Evaluation of an optimization strategy for use and management of malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) in Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the implementation effect of the optimization strategy for the use and management of malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) technology in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the empirical evidence and suggestions for promoting the standardized use of RDT technology.Questionnaire surveys of primary-level health professionals’ RDT-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and work satisfaction were conducted in 4 pilot cities in Jiangsu Province before and after the intervention.After the implementation of the intervention, 13.9% of surveyed laboratory technicians, 21.9% of surveyed clinicians and 4.1% of surveyed staff of the centers for disease control and prevention (CDCs) had significant improvements in RDT-related knowledge. About 10.9% of the surveyed laboratory technicians and 25.6% of the surveyed CDC staff improved their attitudes toward RDT technology. About 38.4% of the surveyed laboratory technicians and 10.0% of the surveyed clinicians improved the standardized use of RDT technology. All types of primary-level health professionals had high evaluation in the satisfaction and effectiveness of the optimization strategy. However, the evaluation of the surveyed clinicians was slightly lower than that of the laboratory technicians and CDC staff.The optimization strategy in this project can effectively improve the knowledge, attitude and behavior of all types of primary-level health professionals and help to promote the standardized use of RDT technology.