Translational Strategies for Implementing Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Rural Healthcare Systems

Abstract

The point-of-care (POC) diagnostics has emerged as a technological breakthrough in healthcare services in rural and resourceful locations where no laboratory facilities, or professional staff, are available, as well as no fast-track access to medical exams. This paper discusses the translation strategies which can enable the successful introduction of POC diagnostic technologies into rural health care systems. Drawing on evidence from around the world, the study delves into some of the challenges around incorporating POC diagnostics - including supply chain limitations, cost barriers, the need for training and regulatory restrictions - and ways forward, that bridge the gap between innovation and how it is used in clinical practice around the world. The findings suggest that successful translation calls for a coordinated response including engagement with the community, capacity-building of health workers, integrating digital health, supporting polices, sustainable financial mechanisms and context specific device design. The conclusion the paper came to was that POC diagnostics can have a significant impact on improving disease detection, patient outcomes and health resilience of health systems in rural areas, if coupled with strong translational frameworks.