Improving viral load testing using a quality improvement approach in Blantyre, Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Viral load (VL) testing coverage remains low particularly in resource limited countries despite recommendation by World Health Organization, and Malawi is no exception. A quality improvement (QI) approach was used to improve VL testing coverage from 27% to a target of 80% at an urban health facility in Malawi.

Methods

A QI study employing a time-series quasi-experimental design with no comparison group was conducted at Chilomoni health centre in Blantyre from April 2020 to July 2020. A retrospective record review of all patient records (257) from 8 weeks before the study was conducted to determine baseline VL testing coverage. Root cause analysis of low VL testing coverage was done using fish-bone tool and factors prioritized using a Pareto-chart. Priority factors

SUBMITTER: Kamwendo AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9176770 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature