eDetection is a tool to improve detection for the relevant disease/issue. The relevant algorithm is loaded onto the tablet. It guides CHW to ask proper questions. Based on the answers, the application directs the CHW give proper advice to the client. The application follows a step by step process till the symptomatic is proved free of the disease, or advised medication by a qualified physician.
eDetection helps improve detection and productivity of CHWs. It has so far been used for TB, hemophilia, diabetes and mental health/ depression.
The results of eDetection are amazing. A team constituted by Government of India (Central TB Division) found that all TB patients detected by Operation ASHA were expeditiously enrolled in treatment with ZERO initial default. This means that no patient was allowed to go on infecting others, or without therapy. To put this into context, the initial default across India is 15% according to a paper co-authored by Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research.
Contact tracing is the identification and diagnosis of persons who may have come into contact with an infected pulmonary positive TB patient. The software works in two modes – Contact Tracing and Active Case Finding. In both the modes a TB suspect goes through a set of questions, if answer to any of the questions is yes, the health worker enter contact details of the TB suspect. After the suspect details are saved, the system keeps track of the suspect through each stage of diagnosis namely – Sputum Result Pending, Antibiotics Medication, Repeat Sputum Result Pending, X-ray Result Pending. The diagnosis of a suspect is termed as ‘Completed’ if the diagnostic results are indicative of TB. If diagnostic results are negative else the suspect is ‘Archived ‘into the system. This whole process let health workers realize the contact tracing methodology more efficiently.
