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Further observations on MDT blister-calendar packs in vertical leprosy eradication programmes--a multicentre study
C R Revankar1, N Gupta, B H Sorensen
1Bombay Leprosy Project, Purav Marg, Chunabhatti, India.
Abstract:
To improve operational efficiency as well as to improve patient compliance in leprosy programmes, DANIDA introduced blister-calendar packs (BCP) to deliver MDT in 4 MDT districts in India in 1987. An objective study (Phase II) involving 343 patients in a trial group (BCP group) and 253 patients in a control group (loose drug group) showed no significant difference in compliance rates for self-administered dose between the 2 groups. Hence, while assessing the use of BCPs in leprosy programmes, other operational benefits like safe storage, easy transportation, easy drug accounting and safe preservation at home are to be considered. These aspects were followed up from Phase I of the study.
Insights
Blister-calendar packs (BCP) did not significantly improve patient compliance for multidrug therapy (MDT) in leprosy programs. However, BCPs offer other operational benefits for leprosy treatment delivery.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Leprosy programs aim to enhance operational efficiency and patient compliance.
- Multidrug therapy (MDT) delivery is crucial for leprosy control.
- Blister-calendar packs (BCP) were introduced to improve MDT delivery in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of blister-calendar packs (BCP) on patient compliance in leprosy programs.
- To assess the operational benefits of BCPs in MDT delivery.
Main Methods:
- An objective study (Phase II) compared a trial group using BCPs (343 patients) with a control group using loose drugs (253 patients).
- Compliance rates for self-administered doses were measured.
- Operational aspects such as storage, transportation, drug accounting, and home preservation were evaluated.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in self-administered dose compliance rates was observed between the BCP group and the loose drug group.
- Operational benefits of BCPs were considered from Phase I of the study.
Conclusions:
- BCPs did not demonstrate a significant improvement in patient compliance for MDT in leprosy programs.
- Other operational advantages of BCPs, including safe storage, transportation, accounting, and home preservation, are important considerations for leprosy program assessments.