LIFT-TB Philippines conducts first on-site
training for REDCap
The Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) is a secure web-based application that has been officially adapted by KNCV for data collection and management for the BPaL Operational Research (OR) in the Philippines and other countries. Although the initial training has been conducted in 2021 virtually, the absence of a DOH-approved Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has delayed its implementation. With the signing of the MOA in sight, the REDCap Training was conducted on-site by the Research Team in Brentwood Suites in Quezon City, Philippines on 16 – 17 June 2022. It was the first physical meeting with the Research Team and the OR sites. The training aimed to 1) train OR sites and new members about the REDCap Database 2) address issues and concerns regarding the database and 3) reiterate the importance of data privacy. It was participated by 37 physicians and nurses from the 11 OR sites and resource persons from the Department of Health’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB), KNCV/ITRC, TB Medical Advisory Committee (TBMAC), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. (TDF). 
DPCB DOTS Specialist Dr. Ma. Clarice Salido gave the opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Gerard Belimac, DPCB Division Chief for Adult Health, while DPCB officer Mr. David Robert Omanito discussed the significance of the Philippines Data Privacy Act. This built upon the fundamentals of the OR’s standard operating procedures on data collection and management developed by the Research Team under technical guidance from KNCV. Ms. Rhoda Cervas (Research Coordinator) led the OR site MDs and nurses in navigating through the REDCap platform supported by the Research Specialists, Ms. Charlotte Cabalitan and Ms. Princess Jeam Carpin. In between sessions, videos of TB survivors who have finished the BPaL treatment and healthcare workers who have been directly involved with BPaL implementation gave encouragement to the participants to offer BPaL as an option for those who are eligible.
On the second day, Principal Investigator, Dr. Irene Flores, gave a Research Update and led the discussion with the OR sites who reported on accomplishments, lessons and concerns. LIFT-TB Consultant, Dr. Mamel Quelapio provided updates on the WHO Rapid Communication including the forthcoming changes to the BPaL protocol. Commendation was given to the entire Research Team, OR sites and partners for their dedication and productive work towards patient-centered care.
The presentations, photos and other training materials can be found in the ‘BPaL Reference Materials’ repository in the TDF webpage using this link, https://tdf.org.ph/lift-tb-philippines/ and the Research Team’s shared Google Drive in this link, REDCap Training (June 16-17, 2022).
