Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: Point-of-care molecular diagnostics offer solutions to the limited diagnostic availability and accessibility in resource-limited settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular diagnostics became essential tools for accurate detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. The unprecedented demand for molecular diagnostics presented challenges and catalyzed innovations which may provide lessons for the future selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics. Areas Covered: We searched PubMed from January 2020 to August 2023 to identify lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic which may impact the selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics for future use in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated this in the context of REASSURED criteria (Real-time connectivity; Ease of specimen collection; Affordable; Sensitive; Specific; User-friendly; Rapid and robust; Equipment free; and Deliverable to users at the point of need) for point-of-care diagnostics for resource-limited settings. Expert Opinion: The diagnostic challenges and successes during the COVID-19 pandemic affirmed the importance of the REASSURED criteria but demonstrated that these are not sufficient to ensure new diagnostics will be appropriate for public health emergencies. Capacity for rapid scale-up of diagnostic testing and transferability of assays, data, and technology are also important, resulting in updated REST-ASSURED criteria. Few diagnostics will meet all criteria, and trade-offs between criteria will need to be context-specific

Impact of using the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Information System in local banks ,Riyadh city: a descriptive study

This study aimed to knowing the current strategies and procedures of the customer relationship management (CRM) system in local banks from the point of view of the bank employees; clarifying the challenges of using the system for employees surveying the extent of practice Dimensions (trust, commitment, satisfaction); and identifying the most influential dimensions. To achieve these goals, the descriptive-survey methodology was employed, and two questionnaires were distributed among clients and employees of local banks in Riyadh. The study population consisted of clients and employees of local banks in Riyadh. The study sample were (244) clients and (400) employees. The findings of the study are as Follows: the sample of study strongly agree with the administration’s interest in using information technology. The results also showed that the bank’s website provides a safe environment for customers’ transactions. The administration also realizes the importance of using data and information technologies in customer service. - The results revealed that the study sample agree that there is an effect of using the (CRM) system, leads to increased customer satisfaction, and responding to many customer requirements electronically. - The results showed that the great majority of the study sample believed that it is not possible to view the bank's digital information Also that there is an encryption system or a password access the information. - The results indicated that (82.5%) of the total study sample agrees system retain and record the procedures taken by the system user. Therefore, any change in the information can be monitored. - the risks to the system are mostly from within the bank. - the current system in the bank needs to be developed., provides accurate and reliable information. - the system increases the quality and speed of banking operations.and agreeing that the availability of information increases the level of performance. In the light of these results, the study recommended the following (the information system must be suitable for the bank needs; suggestions from the bank’s employees must be taken into consideration before designing the information system; improving the system, programs and banks strategies continuously in accordance with the most recent technolog