Region and Country: Zambia

Topics: Community health workers, Malaria, Patient Safety, Rapid diagnostic test, Training

This study examined: (i) whether Zambian CHWs could prepare and interpret RDTs accurately and safely using manufacturer's instructions alone; (ii) whether mostly pictorial instructions (a "job aid") could raise performance; and (iii) whether a brief training program would produce further improvement. The authors found that manufacturers' instructions, like those provided with the RDTs used in this study, are insufficient to ensure safe and accurate use by CHWs. However, well-designed instructions plus training can ensure high performance. More study is underway to determine how well the CHWs' performance holds up over time.