title: Evaluation of a comprehensive refresher training program in malaria microscopy covering four districts of Uganda.
abstract: Microscopy remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis. However, quality microscopy services are severely lacking in most African countries. To improve capacity for malaria microscopy in Uganda, a 3-day refresher training program was conducted in four districts. Training impact was measured through a written examination and evaluation of the quality of blood-slide preparation and accuracy of field microscopy. A total of 184 of 192 (96%) identified laboratory personnel participated in the training. Average test scores improved from 41% to 75% (P < 0.001). A total of 1,079 and 1,190 routinely made thick blood smears were collected before and after the training, respectively. Sensitivity improved from 84% to 95% (P < 0.001), and specificity improved from 87% to 97% (P < 0.001). The proportion of well-prepared blood smears improved from 6% to 75% (P < 0.001). Supplemental training can have a significant impact on the knowledge of staff, accuracy of microscopy, and quality of blood-slide preparation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Makerere University Medical School, and Uganda Malaria Surveillance Program, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda. mkiggundu@muucsf.org
authors.forename: Moses
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kiggundu
authors.forename: Samuel L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Nsobya
authors.forename: Moses R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kamya
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Filler
authors.forename: Sussan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nasr
authors.forename: Grant
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dorsey
authors.forename: Adoke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yeka
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014454:Uganda