Vulnerable Migrants and Tuberculosis: Case-Based Monitoring and Screening. A Study at the Comede Health Center, France, 2009–2011
Introduction - The treatment and follow-up of tuberculosis among vulnerable migrants and foreign nationals represent a major public health challenge. The Medical Committee for Exiles (Comede) focuses on the follow-up of patients who have sought care at its facility and on screening surveys among their social circles. Method - A retrospective study of tuberculosis cases among patients followed between 2009 and 2011 was conducted. Sociodemographic data, treatment outcomes, patient experiences with the disease, and screening data related to these cases were collected. Results - Of 13 patients, one discontinued treatment. Three contact investigations could not be carried out, and two failed to identify any contacts. Only three investigations resulted in the screening of identified contacts. Communication difficulties between patients and caregivers, as well as among healthcare professionals, were identified. Conclusion - Treatment follow-up and investigation data are similar to those found in the general population. The analysis of cases that posed follow-up or screening challenges identified areas for improvement. The creation of a regional network for the care of migrant and vulnerable patients with tuberculosis—linking teams from hospitals, associations, and tuberculosis control centers—would enable more appropriate responses to issues of communication and social exclusion, and help overcome coordination challenges among healthcare professionals. (R.A.)
Author(s): Romby A, Fleury F, Revault P
Publishing year: 2013
Pages: 348-53
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2013, n° 28-29, p. 348-53
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