DIRECTIONS FOR STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT OF THE URAL TB SYSTEM IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN CHALLENGES
Significance. The increasing number of newly diagnosed tuberculosis cases caused by the resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Ural federal district substantiates development of new approaches to improve the TB system. The subject of the study was the TB system of the Ural federal region. The purpose of the study was to identify strategic directions for improving the TB system in the context of modern challenges in the Ural federal district. Material and methods. The structure, links and elements of the regional TB system have been analyzed. 10 experts that participated in the round table on evaluating impact of certain external and internal factors on the TB system have been surveyed. Rating of the factors with negative or positive impact on the TB system was developed. Results. Major directions to change the TB system in the Ural federal district have been identified to decrease the number of newly diagnosed TB cases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclusions. The strategic directions for improving the TB system in the Urals federal district in the context of the increasing rate of newly diagnosed TB cases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are as follows: 1) developing processes of internal functional integration of all participants of the TB system; 2) improving tools to monitor prescription of anti-Tb drugs; and 3) developing and implementing software products to support clinical decisions when designing individual drug schemes. Scope of application. Results of the impact analysis of internal and external factors on the TB system show that factors and conditions of the environment in which the TB system functions should be considered while selecting strategic directions for developing any areas of clinical practice.