Objective To investigate the disease constitution of Yaqian Township Health Center (YQT) in Xiaoshan District of Zhejiang Province from 2008 to 2010, so as to provide baseline data for further study. Methods Questionnaire and focus interview were carried out to collect inpatients’ case records from 2008 to 2010. The first diagnoses were classified according to ICD-10, and the data of discharge diagnoses were rearranged and analyzed by using Excel 2003 and SPSS 13.0 software. Results a) The total numbers of inpatients were 182, 195 and 248 from 2008 to 2010, respectively; b) The disease spectrum included 9-14 categories, which accounted for 47.6%-66.7% of ICD-10; c) The top 6 systematic diseases accounted for 37.37%-75.39%, which included the circulatory, injury, digestive, respiratory, neoplasms and urinary and reproductive systematic diseases; d) A total of 8 of the top 15 single diseases were the same, including hypertension, great saphenous vein varices, redundant prepuce, lung cancer, fracture, superficial injuries, acute appendicitis, and inguinal hernia; and e) The constitution ratio of the chronic diseases, compared with the acute ones, was higher in 2008, but lower in 2009 and 2010. Conclusion a) In recent three years, the main systematic diseases seen in YQT have been circulatory, injury, digestive, respiratory, neoplasms, and urinary and reproductive systematic diseases. The newly increased diseases in 2010 were pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium. The acute diseases mainly are fracture and injure, while the chronic diseases mostly are hypertension; b) A total of 8 of the top 15 single diseases are the same, indicating the stability of the common inpatients’ diseases; and c) Attention should be paid in future to the chronic diseases management, women’s health and specialized subject construction.
Objective To evaluate and select essential medicine for acute and chronic gastritis using evidence-based approaches based on the burden of disease for township health centers located in eastern, central and western regions of China. Methods By means of the approaches, criteria, and workflow set up in the second article of this series, we referred to the recommendations of evidence-based or authority guidelines from inside and outside China, collected relevant evidence from domestic clinical studies, and recommended essential medicine based on evidence-based evaluation. Data were analyzed by Review Manager (RevMan) 5.1 and GRADE profiler 3.6 to evaluate quality of evidence. Results (1) Five guidelines for acute gastritis and seven guidelines for chronic gastritis were included. The recommended included omeprazole, ranitidine and domperidone. (2) A result of three CCTs (n=315, low quality) indicated that omeprazole was superior to famotidine and ranitidine in alleviating symptoms of chronic gastritis such as pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, regurgitation, a burning sensation in the heart, distention and fullness in the upper abdomen (71.2% vs. 47.3%, 94.4% vs. 84.3%, Plt;0.05). A result of one RCT (n=100, low quality) and two CCTs (n=213, low quality) indicated that in HP eradication rates, omeprazole triple therapy and the control intervention had no significant difference (OR=1.09, 95%CI 0.44 to 2.70, Pgt;0.05). A result of one RCT (n=100, low quality) indicated that omeprazole caused no adverse reaction. A result of five CCTs (n=528, low quality) indicated that adverse reaction of omeprazole included poor appetite (two cases), nausea and vomiting (four cases), headache or vertigo (one case) and increased transaminase (one case). Omeprazole cost eight yuan (tablet) or four yuan (capsule) daily. (3) HP eradication rates of ranitidine bismuth citrate was higher than the control group (OR=2.05, 95%CI 1.29 to 3.25, P=0.002). A result of 15 RCTs (n=3 638, high quality) indicated adverse reaction of ranitidine bismuth citrate mainly included symptoms in the digestive system. A result of one RCT (n=100, low quality) indicated ranitidine bismuth citrate and omeprazole triple therapy had no significant difference (Pgt;0.05) and ranitidine bismuth citrate caused no adverse reaction. Ranitidine cost 0.36 yuan (tablet), 0.40 yuan (capsule) or 2.7 to 5.4 yuan (injection) daily. (4) A result of two CCTs (n=133, low quality) indicated that compared with the control intervention, domperidone was more efficient without adverse reaction in improving indigestion, promoting gastric emptying effect, and alleviating pain and distention in the upper abdomen, belching and regurgitation. Domperidone cost 1 to 1.3 yuan daily. (5) All kinds of recommended medicines are listed and legalized in China Pharmacopoeia (2010) and CNF (2010). (6) In clinical setting, above-recommended medicines should be applied strictly according to the CNF (2010) and the National Clinical Prescription Guidelines for Essential Medicine. Conclusion For acute and chronic gastritis, indigestion and HP eradication: (1) We offer a b recommendation for omeprazole (immediate release tablet/capsule for oral use, 10 mg/tablet) which should be cautiously used in children, elderly people, and women during pregnancy or lactation. (2) We offer a b recommendation for ranitidine (immediate release tablet/capsule for oral use, 150 mg/tablet) which should be cautiously used in patients with severe insufficiency in the liver or kidney, women in the pregnancy or lactation, and children under eight years of age.
Objective To investigate the disease constitution and hospitalization cost in Yong’an Central Township Health Center (YaC) in Shuangliu County of Sichuan Province from 2008 to 2010, so as to provide baseline data for further research. Methods Questionnaire and focus interview were carried out; case records and cost information of YaC inpatients in 2008, 2009 and 2010 were collected. The diseases were classified according to ICD-10 based on the first diagnose and the cost was analyzed. Data including general information of the inpatients, discharge diagnosis, hospitalization expenses, and drug cost etc. were rearranged and analyzed by Excel software. Results a) The total number of inpatients were 4 236, 4 335 and 4 844 in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Females were more than males (56.99% vs. 42.96%, 55.59% vs. 44.1%, 54.36% vs. 45.62%), and their disease spectrum included 20 categories, which accounted for 95% of disease classes of ICD-10; b) The inpatients suffering from top three systematic diseases accounted for 62.74% to 72.31%, which included the respiratory, digestive, urinary tract and urogenital systematic disease; c) The top 15 single diseases were upper respiratory infection, acute bronchitis, pulmonary infection, acute gastroenteritis, fracture, acute appendicitis, chronic bronchitis, calculi in urinary system, cerebral vascular insufficiency, lumbar vertebra disease, acute gastritis, superficial injury, chronic gastritis, hypertension, and cholecytolithiasis or cholecystitis; d) The number of inpatients in the group of over 15-24 ages with chronic diseases increased with age and females were more than males. The acute disease burden of inpatients in 0-4 age group was the heaviest, who only suffered from acute diseases and males were more than females. The inpatients in 25-54 age group suffered from more acute diseases than chronic diseases and females were more than males; and e) The inpatients’ average costs of chronic diseases were higher than those of acute diseases in 2010 (1 564.45 yuan vs. 1 104.11 yuan) and those of either Xintian Central Township Health Center (1 311.81 yuan) or Gaozha Central Township Health Center (1 002.99 yuan). Conclusion a) In recent three years, the main systematic diseases that inpatients suffer are digestive, respiratory, and urinary tract and urogenital system diseases; the acute diseases are more than the chronic; the acute diseases mainly include infection and injury; b) During the past three years, the top 15 diseases have been stable and the same diseases include upper respiratory infection, pulmonary infection, acute bronchitis, acute appendicitis, acute gastritis, acute gastroenteritis, fracture, chronic gastritis, chronic bronchitis, and calculi in urinary system; c) It should be paid attention to the inpatients with chronic diseases in over 15-24 age group and the inpatients with acute diseases in 0-4 age group; and d) The inpatients’ average costs of top 15 diseases in 2010 were higher than those of either XtC or GzC, and consideration on rationality of the hospitalization cost should be paid attention to.
Objective To investigate the performance of Essential Medicine List (EML) policy over the past one year in Xintian Township Health Center (XTHC), so as to provide references for the delivery, storage and compensation mechanism of essential medicine for township hospitals. Methods Focus interview combined with a questionnaire was carried out to investigate the supply and usage of EML, the situation of both diagnosis-treatment services and the income-expenditure change before and after EML policy. Results a) It showed that there was an increasing trend with the preparation rate of EML from 62.2% before implementation to 87.3% after, and the proportion of EML income to total medicine expenses increased from 39.3% to 90.6% in XTHC. But problems still existed such as incomplete and old variety of medicine; b) The numbers of outpatient-time and inpatient-time kept growing, while medical cost for both average clinic cost and average hospitalization cost decreased to different extent; c) Although the gross income increased slightly, this center was still running in the red with the limited amount of financial assistance; and d) The proportion of medical care and drug kept decreasing while the proportion of drug cost and examination cost kept increasing. Compared with the situation in 2009, the proportion of examination cost from 2010 to 2011 had increased by 30%, and it still remained at the previous level after EML implementation. Conclusion The implementation of EML does not completely change the predicament of “Make compensation for doctors by selling drugs” in township health center. Owing to the sale policy of zero price difference and the poor performance of compensation for township health centers, XTHC is still running under deficit. Evidence-based medicine selection and research on compensation mechanism for underdeveloped areas are urgently needed.
Objective?To evaluate and select essential antihypertensive medicine using evidence-based approaches based on the burden of disease for township health centers located in eastern, central and western regions of China. Methods?By means of the approaches, criteria, and workflow set up in the second article of this series, we referred to the recommendations of evidence-based or authority guidelines from inside and outside China, collected relevant evidence from domestic clinical studies, and recommended essential medicine based on evidence-based evaluation. Data were analyzed by Review Manager (RevMan) 5.1 and GRADE profiler 3.6 to evaluate quality of evidence. Results?(1) Five clinical guidelines on hypertension were included, two of which were evidence-based. (2) Totally there were nine classes and 70 antihypertensive medicines listed in the guidelines. (3) According to WHOEML (2011), NEML (2009), CNF (2010), other guidelines, and the quantity and quality of evidence, we offered a b recommendation for nifedipine, verapamil and enalapril and a weak recommendation for hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, spironolactone, propranolol, metoprolol and amlodipine. We made a recommendation against furosemide and timolol due to the lack of evidence from guidelines. (4) Nine recommended medicines have been marketed with the dosage forms and specifications corresponding to guidelines in China. The prices of metoprolol, amlodipine and enalapril were higher than those of other six (daily cost: metoprolol 3.80 to 7.60 yuan, amlodipine 2.16 to 4.32 yuan, and enalapril 0.86 to 6.88 yuan). As a whole, the prices of recommended antihypertensive medicine were affordable. (5) Results of domestic studies indicated that three bly-recommended medicines (including nifedipine, verapamil and enalapril) were safe, effective, economical and applicable. Conclusion?(1) We offer a b recommendation for nifedipine, verapamil and enalapril as antihypertensive medicine and a weak recommendation for hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, spironolactone, propranolol, metoprolol and amlodipine. (2) There is lack of high-quality evidence from relevant domestic studies, especially on long-term safety and pharmacoeconomic evidence. (3) We propose that more studies should be carried out on the safety, efficacy and pharmacoeconomics of six medicines for which we make a weak recommendation to produce high-quality local evidence.
Objective To evaluate and select essential medicine for bone fracture using evidence-based methods based on the burden of disease. Methods By means of the approaches, criteria, and workflow set up in the second article of this series, we referred to the recommendations of evidence-based or authority guidelines from inside and outside China, collected relevant evidence from domestic clinical studies, and recommended essential medicine based on evidence-based evaluation. Data were analyzed by Review Manager (RevMan) 5.1 and GRADE profiler 3.6 to evaluate quality of evidence. Results (1) 17 guidelines were included, six of which were evidence-based or based on expert consensus. We found that for fracture, global guidelines recommended surgical treatment and analgesics, while domestic guidelines recommended Chinese patent drugs. (2) A result of one RCT (low quality) indicated that Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian (name of a Chinese patent drug) shortened the clinical recovery time of fracture (MD=–4.2, 95%CI –5.25 to –3.14). A result of one RCT indicated that Shang Ke Jiu Ji Pian had a higher total clinical efficiency compared with San Qi Pian (name of a Chinese patent drug) (RR=1.28, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.47). A result of one RCT (low quality) indicated that Shang Ke Jiu Ji Pian (name of a Chinese patent drug) had a better effect than Shenyang Hong Yao Pian (name of a Chinese patent drug) in promoting the growth of osteotylus (RR=1.48, 95%CI 1.27 to 1.73) and also it had a higher clinical recovery rate (RR=1.62, 95%CI 1.37 to 1.9) compared to Shenyang Hong Yao Pian. A result of one RCT (moderate quality) indicated that Shang Ke Jiu Ji Pian was slightly better than Die Da Wan (name of Chinese patent drug) in regard to the recovery score of fracture (MD=0.25, 95%CI 0.026 to 0.47). A result of one RCT (low quality) indicated that compared to fracture reduction alone Shang Ke Jiu Ji Pian efficiently relieved pain (MD=–25.9, 95% –32.6 to –19.19) and shortened pain time (MD=–38.6, 95% –41.44 to –35.77). A result of one quasi-RCT (low quality) indicated that Shang Ke Jiu Ji Pian had a higher efficiency in relieving pain than benorylate (RR=1.13, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.23). A result of one RCT (low quality) indicated that Shang Ke Jiu Ji Pian had a higher efficiency than Shenyang Hong Yao Pian in relieving pain and swelling (RR=2.4, 95%CI 1.88 to 3.02). A result of one RCT (moderate quality) indicated that Shang Ke Jiu Ji Pian was superior to Die Da Wan in relieving pain and swelling (MD=–0.4, 95%CI –0.60 to –0.2). A result of two RCT (n=198) indicated that Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian caused no adverse reaction. With good applicability, Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian (taken with warm water or rice wine) cost 7.47 yuan daily. Conclusion (1) We offer a b recommendation for Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian and Jie Gu Qi Li Pian used in the treatment of adult fracture. (2) We should carry out more large-sample and controlled trials and improve outcome indicator in order to produce high-quality local evidence.
Objective To analyze the dynamic efficiency of township hospitals. Methods Based on the DEA-Malmquist index, this research analyzed the change of the total factor productivity indices and the decomposition items of 281 township hospitals in Hunan province with panel data from 2000 to 2008. Results Among 281 township hospitals, less than half increased their scale efficiency, while more than half increased their total factor productivity, technology, whole efficiency and technical efficiency. Increasing technology and whole efficiency was the best way to improve total factor productivity. Besides, increasing technical efficiency and scale efficiency was the best way to improve whole efficiency. Conclusions The improvement of scale efficiency is key to developing the central township hospitals, while the improvement of technology is the key to developing general township hospitals.
Objective To evaluate and select essential medicine for children with fever and adult gastrointestinal flu caused by common cold using evidence-based approaches based on the burden of disease for township health centers located in eastern, central and western regions of China. Methods By means of the approaches, criteria, and workflow set up in the second article of this series, we referred to the recommendations of evidence-based or authority guidelines from inside and outside China, collected relevant evidence from domestic clinical studies, and recommended essential medicine based on evidence-based evaluation. Data were analyzed by Review Manager (RevMan) 5.1 and GRADE profiler 3.6 to evaluate quality of evidence. Results (1) 12 guidelines were included, 11 of which were evidence-based or based on expert consensus. We offered a recommendation for medicines used in the treatment including analgesics and antipyretics, decongestants, antihistamines, cough-relieving drug, phlegm-removing drug and drug for gastrointestinal symptoms. (2) A result of four RCTs (very low quality) indicated that in the treatment of children with cold, ibuprofen suspension had an antipyretic effect similar to paracetamol solution (for oral use) with a pooled result of 6-hour efficiency in relieving fever (RR 1.48, 95%CI 0.66 to 3.30, P=0.34). The major adverse effects of ibuprofen suspension included gastrointestinal reaction and profuse sweats (RR=1.23, 95%CI 0.72 to 2.11, P=0.45). With good applicability, ibuprofen suspension (for oral use with no need to be supervised) cost 1.93 yuan daily. (3) A result of three RCTs (low quality) indicated that after given for 30 minutes and one hour, paracetamol solution (suppository) was fairly superior to ibuprofen suspension in lowering the high temperature caused by fever (given for 30 min: MD= –0.16°C, 95%CI –0.21 to –0.11, Plt;0.01; given for one hour: MD= –0.19°C, 95%CI –0.28 to 0.10, Plt;0.01). As to adverse reaction, paracetamol solution (suppository) mainly included anal irritation, skin rashes and profuse sweats, which had a comparative result of incidence with ibuprofen suspension (RR=1.84, 95%CI 0.62 to 5.44, P=0.27). For children with fever, paracetamol solution (suppository) cost 0.90 yuan daily. With good applicability, paracetamol solution (suppository) was administered via the anus. Conclusion (1) We offer a b recommendation for ibuprofen suspension (2 g/100 mL) or acetaminophen (0.1 g/suppository) as symptomatic treatment used in children with fever, pain and discomfort caused by common cold, and for Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Jiao Nang (0.3 g/ capsule) used in adults with gastrointestinal flu. We also offer a weak recommendation for acetylcysteine (injection, 300 mg/mL, 10 mL/ampoule) used in patients with paracetamol poisoning. (2) In order to produce high-quality local evidence, we proposed that large-scale, well-designed, high-quality clinical and pharmacoeconomic studies on ibuprofen suspension and acetaminophen suppository in the treatment of children with fever, pain and discomfort caused by common cold should be further carried out. Besides, we proposed that large-scale, well-designed, high-quality clinical and pharmacoeconomic studies on Chinese patent drugs of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi used in chidren and Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Jiao Nang used in adults should further carried out. Moreover, we suggest that epidemiological investigation as well as clinical and pharmacoeconomic studies of acetylcysteine injection for paracetamol poisoning should be carried out and the instructions of acetylcysteine injection should be added in the guidelines of essential medicine in China. Finally, further studies on evidence of oxymetazoline, dextromethorphan and other Chinese patent drugs with the effect of relieving cough and treating cold should be carried out.
Objective To evaluate and select essential medicine for acute gastroenteritis using evidence-based approaches based on the burden of disease for township health centers located in eastern, central and western regions of China. Methods By means of the approaches, criteria, and workflow set up in the second article of this series, we referred to the recommendations of evidence-based or authority guidelines from inside and outside China, collected relevant evidence from domestic clinical studies, and recommended essential medicine based on evidence-based evaluation. Data were analyzed by Review Manager (RevMan) 5.1 and GRADE profiler 3.6 to evaluate quality of evidence. Results (1) Five guidelines were included, two of which were evidence-based. (2) Recommended medicines included eight antidiarrheals (of four classes) and three antemetics. (3) According to WHOEML (2011), NEML (2009), CNF (2010), other guidelines and the quantity and quality of evidence, we offered a weak recommendation for ondansetron, metoclopramide, smectite, racecadotril and loperamide applied in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis. We made a recommendation against antibiotics, dexamethasone, kaolin-pectin, activated charcoal, attapulgite and bismuth subsalicylate. (4) Evidence from domestic studies: a result of 14 CCTs (n=1 635, low quality) indicated that in the significant efficiency and total efficiency, smectite (smecta) was superior to routine liquid infusion, norfloxacin, gentamicin or furaxone. Among these 14 CCTs, two CCTs reported smectite (smecta) caused nausea and vomiting (three cases); one CCT reported pain and distention in the abdomen (one case) and general discomfort (one case); and the rest reported no adverse reaction. A result of 10 CCTs (n=1 017, low quality) indicated that for acute diarrhea, racecadotril was superior to routine treatment in the significant efficiency (OR=2.55, 95%CI 1.64 to 3.94, Plt;0.01) and total efficiency (OR=4.32, 95%CI 2.96 to 6.30, Plt;0.01). A result of two CCTs (n=344, low quality) indicated that racecadotril was superior to smectite in the total efficiency in treating acute diarrhea. A result of two CCTs (n=1 056, low quality) indicated that racecadotril was superior to routine treatment in the total efficiency in treating acute adult diarrhea (OR=5.19, 95%CI 3.54 to 7.63, Plt;0.01). A result of two CCTs (n=182, low quality) reported children presented with nausea (two cases). A result of one CCT (n=947, low quality) reported adults presented with constipation (fifteen cases), anorexia (four cases), headache (nine cases) and abdominal pain (one case). Conclusion For acute gastroentitis, we offer a weak recommendation for smectite (powder, for oral use) used in adults (once 3 g, tid., mixed with warm water before intake), child under one year of age (3 g daily, bid.), and child above one year of age (once 3 g, qd. or bid.). Retention enema could be appiled to children with acute gastroenteritis. We also offer a weak recommendation for racecadotril (capsule) used in adults (one capsule, tid., taken continuously less than seven days). Due to the lack of evidence from clinical trials, we make a recommendation against racecadotril applied to women with pregnancy and lactation or children. In order to produce high-quality local evidence, we propose that (1) Further clinical studies should be standardized in diagnosis and criteria. (2) The design and implementation quality of clinical studies should be improved. (3) Original studies on pharmacoeconomic studies and drug applicability are needed.
Objective To evaluate and select essential medicine for acute bronchitis using evidence-based methods based on the burden of disease. Methods By means of the approaches, criteria, and workflow set up in the second article of this series, we referred to the recommendations of evidence-based or authority guidelines from inside and outside China, collected relevant evidence from domestic clinical studies, and recommended essential medicine based on evidence-based evaluation. Data were analyzed by Review Manager (RevMan) 5.1 and GRADE profiler 3.6 to evaluate quality of evidence. Results (1) Eight guidelines were included (seven foreign guidelines, one domestic guideline; five based on evidence, three based on expert consensus). (2) A result of six RCTs (n=816, low quality) indicated that pentoxyverine had efficiencies of 53% to 82% for cough relief. Among the six RCTs, a result of three RCTs (n=283) indicated that pentoxyverine was slightly less efficient than procaterol (RR=0.86, 95%CI 0.78 to 0.94, P=0.001); a result of two RCTs (n=233) indicated that pentoxyverine was slightly less efficient than Chinese medicinals decoction (RR=0.82, 95%CI 0.74 to 0.91, Plt;0.001). Adverse reaction of pentoxyverine (incidence: 0% to 2.4%) mainly covered nausea, palpitation, etc. Pentoxyverine cost 0.20 yuan (for adult) or 0.08 yuan (for child) daily, which was orally taken and applicable to the target population. (3) A result of six RCTs (n=403, low quality) indicated that the efficiencies of dextromethorphan for cough relief was 47.0% to 95.3%. Among the six RCTs, a result of one RCT (n=283) indicated that dextromethorphan hydrobromide (nasal drop) was more efficient than blank intervention (RR=3.71, 95%CI 1.91 to 7.21); a result of one RCT (n=43) indicated that dextromethorphan (for oral use) was more efficient than placebo (RR=1.74, 95%CI 1.13 to 2.66); a result of one RCT (n=300, moderate quality) indicated that dextromethorphan was more efficient than pentoxyverine (RR=1.16, 95%CI 1.07 to 1.26); a result of one observational study (n=121, low quality) indicated that dextromethorphan given for 5 days had an efficiency of 66.5%. Adverse reaction of dextromethorphan (incidence: 2% to 30%) mainly covered mouth dryness, dizziness, nausea, etc. Conclusion (1) We offer a b recommendation for dextromethorphan used in relieving dry cough due to acute bronchitis. (2) We offer a weak recommendation for pentoxyverine as symptomatic treatment for cough relief. (3) We make a recommendation against antibiotics, β2-agonist bronchodilators and mucolytic agents as routine use. (4) More large-scale, multi-center, double-blinded RCTs are needed in clinical and pharmacoeconomic studies of acute bronchitis in hopes of producing high-quality local evidence.