Level of Optimization of Turnaround Time Among the TB DOTS Team and Treatment Compliance Experiences of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in RHU-Sagñay

Abstract

This study assessed the level of optimization of turnaround time (TAT) among the Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (TB DOTS) team and explored the treatment-compliance experiences of confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients in the Rural Health Unit of Sagñay, Camarines Sur. A concurrent parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative survey data were obtained from 40 confirmed PTB patients, eight of whom were purposively selected for semi-structured interviews, while six TB DOTS team members participated in a focus group discussion. Quantitative data were summarized using weighted and average means, whereas interview and focus-group data were examined through content and thematic analysis and integrated with the quantitative findings. The TB DOTS team demonstrated a very high overall level of TAT optimization (M = 4.29), with screening (M = 4.24), diagnostics (M = 4.27), treatment initiation (M = 4.31), and follow-up (M = 4.36) all rated very high. Important service gaps nevertheless emerged in timely communication of diagnostic results (M = 2.63, Moderate), treatment initiation within five working days of sputum collection (M = 3.85, High), and attendance at scheduled follow-up visits (M = 3.65, High). Patients described symptom recognition, transportation and financial barriers, prolonged waiting for diagnostic results, treatment side effects, and family or healthcare-worker support as central to adherence. Staff identified awareness, knowledge of diagnostic TAT, and appropriate communication as facilitators, while distance and limited schedules, insufficient staffing, and inadequate budget were hindering factors. These findings informed the proposed REACH TB Project, a patient-centered program designed to strengthen decentralized specimen transport, community outreach, adherence support, and sustainable financing. The study concludes that RHU-Sagñay has a strongly functioning TB DOTS system, but targeted improvements in result communication, logistical access, staffing, and follow-up are needed to make timely TB care more consistent and sustainable.