OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the experiences of, and lessons learnt from, a seven-year government-academe-civil society collaboration in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a training program for Filipino physicians and rehabilitation practitioners on the management of drug dependence.

METHODS: Review of memoranda, records, and reports relevant to the initiation and implementation of the training activity. Where relevant, we also perused internal notes and minutes of meetings written by the authors, who are also members of the training team.

RESULTS: A tripartite collaboration between government, academe, and professional organizations developed a training program on the management of drug dependence for physicians and rehabilitation practitioners. Learner-centered approaches to education were adopted in the delivery of training content. Participation in the training is a prerequisite for government accreditation as rehabilitation professionals. A ladderized approach to the training was adapted, with participants first obtaining a broad introduction to the program, followed by in-depth focus on the assessment and management of drug dependency. This was done as a response to the perception that a single, two-week training program is insufficient to fully capacitate physicians and rehabilitation practitioners with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to manage persons with drug dependence. Future plans include an executive course for established practitioners, and a course on community-based management of drug dependency.

CONCLUSION: The current perspective on drug use and dependence is transitioning from a politico-legal issue to a public health concern. Attaining the sustainable development goals in 2030 will necessitate the development of a cadre of professionals who are, among others, capable of assessing and treating persons who suffer from drug dependence. The Philippine experience may serve as a model for other countries struggling with the drug menace.

Human ; Substance-related Disorders ; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers ; Philippines

Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem in the Philippines despite trends indicating a decline in the burden of disease. Persons who use drugs who are confined in government-retained drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers (DATRCs) face an increased risk for TB because of the congestion in the facility coupled with the absence of guidelines on TB management specific to DATRCs. Thus, this study was conducted to document the current case finding and case holding practices as well as TB treatment pathway in six (6) Luzon-based, government-retained DATRCs.

Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with DATRC personnel involved in TB diagnosis and management in six selected DATRCs in Luzon, Philippines. Interviews were transcribed and coded for thematic analysis. We compared the DATRC practices with the provisions of the 2014 National TB Control Program (NTP) Manual of Procedures. Results were validated through a workshop with (a) a group of physicians and rehabilitation practitioners assigned in other DATRCs; and (b) a group of experts who have experience in managing or overseeing DATRCs in the country.

Results: Two physicians and four nurses participated in the interviews. Variations in case finding and case holding practices in six DATRCs have been found. National guidelines exist for congregate settings but are more specific to jails/prisons, which are administratively and operationally different from DATRCs.

Conclusion: Development of special guidelines for TB case finding and case holding in DATRCs as well as staff training on the latest NTP Manual of Procedures are recommended. However, gaps and inequities posed by the current set-up underscore the need to address health system-wide factors affecting the practice and performance of these facilities.

Key Words: tuberculosis, case finding, case holding, drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers, Philippines

Tuberculosis ; Rehabilitation Centers

Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a public health concern in the Philippines. Vulnerable populations in congregate settings such as drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers (DATRCs) have higher risks of TB transmission and infection. With the Duterte administration’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs, government-retained DATRCs are filled to capacity. There is an identified need to profile drug users and dependents living in DATRCs. Furthermore, national guidelines for TB management specific to this population is absent. A study was conducted to determine the profile of admitted clients diagnosed with TB, TB prevalence, treatment outcomes and choice of TB diagnostic modalities in six (6) Luzon-based DATRCs from 2013-2015. Methods: All medical records of drug users admitted in this period were reviewed. Information on the total patient census was sought from DATRC heads and used to compute for prevalence. Results: A total of 347 records were obtained. Overall TB prevalence in the study sites was 7,216 per 100,000 population. The typical individual diagnosed with TB in a DATRC was male, with a mean age of 35 years, with at least high school education, and unemployed. Weight loss and fatigue were the most common symptoms reported. The majority (79.83%) completed TB treatment in the DATRCs. Sputum microscopy and chest x-ray were both used for TB diagnosis in 92.80% (322) of the cases. Conclusion The high burden of TB in Luzon-based, government-retained DATRCs is alarming and underscore the critical need for standards and guidelines in the National Tuberculosis Control Program addressing the unique context of these facilities.
Substance Abuse Treatment Centers ; Prevalence ; Philippines ; Tuberculosis ; Psychiatric Rehabilitation ; Behavior Therapy