IR toolkit to inform the implementation and scale-up of digital technologies for TB (IR4DTB)
The IR toolkit to inform the implementation and scale-up of digital technologies for TB, known as IR4DTB, is being developed in partnership with WHO’s Global TB Programme. IR4DTB aims to generate new evidence to bridge the knowledge gaps on an optimal application of digital health technologies specific to TB work and inform future WHO guidance on their use. This tool is an adaptation of the IR Toolkit developed by TDR in 2014 and contains six modules designed to guide users through the key IR steps, resulting in the development of a comprehensive IR proposal.
The modules have been designed to reflect key steps in the IR process, namely:
- Understanding IR
- Identifying the IR challenge
- Research methods and data management
- Planning and implementation
- Knowledge translation
The toolkit also includes practical activities that have been designed to inform the development of an IR proposal to be used to support resource mobilization for IR projects. Illustrative case studies from real-life applications of digital technologies within TB programmes are also included. Activities throughout the toolkit have been designed to inform the development of a proposal document that can be used to support resource mobilization for IR projects.
The toolkit will be piloted in select locations to gather feedback from users. The final toolkit will be released by the end of 2020 and made freely available on TDR’s website.
