Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TT Tracker right for our program?

The TT Patient Tracker is suitable for programs that: 

  • Are conducting trichiasis surgeries in a GET2020 Alliance country
  • Struggle to achieve completion on of some or all of the targeted post-operative follow-up visits 
  • Require laborious reviews of patient records to develop patient follow-up lists
  • Face challenges with maintaining up-to-date or accurate records
  • Experience burdensome data collation activities when program reports are due
  • Wait long periods of time to receive program reports to understand what is happening in the field
  • Lack the ability (beyond surgical audits) to assess surgical outcomes by individual surgeon 
How does it work? 

Programs track patients longitudinally through surgical intervention and follow-up, entering data on GPS-enabled Android phones or tablets.  Patient data is collected at five points: Registration and evaluation, surgery, post-surgical follow-up on day one, post-surgical follow-up at 7-14 days, and post-surgical follow-up at 3-6 months. Reports are then created based off of the information collected, including lists detailing patients who are due for 7-14 day and 3-6 month follow-ups, performance reports to assess surgical outcomes by each individual TT surgeon, and summary reports with patient demographics, number of patients & eyes operated, follow-up completeness, and surgical outcomes.

Who is behind the TT Tracker?

The TT Tracker was the result of a recommendation by program partners, including World Health Organization, Sightsavers, The Carter Center, USAID, RTI, Fred Hollows Foundation, Helen Keller International, Emory University, and Johns Hopkins University.  Sightsavers led in its development with the input of experts across multiple organizations, and Sightsavers continues to manage the application. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and the Department for International Development provided initial funding. 

Who is responsible for what?

Outside of Sightsavers-funded projects, Sightsavers offers paid packages to other organizations which include the system, support, training and data management. Other costs associated with the use of the TT Tracker (phone and airtime purchasing, training, and personnel requirements) must be covered by the implementing programs.

Who owns the data? 

Data are owned by Ministries of Health. 

Who can see patient records?

The TT Tracker limits access to patient records to those in a designated coverage area, which can be defined as district, region, zone, etc – generally the area in which outreach teams share surgery and follow-up responsibilities. Patient information will therefore only be visible to individuals in those areas who may need access to it for conducting and documenting surgery, follow-up, or surgical audits. The Administrator, as designated by the Ministry, will also have access to patient records. All other users only have access to de-identified data.

What languages is TT Tracker available in?

The TT tracker is available in English and French.  Other languages are possible; contact us for additional information. 

What phones are required for use?

Programs should procure Android phones or tablets that have been purchased within the last 3-4 years, maximum. Programs can work with the TT Tracker Development Team to determine how many phones are required, which will depend on the number of simultaneous outreach activities that take place and the number of static sites where TT surgeries are provided.