Alagna Riccardo, Sawadogo T Léon, Tagliani Elisa, Combary Adjima, Cirillo Daniela Maria
IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
National Tuberculosis Program, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
ERJ Open Res. 2020 Nov 16;6(4). doi: 10.1183/23120541.00283-2020. eCollection 2020 Oct.
GeneXpert scale-up is a historic step in the process of tuberculosis (TB) elimination. However, the global roll-out of the test has highlighted gaps that have limited its impact on the TB care cascade. Here we report the description of an innovative GeneXpert network strengthening tool called Applying a Standardized Approach to Strengthen Performances of GeneXpert Networks (ASAP-GxNet) and highlight results and challenges during implementation of the pilot in Burkina Faso. ASAP-GxNet is a 6-month competency-based programme involving an innovative GeneXpert assessment tool as well as a series of short courses and projects designed to qualitatively improve the network while strengthening the capacity of the national GeneXpert focal point to oversee the network. Progress of the GeneXpert network is measured before and at the end of the programme and is rated using a star system (0 to 4 stars). In Burkina Faso, implementation of the ASAP-GxNet programme resulted in improved management of the national GeneXpert network with a 21% increase in points from the start to the end of the programme. To our knowledge, ASAP-GxNet is the first programme to give an overall picture of the quality of GeneXpert networks and to investigate performance in terms of management behaviour. ASAP-GxNet has been developed to help national TB programmes coordinate efforts and needs and highlights the expected achievements of the GeneXpert network.
GeneXpert检测的推广是结核病消除进程中的一个历史性步骤。然而，该检测在全球的推广凸显了一些差距，这些差距限制了其在结核病防治流程中的影响。在此，我们报告一种名为“应用标准化方法加强GeneXpert网络性能（ASAP-GxNet）”的创新型GeneXpert网络强化工具的相关情况，并强调在布基纳法索开展试点实施过程中的成果和挑战。ASAP-GxNet是一个为期6个月的基于能力的项目，包括一种创新型GeneXpert评估工具以及一系列短期课程和项目，旨在定性改善该网络，同时加强国家GeneXpert协调中心监督网络的能力。在项目开始前和结束时对GeneXpert网络的进展进行评估，并使用星级系统（0至4星）进行评级。在布基纳法索，ASAP-GxNet项目的实施使国家GeneXpert网络的管理得到改善，项目开始至结束时分数提高了21%。据我们所知，ASAP-GxNet是首个全面展现GeneXpert网络质量并从管理行为方面调查其性能的项目。ASAP-GxNet的开发旨在帮助各国结核病规划协调工作和需求，并突出GeneXpert网络的预期成果。
