From silos to synergy: assessing tuberculosis basic management units readiness for integrated diabetes mellitus care across different districts of Pakistan.

Abstract

Background: The dual burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) presents a growing challenge for health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Pakistan. Despite global and national policies advocating for integrated care, evidence on health facility readiness to operationalize integration remains scarce. This study assessed the readiness of TB basic management units (BMUs) to deliver integrated TB-DM care and explored implementation barriers using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Methods: We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study from September 2024 to February 2025 across 13 TB BMUs in five districts of Pakistan. Quantitative readiness data were collected using a structured tool adapted from the WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA), generating a composite score across four domains. Subsequently, qualitative data were gathered through multi-stakeholder focus group discussions with healthcare providers, facility managers, patients, caregivers, and policymakers. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted and mapped to CFIR Inner Setting constructs to contextualize quantitative findings.

Results: Only one facility demonstrated high readiness, while 12 showed low readiness. Facilities lacked routine comorbidity screening, trained staff, diagnostic capacity, and essential medicines. Key barriers included inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, fragmented information systems, and low prioritisation of integrated care. Financial constraints and limited coordination further hindered implementation.

Conclusion: This study highlights critically low readiness among TB facilities in different districts of Pakistan to deliver integrated TB-DM care, reflecting systemic weaknesses across core domains. Strengthening systems, building capacity, and improving integration strategies are essential to bridge gaps between policy and practice.