![](/imgs/covers/hs_cover.jpg)
|
African Health Sciences
Makerere University Medical School
ISSN: 1680-6905 EISSN: 1680-6905
Vol. 12, No. 3, 2012, pp. 318-324
|
Bioline Code: hs12051
Full paper language: English
Document type: Review Article
Document available free of charge
|
|
African Health Sciences, Vol. 12, No. 3, 2012, pp. 318-324
en |
A systematic review evaluating the impact of task shifting on access to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa
Emdin, CA & Millson, P
Abstract
Background: Task shifting, defined for this review as the shifting of ART initiation and management from physicians to
nurses, has been proposed as a possible method to increase access to HIV treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective: To critically evaluate the literature on task shifting, determining if there is evidence to support this view.
Methods: A systematic search of the literature was undertaken, with both peer reviewed publications and conference
abstracts presenting original data eligible for inclusion. Studies were evaluated according to methodology and discussion of
confounding factors.
Results: We identified 25 articles which evaluated the effect of task shifting on access to ART. The evidence was mixed.
Although there is a significant body of field reports indicating that task shifting increases access, these studies were of low
methodological quality. The only randomized controlled trial included in this review did not find that task shifting increased
in access.
Conclusion: Task shifting appears to be most effective at increasing access when combined with other interventions and
financial support. There is a need for more research into the effects of task shifting policies, especially randomized controlled
trials and high quality cohort studies.
Keywords
task shifting, antiretroviral therapy, nurse provided treatment, substitution of physicians, access to HIV treatment
|
|
© Copyright 2012 - African Health Sciences
|
|