Innovative Approach to Improving Adherence to Quality Standards at HIV Rapid Testing Sites in Cameroon using the Stepwise Process for Improving the Quality of HIV Rapid Testing SPI RT Checklist
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, 4 (4):
730-735 (May 2020)Abstract
Within the past decade, HIV prevalence in Cameroon has dropped significantly from 11.8 in 2002 to 4.3 in 2015, but the quality of HIV rapid test results is still a challenge. Data from a 2012 HIV sentinel survey among pregnant women tested showed 18.8 received false negative results. Therefore, achieving HIV epidemic control by 2020 in accordance with the UNAIDS 90 90 90 targets critically depends on the accuracy of "the first 90". The HIV Rapid Test Quality Improvement Initiative RT QII is a catalytic effort, building upon in country PEPFAR programs to address known gaps in the quality assurance cycle QAC of HIV rapid testing.Between June 2014 and April 2016, 169 HIV RT sites were selected from four regions in Cameroon to pilot RTQII. Twenty eight quality corps volunteers Q Corps were trained and competent on HIV rapid testing and QAC. Additionally, at least one staff from all selected sites was trained using a standardized comprehensive HIV quality assurance package. Sites were audited quarterly by Q Corps using the SPI RT checklist having 08 sections or major quality elements, and corrective actions were provided during monthly field visits. Baseline and last assessment data were compared using the chi square test for site levels and a paired t test for mean scores of different checklist elements.All 169 sites recorded significant P 0.0001 progress with 34 at level 0, 33 at level I, 33 at level II, compared to 0 at level 0, 7 at level I, 66 at level II, 28 at level III during baseline and last assessments respectively. The mean scores 73 of quality elements were significantly P 0.006 higher at last assessment when compared to baseline 48 .RT QII led to significant quality improvement in the pilot sites and will serve as an efficient approach for optimizing the quality management systems of all facilities providing HIV testing services in Cameroon. Priscillia Mosoke | Juliana Ndasi | Laura Dimite | Charles Efuetakoa | Bienvenu Etogo | Keisha Jackson | Peter Fonjungo | Souleymane Mboup | Judith Shang | Patrick Njukeng "Innovative Approach to Improving Adherence to Quality Standards at HIV Rapid Testing Sites in Cameroon using the Stepwise Process for Improving the Quality of HIV Rapid Testing (SPI-RT) Checklist" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-4 , June 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd31221.pdf Paper Url :https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/31221/innovative-approach-to-improving-adherence-to-quality-standards-at-hiv-rapid-testing-sites-in-cameroon-using-the-stepwise-process-for-improving-the-quality-of-hiv-rapid-testing-spirt-checklist/priscillia-mosoke