The Implementation of Rapid Diagnostics and Mobile Technology to Improve Healthcare Quality in Nigeria

Nigeria is one of the developing countries that has continually advocated for and witnessed an increase in number of persons yearning for the implementation of rapid diagnostic and mobile technology that is geared towards enhancing the healthcare system. However, the challenges abound in the proper diagnostic and analysis of test result using modern technology and lack of the use of mobile device has been a major challenge in the healthcare quality in Nigeria. The main aim of the study is to ascertain the implementation of rapid diagnostic and mobile technology towards improving healthcare delivery in Benin, Nigeria. The study is centred on the deployment of the benefit of implementing the uses of Rapid Diagnostics Kits (RDTs), alongside mobile immediate technology to tackle diseases. It is geared towards determining the benefits and challenges of implementing rapid diagnostic, to effectively help combat diseases towards improving the healthcare system in Nigeria with the use of mobile technology. With an interpretive case study research approach, empirical materials were collected from the public domain as well as the practical report from health workers from using Mobile Health (M-Health) a RDT application-that is similar but limited in operation to iSTOC, an Immediate Diagnosis and Analytics (IDA) point of care mobile technology platform-through the use of questionnaires and face to face interviews. The research incorporated the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure there is adequate information. The findings from the study reveal that despite the use of mobile technology proving to being significant has faced challenges when it comes to implementation. Both the patients and the health workers have to be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to make use of the mobile technology. This will enhance service delivery from the implementation of rapid diagnostic and mobile health technology which will help foster easier communication, recording of data automatically and communication between the patients and the health workers with speed and efficiency. Training of both the health workers and the public domain is necessary for the success of implementing the aspect of rapid diagnostic and mobile technology. Finally, there is need for effective policy that is essential in ensuring that M-health application propels which will assist in the harmonization of mobile health technologies and directions in both short and long term