Barriers and Facilitators in the Use of Selected Point-of-care Diagnostics in Indian Public Health Programs.

Abstract

Background: Comprehensive reviews on the use and utility of point-of-care tests (POCs) in public health programs in relation to infectious disease and nutrition are limited. Point-of-care technologies have potential to improve the management of infectious diseases particularly in settings where healthcare infrastructure and timely access to quality medical care are limited.

Methods: We aim to describe POC tests currently used or under evaluation in the Indian national programs for communicable diseases and nutrition, and to identify the barriers and facilitators. Scoping review methodology was followed to search databases such as MEDLINE, EPPI (evidence for policy and practice information), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), JBI Evidence Synthesis, and Google Scholar. Descriptive statistics were applied to identify the utility, barriers, and facilitators of POCs in context of Indian public health program from patients' and physicians' perspectives.

Conclusion: Rapid results, appropriate case management, and accuracy of testing in remote areas are perceived to be the major benefits of using POCs. Lack of awareness about POCs and lack of regulations leading to spurious products on the market are obstacles to their optimal use.