. The project's success was measured through routine meetings to review the quality of form completion, data quality, and data exchangeability, as well as collaboration among healthcare workers. The project's implementation was supported by technical assistance from the URC, which provided training and capacity-building activities for healthcare workers. The project's findings and recommendations were shared with the National TB Program, which aimed to improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of TB and MDR-TB patients in Vietnam. The project's success was also recognized by the National TB Program, which acknowledged the importance of implementing the FAST strategy in reducing TB transmission among healthcare workers and patients. The project's geographic focus was on the Nam Dinh and Quang Nam provinces, which reported a high incidence of TB and MDR-TB cases. The project's timeframes were from July to December 2015, during which the project implemented several key activities aimed at strengthening patient tracking and management. The project's recommendations included the implementation of the FAST strategy, which involves Finding TB cases Actively, Separating them, and initiating Therapy early. The project also recommended the development and deployment of more comprehensive patient management databases, which would allow for the monitoring and detection of TB and MDR-TB patients. The project's implementation was supported by funding from the USAID, which provided technical assistance and capacity-building activities for healthcare workers. The project's success was also recognized by the National TB Program, which acknowledged the importance of implementing the FAST strategy in reducing TB transmission among healthcare workers and patients. The project's recommendations included the implementation of the FAST strategy, which involves Finding TB cases Actively, Separating them, and initiating Therapy early