Public health and hospital-based nursing intersection: Case study of drug-resistant tuberculosis patients

Objective: Public health nurses (PHN) are key partners in continuity of care for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients. We examined complexities in DR-TB care transition between community- and hospital-based care.

Design: We conducted a case study using medical record data. Four patients were purposively selected to illustrate intersectional complexities in DR-TB care transition involving PHN.

Results: Case A (HIV negative male) received PHN care at a community-based facility 124 km from Cape Town. Cases B, C, and D (males living with HIV) received PHN community-based care, averaging 25 km from the hospital. Treatment failed in cases A, B, and C; they subsequently died. Case D was cured. All cases were granted leave of absence at least once while hospitalized. None returned when expected mainly due to lack of transport funds. PHN played critical roles regarding patients' return by conducting home visits, interacting with relatives, and assisting emergency officers to transport patients back to the hospital. PHN supported relatives to endure protracted patient hospitalizations.

Conclusion: The role of PHN in continuity of DR-TB care in low-middle income countries is unambiguous. PHN are key partners in the DR-TB care cascade, namely facilitating retention in care between hospital and community-based care. Effective DR-TB control relies on effective partnerships among healthcare personnel, patients, and their families.