Case Management and Peer Support Groups for Prophylaxis Adherence in Rheumatic Heart Disease

While significant strides have been made in echo screening for early detection of RHD and establishment of RHD registries, these efforts are diluted by poor adherence to secondary antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP). In a systematic review by Kevat et al which included 20 global programs, only 20% were able to maintain patients on at least 80% adherence (the minimum acceptable level). Other studies demonstrate similar findings, with adherence ranging from as low as 20% up to 75%. These studies demonstrate that non-adherence undermines most global SAP programs. Despite low adherence to RHD secondary prophylaxis globally, studies have demonstrated that ideal RHD SAP adherence can be achieved, but within the confines of strict trial conditions (GOAL Trial). Currently, there is a dearth of research into pragmatic, scalable approaches to improve RHD SAP adherence. In their systematic review of effectiveness and integration of RHD prevention and control programs, Abrams et. al. advise that prevention and treatment programs should be integrated into general health systems and strengthen local systems. Case Managers and Peer Support Groups (CAMPS) will be a pragmatic randomized trial of two support strategies for rheumatic heart disease secondary antibiotic prophylaxis, integrated into routine care. Hence, CAMPS will address the gap that exists between ideal adherence achieved within the confines of a strict research trial and practical and scalable solutions that can be translated to real-world settings.