Browsing by Author "Msanjila, Upendo"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Strategies for reducing turnaround time on data reporting system for early infant diagnosis of HIV in Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2019) Msanjila, Upendo
    Long turnaround time of receiving early infant diagnosis of results at the health facilities is caused by scarcity of the HIV DNA'PCR laboratory-based test mg point due to the cost required to equip the labor atones at each health facility. The dried blood spot (DBS) samples are collected from lower level health fac1lity and being transported to a centralized HIV DNA/PCR laborato1y for testing and results are returned back to the health facility. This kind of a centralized test mg system has caused significant challenges on having long TAT in reporting the EID results. Th1s study aimed at proposing strategies for TAT in data repol1ing system for EID of HIV across health facilities in Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined the cu1Tent work practice on data reporting system in early infant diagnosis of HIV across health referral system in Tanzania and identified factors contributing to long turnaround time on data reporting system in early infant diagnosis of HIV across health referral system in Tanzania. Qualitative research design was used to understand in depth the current practice across health facilities from sample collection to the results reporting. Key infonnant interviews, observation and documentary review methods were used for data collection process and data were analysed through content analysis technique. The design-reality gap model by Richard heeks was used to identify factors affecting the TAT in data reporting system for EID of HIV. The identified factors include unreliable sample and result transportation, poor procedures on sample testing, lack of technical skills & knowledge, inadequate human resources & financial resources . The strategies that are to be taken into account to reduce the long TAT in receiving the EID results was proposed. These include introducing a transportation coordinator, defined transportation method, tracking system, first-in, first-out rule during testing, clear roles & responsibilities, clearly defined procedures, Job Aids & guidelines, adopted technology, adequate financial & human resources.