Point-of-care testing (POCT) for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has the potential to improve access to timely diagnosis and care, but its effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, implementation barriers, and facilitators, as well as suitable implementation strategies, remain underexplored. This lack of comprehensive evidence limits the ability to scale up POCT and optimize its impact in diverse healthcare settings.

This project involves a series of four systematic reviews addressing key aspects of POCT for HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs: 1) its clinical effectiveness, 2) its cost-effectiveness, 3) barriers and facilitators to its adoption, and 4) implementation strategies to enhance its integration into healthcare systems. By synthesizing evidence across these domains, the project aims to inform decision-making and support the effective scale-up of POCT. The first review, focusing on clinical effectiveness, is underway with data extraction in progress. A dedicated PhD student will lead reviews on barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies to ensure focused and thorough analysis.