title: Dispensary level pilot implementation of rapid diagnostic tests: an evaluation of RDT acceptance and usage by providers and patients--Tanzania, 2005.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.A total of 355 patient or parent/caregiver and 21 prescriber individual interviews and 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Patients, caregivers and providers trusted RDT results, agreed that use of RDTs was feasible at dispensary level, and perceived that RDTs improved clinical diagnosis. Negative concerns included community suspicion and fear that RDTs were HIV tests, the need for additional supervision in interpreting the results, and increased work loads without added compensation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. hbw2@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Holly Ann
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Causer
authors.forename: Emmy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Metta
authors.forename: Aggrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malila
authors.forename: Terrence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
authors.forename: Salim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abdulla
authors.forename: S Patrick
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Kachur
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Bloland
mesh_terms: D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology