RDT digital companion apps

We partner with health programme implementers, software developers, and digital system implementers to co-create digital solutions that can help fully unlock the power of RDTs.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are essential tools that expand people’s access to testing – in primary care, communities, and even at home. Their utility is compromised, however, whenever a test is incorrectly performed or interpreted, or its result is not available promptly for clinical and public health decision-making.

The development and adoption of digital tools have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these tools are now primed for the future. Browse this page to access resources that can facilitate the integration of digital innovations to support rollout of RDTs. Contact us for more information.

Common data model for RDT data collection and exchange

The model increases the ability of health systems to compile and share diagnostic testing data from various sources. Initially designed for COVID-19, it is freely available to download, adapt, and use to develop new RDT companion apps.

Download data model

Pre-built apps for capturing RDT data

The following pre-built apps integrate the common data model. Provided by leading developers of digital solutions already in use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), they aim to facilitate rapid deployment by global health implementors.

Read more about the data model and resulting apps

RDT-reading and on-the-job support applications

The solutions presented are available for a selection of commercialized malaria and COVID-19 RDTs and can be adapted to other diseases.

^{The demo of the application starts at 3min26.}

RDT Reader App

The RDT reader app, co-developed by FIND and Scanwell Health, uses AI-based algorithms to interpret test results and support quality control. It is now integrated into the RDToolkit.

Rapid Diagnostics Toolkit (RDToolkit)

The RDToolkit developed by Dimagi, is an open-source mobile app. It provides end-users with visual instructions and a built-in timer to carry out RDTs and interpret and report test results.

RDToolkit

Read more about RDT-reading apps:

• Landscape of RDT-reading apps
• Target Product Profile for readers of RDTs

A user-centred approach to digital solutions

From a standardized approach, we are supporting countries to adapt digital solutions to their local contexts.

In support of the global pandemic response, FIND and PATH joined forces to develop digital Solutions To Support COVID-19 Antigen RDT Rollout (dSTARR project). To optimize the functionality and user experience, we took a human-centred design approach and co-created the solution with implementing partners and healthcare workers in LMICs, right from design through to usability testing.

Understanding stakeholder and market needs

We conducted interviews with key stakeholders in five countries, identifying opportunities for digital solutions to address current pain points associated with decentralized diagnostic testing in LMICs.

Read key findings and supporting data

Beyond on-the-job assistance for healthcare workers and data capture, our research highlighted the need to expand automation: for data reporting, aggregation, and analysis to inform timely decision-making.

With these insights, we collaborated with Dimagi to upgrade the CommCare app and develop standardized frameworks for data reporting and dashboards, enabling rapid development and implementation across country contexts.

Access Covid-RDT app

Digital systems and user requirements

The key steps and resources used in the process were documented and packaged into digital systems and user requirements (DSUR). The DSURs provide a common language across various audiences – including software developers and programme and health information system implementers – and a comprehensive framework to guide the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of fit-for-purpose digital solutions.
A generic, country agnostic DSUR is now available to facilitate general adaption by any country. Country-specific DSURs have also been compiled with Senegal and Zambia.

Download generic DSUR (English)

Download Senegal DSUR (French)

Download Zambia DSUR (English)