Is It Time to Reassess the Categorization of Disease Burdens in Low-Income Countries?

Abstract

The classification of disease burdens is an important topic that receives little attention or debate. One common classification scheme, the broad cause grouping, is based on etiology and health transition theory and is mainly concerned with distinguishing communicable from noncommunicable diseases. This may be of limited utility to policymakers and planners. We propose a broad care needs framework to complement the broad cause grouping. This alternative scheme may be of equal or greater value to planners. We apply these schemes to disability-adjusted life year estimates for 2000 and to mortality data from Tanzania. The results suggest that a broad care needs approach could shift the priorities of health planners and policymakers and deserves further evaluation.

Health transition in Africa: practical policy proposals for primary care

“…(i) the integration of the management of chronic NCDs with that of chronic communicable diseases; 37 (ii) the development of chronic care services that cut across conventional categories of communicable and noncommunicable disease; 38 and (iii) the incorporation of indicators of programme performance and access to services. 39 The key elements of the framework include: (i) the use of standard diagnostic protocols for NCD case-finding among patients presenting to the local health facilities; (ii) the provision of standardized treatment; and (iii) the use of a data collection system for standardized monitoring and evaluation of outcomes.…”

Implementing electronic medical record systems in developing countries

“…7 While HIV, TB and malaria are the best known, other important problems must be addressed, including maternal and infant mortality, other infectious diseases, trauma, and rising levels of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in developing countries. 8 Growing use of electronic medical record (EMR) systems in Europe and the United States (US) has been driven by the belief that these systems can help to improve the quality of health care. Decision support systems, particularly for drug order entry, are becoming important tools in reducing medical errors.…”

Evaluating the comparability of different grouping schemes for mortality and morbidity

“…In terms of the policy relevant, Setel et al [30] argue that the grouping scheme based on etiology has limited utility to policymakers and planners. They argue that the health policy and healthcare requirements for chronic conditions are substantially different from those for acute conditions, whatever their etiology.…”