Table 7 Positive and negative experiences among PCPs who are using or have used POCT before
Themes | Frequency | Quotes |
|---|---|---|
Positive | ||
Can be used to diagnose in both early and late phase of fever | 36 | “NS1 can detect Dengue before D5 fever. IgM/IgG for fever > D5.” |
Available | 21 | “Available in our clinic.” “This is usually what’s available at our lab.” |
Good/Useful | 16 | “Best thing since sliced bread” “Useful as a good screening tool when Dengue fever is suspected” |
Free | 15 | “Free test via EHI diagnosis” |
Standard test | 14 | “Standard protocol.” “Standard test at commercial lab used.” |
Rapid result | 10 | “I love using it. Gives rapid diagnosis on Dengue fever suspect” |
Accurate result | 5 | “Dengue duo- quite happy with it so far accurate.” |
Easy to use | 5 | “Using it seems simple enough.” |
Diagnosis in early phase of fever | 2 | “Very useful for early identification of cases so patients are more likely to agree to do daily blood for monitoring.” |
Patient’s positive opinion | 2 | “Patients really appreciate a quick diagnosis.” |
Cost-effective | 1 | “I find it useful, fast selective and cost effective.” |
Negative | ||
Concern about cost | 9 | “Given free so used it for trial otherwise expensive” |
Concern about accuracy | 7 | “After doing 3 cases on suspected Dengue- had 2 false negative- not found!” |
Troublesome to use | 2 | “Cumbersome / troublesome to use.” |
Trust | 2 | “I only use it at night or Sunday... Still trust the lab test for Dengue more than portable kit.” |
Other test also used | 2 | “Has to supplemented by FBC sent to the lab to have haematocrit/platelet.” |
Not had occasion to use it much | 2 | “[used] very little [so] not enough suspected cases seen.” |
Only used when instructed to | 1 | “Have used it during referral to a study in our clinic. But now stopped.” |
Lack of official evaluation of it’s efficacy | 1 | “Lack of official reports.” |
Patient’s negative opinion | 1 | “Patients are still new to the idea of a rapid test kit.” |