Improving data management in trichiasis programmes: operationalisation and use of the TT Tracker

Summary

Trachoma is a disease of the eye and the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Years of repeated infections can cause in-turning of the lashes so that they rub against the eyeball, causing pain, discomfort and, if left untreated, blindness. This is known as trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and can be remedied by surgery.

To improve oversight and reporting of TT outreach, Sightsavers developed a mobile phone application called the TT Tracker so that TT surgeons, assistants and supervisors can collect and analyse information about surgical outcomes and performance and determine when and where follow-up appointments are required. Examples of use and programme improvements from Nigeria, Benin and Senegal are discussed. Areas covered include data quality, data timeliness, patient follow-up rate improvements and surgeon audits.