Diagnostics for optimised dengue surveillance: a qualitative focus group study to investigate user experience and requirements in Thailand.



Arkell, Paul ORCID: 0000-0003-3702-2716, Ketklao, Sanhapon, Songjaeng, Adisak, Mairiang, Dumrong, Rodriguez-Manzano, Jesus, Georgiou, Pantelis, Holmes, Alison ORCID: 0000-0001-5554-5743, Ahmad, Raheelah, Malasit, Prida, Avirutnan, Panisadee
et al (show 1 more authors) (2024) Diagnostics for optimised dengue surveillance: a qualitative focus group study to investigate user experience and requirements in Thailand. BMJ open, 14 (11). e085946-. ISSN 2044-6055, 2044-6055

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Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>Effective, real-time surveillance of dengue may provide early warning of outbreaks and support targeted disease-control intervention but requires widespread accurate diagnosis and timely case reporting. Research directing innovation in diagnostics for dengue surveillance is lacking. This study aimed to describe experience and requirements of relevant prospective users.<h4>Design</h4>A qualitative, focus group study was conducted.<h4>Participants</h4>Data were collected from 19 users of diagnostic technology who work across the Thai dengue surveillance system.<h4>Data collection and analysis</h4>Contextual knowledge, experience and needs were explored in focus groups. Discussions were translated, transcribed, analysed thematically and mapped to Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains.<h4>Results</h4>Participants expressed a need for rapid, accurate, serotype-specific tests which can be operated easily by non-expert users without laboratory equipment. They supported integration of diagnostics with surveillance systems and felt this would increase the quantity and speed of case reporting as well as provide healthcare professionals with up-to-date information about the number of cases locally, thereby aiding interpretation of test results. Concerns included those relating to data security and the cost of tests.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Engagement to understand prospective user experience and requirements can improve relevance and uptake of new technology, leading to system efficiencies. The present study highlights specific needs for accurate, serotype-specific, remote-connected diagnostics which are integrated with surveillance systems and support dengue case reporting at the point-of-care.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Humans, Dengue, Population Surveillance, Focus Groups, Prospective Studies, Disease Outbreaks, Qualitative Research, Thailand, Female, Male
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 17 Dec 2024 16:13
Last Modified: 17 Dec 2024 16:13
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085946
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3189235