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Oxford University Press, European Journal of Public Health, Supplement_5(30), 2020

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1280

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Policy framework for building integrated care for TB patients in Romania: setting up the scene

Journal article published in 2020 by F. Furtunescu ORCID, A. Serban, B. Mahler, I. Munteanu
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Abstract Problem Romania put many efforts for TB control, but despite a constant decreasing trend since almost two decades, TB remained a public health concern, due to the notification rate (highest in EU), the number of resistant cases and the mortality. A national strategy for TB control has been issues for 2015-2020, but its implementation was fragmentary. Description of the Problem Benefiting for a series of programs financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Romania performed a detailed analysis of the national context, on four pillars (governance and accountability, service delivery, organizational capacity, resources). Quantitative data collected through routine systems were combined to interviews with key informers and focus groups with medical staff, patients and NGOs active in supporting key vulnerable population. Results A national framework for strengthening the implementation of the strategy was set up under a Tailored to Transition Global Fund Grant. This framework put together the policy and the technical levels and the civil society sector. Main interventions aimed to strengthen the governance, to improve the procurement and supply mechanism, to develop the ambulatory patient-centered model of care and to create tools for improving the access of key vulnerable population to basic integrated medical and social services. Lessons Translating the good practice models developed by the NGO sector to permanent (governmental) structures was difficult due to more rigorous legislative framework for public systems. Key messages Multisectoral approach is essential for building integrated care for TB patients. Integration of services should focus not only to complex medical needs, but also to the social ones.