Dispensary level pilot implementation of rapid diagnostic tests: an evaluation of RDT acceptance and usage by providers and patients – Tanzania, 2005

Details

• Alternative Title:
  Malar J
• Personal Author:
  Williams, Holly Ann ; Causer, Louise ; Metta, Emmy ; Malila, Aggrey ; O'Reilly, Terrence ; Abdulla, Salim ; Kachur, S Patrick ; Bloland, Peter B
• Description:
  Background
  
  Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) may assist in diagnosis, improve prescribing practices and reduce potential drug resistance development. Without understanding operational issues or acceptance and usage by providers and patients, the costs of these tests may not be justified.
  
  Objectives
  
  To evaluate the impact of RDTs on prescribing behaviours, assess prescribers' and patients' perceptions, and identify operational issues during implementation.
  
  Methods
  
  Baseline data were collected at six Tanzanian public dispensaries. RDTs were implemented for eight weeks and data collected on frequency of RDT use, results, malaria diagnoses and the prescription of antimalarials. Patients referred for RDTs completed a standardised exit interview. Qualitative methods assessed attitudes toward and satisfaction with RDTs, perceptions about the test and operational issues related to implementation.
  
  Results
  
  Of 595 patients at baseline, 200 (33%) were diagnosed clinically with malaria but had a negative RDT. Among the 2519 RDTs performed during implementation, 289 (11.5%) had a negative result and antimalarials prescribed. The proportion of "over-prescriptions" at baseline was 54.8% (198/365). At weeks four and eight this decreased to 16.1% (27/168) and 16.4% (42/256) respectively.
  
  Conclusion
  
  Overprescriptions decreased over the study period. There was a high degree of patient/caregiver and provider acceptance of and satisfaction with RDTs. Implementation should include community education, sufficient levels of training and supervision and consideration of the need for additional staff.
  
  
• Subjects:
  Community Health Centers Diagnostic Tests, Routine Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Health Personnel Humans Malaria Patient Acceptance Of Health Care Pilot Projects Research Sensitivity And Specificity
• Source:
  Malar J. 2008; 7:239.
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Tanzania
• Volume:
  7
• Collection(s):
  CDC Public Access
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:03a670defd78e28ad6f464e43983f7a3d861624e4a0bd47b036b78c4e39f116d02cac80d3fad7cf5765092bf2f5a3d6839b31382d4b8b233ae56635bed7e0eb9
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/3500/cdc_3500_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 270.66 KB ]