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Abstracts of Poster and e-Poster Presentations
PA-310 User perspectives on Molbio MTB for use as a decentralized point-of-care diagnostic test in Mozambique and Tanzania
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  1. Maria Del Mar Castro Noriega1,
  2. Marta Cossa2,
  3. Raphael Edom3,
  4. Délio Elísio2,
  5. Jerry Hella4,
  6. Celso Khosa5,
  7. Antonio Machiana5,
  8. Katia Magul2,
  9. Yolanda Manganhe5,
  10. Grace Mhalu4,
  11. Simeon Mwanyonga3,
  12. Lonze Ndelwa3,
  13. Dinis Nguenha2,
  14. Tresphory Zumba4,
  15. Adam Penn-Nicholson6,
  16. Katharina Kranzer7,
  17. Claudia Denkinger1
  1. 1Center of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, Germany
  2. 2Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Mozambique
  3. 3Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Mozambique
  4. 4National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) – Mbeya Medical Research Centre (MMRC), Tanzania
  5. 5Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
  6. 6Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Switzerland
  7. 7Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Germany

Abstract

Background Timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment are key to reduce tuberculosis (TB) mortality, morbidity and prevent transmission. However, almost half (4.3 million) of the 10 million annual TB cases remain undiagnosed. Incorporating patients’ preferences when implementing of a point-of-care (POC) strategy for TB diagnosis may facilitate scale-up and impact. This qualitative study explores the values and preferences of patients, healthcare providers and decision makers regarding a POC TB diagnostic strategy using the Molbio TrueLab platform in Mozambique and Tanzania.

Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients (20–24/country), professional users (laboratory staff, nurses, clinicians, 10/country) and decision makers (3/country). Direct observations of the testing procedures and usability surveys in staff operating the platform were also conducted.

Results Preliminary findings show that Molbio TrueLab platform and TB assays are easy to use (System Usability Scale score= 82.5/100). During observations, the most frequently error was forgetting to check for internal control line of the cartridge (n=6/9). Providers appreciated the possibility of identifying TB and rifampicin resistance on site, without having to transport samples for centralized testing. Patients preferred the same-day results and fast initiation of treatment when samples were investigated by Molbio. However, some view waiting longer time for the results as an acceptable trade-off if results are more accurate. While some patients described difficulties producing the sputum sample, most thought that sputum was the only samples which could be investigated for TB. In terms of the diagnostic process, patients valued the support and counselling from staff. Fears of being stigmatized after diagnosis were common.

Conclusion The Molbio platform and TB assays were perceived as easy to use by health providers, and an alternative for TB diagnosis at the POC that was not just acceptable but also preferred by patients in Mozambique and Tanzania.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2023-EDC.156

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