title: Support of vulnerable patients throughout TB treatment in the UK.
abstract: Despite well-established treatment regimens, tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health burden; it disproportionately affects poor and marginalized populations who may not have access to social support, including migrants, homeless people and those dependent on drugs or alcohol. There is a clearly demonstrated need for housing and other appropriate social support, as part of a package of integrated clinical and social care. However, TB prevention and control efforts in the UK often do not address the specific vulnerabilities of these groups and it can be a challenge to support the continued TB treatment of these underserved populations. This challenge is exacerbated by complex issues concerning funding, immigration and the law. In this paper, we have reviewed current UK guidance and legislation, discussed several case studies and highlighted examples of existing models of community support for TB patients. Finally, we lay out our recommendations for ensuring a co-ordinated, whole system approach to successful TB treatment.
authors.affiliation: Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Inamdar
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, UK.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Okereke
authors.affiliation: Homerton Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Collinson
authors.affiliation: TB Alert, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dukes
authors.affiliation: TB Alert, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mandelbaum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011634:Public Health; D012944:Social Support; D013222:State Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006113:United Kingdom; D035862:Vulnerable Populations
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents
keywords: communicable diseases; public health; socioeconomics factors