Experiences, challenges and looking to the future in a clinical tuberculosis cohort in the time of COVID-19 in the Philippines. (9th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrer, Julius Patrick; Suzuki, Shuichi; Alvarez, Cristelyn; Berido, Clarinda; Caballero, Michelle; Caraig, Bliss; Flores, Paul Ian; Juson, Romil Jeffrey; Lustresano, Ann; Opinion, Trivon; Saavedra, Michelle; Verde, Ares; Faguer, Benjamin N; Cox, Sharon E; Solon, Juan A
• Is Part Of: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Volume 115:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 579
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2021-03-09
• Subjects: clinical study -- COVID-19 -- diabetes -- malnutrition -- health services accessibility -- tuberculosis; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-9203

Abstract

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.