The investigators propose to implement a new mobile interface that automatically reads and troubleshoots malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) cassettes. This device, called a Deki reader (DR), will allow the investigators to establish an extensive quality assurance program of malaria diagnosis performed by trained community health volunteers (CHVs). The study will lease 10 DRs and rotate them amongst 200 CHVs performing community-based malaria diagnosis through rapid diagnostic testing. The study setting is Bungoma East subcounty and Kiminini subcounty in Kenya. The overall goal is to measure and improve the quality of malaria diagnosis by CHVs using malaria RDTs. The investigators aim for every CHW to exceed 90% sensitivity and specificity and zero operator errors within six months. There are no appreciable risks to the CHV associated with evaluation by the DR device. The investigators' analysis will focus on descriptive statistics of RDT use and accuracy amongst all participating CHVs.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Enrollment
100
The investigators propose to implement a new mobile interface that automatically reads and troubleshoots malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) cassettes. This device, called a Deki reader (DR), will allow the investigators to establish an extensive quality assurance program of malaria diagnosis performed by trained community health volunteers (CHVs). To ensure high-quality diagnosis by CHVs, the study team will deploy 10 Fionet DRs and rotate them amongst 200 CHVs who have been trained to do RDTs. In the first phase, each CHV will use the device for 10 successive clients presenting themselves for malaria diagnosis to the CHV, and then the device will be rotated to another CHV.
Duke University
Eldoret, Kenya
Percent of RDTs with correct administration and interpretation by CHVs compared across the first and tenth tests
The percent of RDTs that were properly conducted and interpreted by CHVs, according to Deki Reader results, comparing across the first and tenth RDTs read with the Deki Reader for each CHV.
Time frame: 6 months (during which each consenting CHV of the 200 eligible will conduct 10 tests)
Percent of RDTs with a false negative reading by CHVs compared across the first and tenth tests
Percent of RDTs with a false negative reading by CHVs compared across the first and tenth tests read with the Deki Reader for each CHV.
Time frame: 6 months
Percent of RDTs with a false positive reading by CHVs compared across the first and tenth tests
Percent of RDTs with a false positive reading by CHVs compared across the first and tenth tests read with the Deki Reader for each CHV.
Time frame: 6 months
Percent of invalid RDTs not properly identified by CHVs compared across the first and tenth tests
Percent of invalid RDTs not properly identified by CHVs compared across the first and tenth tests read with the Deki Reader for each CHV.
Time frame: 6 months
Percent of RDTs that CHVs performed with an improper test procedure compared across the first and tenth tests.
Percent of RDTs that CHVs performed with an improper test procedure compared across the first and tenth tests read with the Deki Reader for each CHV.
Time frame: 6 months
Overall sensitivity (measured as the proportion of positive tests as determined by the DR which the CHVs correctly identify).
Overall sensitivity of RDTs performed by CHVs compared to the Deki Reader results. Sensitivity will be measured as the proportion of positive tests as determined by the DR which the CHVs correctly identify.
Time frame: 6 months
Overall specificity (measured as the proportion of negative tests as determined by the DR which the CHVs correctly identify).
Overall specificity of RDTs performed by CHVs compared to the Deki Reader results. Specificity will be measured as the proportion of negative tests as determined by the DR which the CHVs correctly identify.
Time frame: 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.