REASSURED diagnostics for public health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol

The REASSURED criteria was developed as an improved benchmark to determine whether the point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests address the disease control needs. This intervention allows for the timely electronic distribution of information to healthcare professionals who are not readily accessible as well as possible deliberation amongst health professionals from different regions to provide the best medical advice and treatment to the patient. In addition, making sample collection easy and non-invasive will increase the rate patients conduct POC testing thus health emergencies timeously. Diagnostics that meet the REASSURED criteria have been shown to incorporate new technological tools, which provide real-time quality control testing and treatment. They further address challenges encountered with complicated sample collection and processing which may alter patient results if not conducted by a professional. These diagnostics are encouraged for Sub-Saharan Africa where the healthcare systems are not as advanced. The findings of the scoping review will map out gaps which will guide future research on REASSURED POC diagnostics for the benefit of public health outcomes.