Using Digital Tools (eTools) as a Strategy for improving uptake and scale up coverage of Tester Training, Competency Assessments and Certification, an important component of the HIV-Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI).
1
HIV and AIDS and STI, National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Approximately 17million rapid HIV tests are performed in health care facilities in South Africa annually. Rapid HIV testing is conducted by diverse cadres, but the service is rendered mostly by lay trained providers. Access to accurate and reliable HIV testing services remain crucial to ensure individuals receive appropriate prevention and treatment services. To im-prove quality of testing, the National Department of Health (NDOH) in collaboration with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) adopted the Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) strategy in 2015. Site assessments conducted 2017 -2019 indicated a gap in personnel training and certification with an overall score of 54% countrywide. These results led to the development of digital tools, which enhanced program coordination and implementation uniformity.
METHODS:
A national review of training materials, followed by digitization and centralization of databases, analysis and reporting paved the way towards improved implementation and scale up of tester certification. Prior to the introduction of eTools, RTCQI training was conducted in person over 3 – 5 days. This included a tester competency assessment, a written exam and observation of HIV testing practical. Subsequently, South Africa adopted the use of a standardized video-based online Learning Management System (LMS) with synchronization to a central electronic database and digital data collection tools for tester competency.
RESULTS:
The introduction of standardized video-based online Learning Management System (LMS) for testers and assessors significantly improved the uptake and access to providers which in-creased the testers competency effectively. Live synchronization of examination reports into a database helps identify review questions and alternative exams, improving prequalification for assessment and eliminating manual scoring and lengthy procedures.
CONCLUSIONS:
eTools for training and tester competency assessment significantly improved organization and efficiency. The introduction of the synchronized examination report within the central tester competency database helped improve the scale-up of national tester countrywide.
Approximately 17million rapid HIV tests are performed in health care facilities in South Africa annually. Rapid HIV testing is conducted by diverse cadres, but the service is rendered mostly by lay trained providers. Access to accurate and reliable HIV testing services remain crucial to ensure individuals receive appropriate prevention and treatment services. To im-prove quality of testing, the National Department of Health (NDOH) in collaboration with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) adopted the Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) strategy in 2015. Site assessments conducted 2017 -2019 indicated a gap in personnel training and certification with an overall score of 54% countrywide. These results led to the development of digital tools, which enhanced program coordination and implementation uniformity.
METHODS:
A national review of training materials, followed by digitization and centralization of databases, analysis and reporting paved the way towards improved implementation and scale up of tester certification. Prior to the introduction of eTools, RTCQI training was conducted in person over 3 – 5 days. This included a tester competency assessment, a written exam and observation of HIV testing practical. Subsequently, South Africa adopted the use of a standardized video-based online Learning Management System (LMS) with synchronization to a central electronic database and digital data collection tools for tester competency.
RESULTS:
The introduction of standardized video-based online Learning Management System (LMS) for testers and assessors significantly improved the uptake and access to providers which in-creased the testers competency effectively. Live synchronization of examination reports into a database helps identify review questions and alternative exams, improving prequalification for assessment and eliminating manual scoring and lengthy procedures.
CONCLUSIONS:
eTools for training and tester competency assessment significantly improved organization and efficiency. The introduction of the synchronized examination report within the central tester competency database helped improve the scale-up of national tester countrywide.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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