Table 1 Key definitions of variables used in TB Cohort Audit
Enhanced Case Management | “Enhanced Case Management is provided when someone has clinically or socially complex needs. It commences as soon as TB is suspected. As part of ECM, the need for Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) is considered, in conjunction with a package of supportive care tailored to the person’s needs.” (12) |
ECM level 0 | Equivalent to Standard Case Management: no clinical or social issues impacting on treatment, ability to self-medicate and have monthly follow-up in a hospital or community setting, no complex contact tracing requirements |
ECM level 1 | Clinical and/or social issues impacting on treatment and necessitating fortnightly visits |
ECM level 2 | Complex clinical and/or social issues impacting on treatment and necessitating weekly visits |
ECM level 3 | Very complex clinical and/or social issues impacting on treatment. May require directly observed treatment (DOT) |
Clinically complex | Clinically complex cases are those with one or more of: renal impairment, HIV co-infection, diabetes, drug resistance or severe side-effects |
Hard to reach group (HTRG) | Children, young people and adults whose social circumstances or lifestyle, or those of their parents or carers, make it difficult to: recognise the clinical onset of TB, access diagnostic and treatment services, self-administer treatment or attend regular appointments for clinical follow-up |