Evaluating the Effectiveness of “I LIKE VST” Digital Technology in Enhancing Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence in Moldova

Authors

  • Cristina Celan Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBSAXA, Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, MD-2012, 99/1 V. Alecsandri str, Moldova Author
  • Diana Condrațchi Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Andrei Corloteanu Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Tatiana Gulpe Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Ina Pusoi Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Sergiu Platon Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Tatiana Cotelnic-Harea Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Sofia Alexandru Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Vasile Cantarji Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Lilian Severin Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Stela Bivol Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Valentina Vilc Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author
  • Evghenia Cula Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JIRR/2024(4)134

Keywords:

Tuberculosis Treatment, Digital Technology, Treatment Adherence, Video Supported Treatment, Moldova, Public Health, Digital Health Intervention, TB REACH Initiative

Abstract

This study assessed the acceptance and feasibility of the implementation of Video Supported Treatment (VST) “I LIKE VST” digital application as an approach to increase tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence in the Republic of Moldova. It employed mixed quantitative and qualitative method among TB patients and healthcare providers. The analysis encompasses socio-demographic factors, adherence levels, technological accessibility, and user experiences with the VST app. Results indicate that VST app method is acceptable and feasible to implement for people who find it convenient, regardless of their level of education. Adherence data from the I LIKE VST system shows that 75% of participants have over 90% adherence rate, due to VST app’s digital nature offering convenience and flexibility. No cases of less than 50% adherence were found. Challenges include technological, financial barriers and the need forpatient-centric customization. Less than 2% of TB patients have their own phones which support the app work.  Moreover, 13.3% of TB patients and 19.7% medical staff stated that they did not have own resources to cover mobile internet costs, until they were covered by the project. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of digital health interventions in resource-limited settings. The findings are particularly relevant for policymakers and health practitioners aiming to innovate TB treatment adherence strategies

Author Biographies

  • Cristina Celan, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBSAXA, Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, MD-2012, 99/1 V. Alecsandri str, Moldova

    Cristina Celan, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBSAXA, Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, MD-2012, 99/1 V. Alecsandri str, Moldova.

  • Diana Condrațchi, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Diana Condrațchi, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Andrei Corloteanu, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Andrei Corloteanu, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Tatiana Gulpe, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Tatiana Gulpe, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Ina Pusoi, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Ina Pusoi, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Sergiu Platon, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Sergiu Platon, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Tatiana Cotelnic-Harea, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Tatiana Cotelnic-Harea, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Sofia Alexandru, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Sofia Alexandru, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Vasile Cantarji, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Vasile Cantarji, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Lilian Severin, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Lilian Severin, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

  • Stela Bivol, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Stela Bivol, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Valentina Vilc, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Valentina Vilc, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova.

  • Evghenia Cula, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

    Evghenia Cula, Center for Health Policies and Studies, IMSP Institute of Pneumology “Chiril Draganiuc”, Act for Involvement” (AO AFI), CBS-AXA, Moldova

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Published

2024-10-07

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 5 (2024): Volume 4 Issue 5

Section

Articles