Clinical Safety & Care Model

At DoctaDirect, patient safety is our highest priority. Our care model is designed to provide early, reliable medical guidance while clearly defining what we do — and what we do not provide.

DoctaDirect provides medical guidance and clinical triage, not in-person medical treatment.

We help families:

• Understand symptoms early
• Make informed health decisions
• Reach appropriate care at the right time

Our services are delivered through WhatsApp and follow standardized, evidence-based clinical protocols adapted to the Congolese context.

All consultations begin with a certified nurse. Nurses practice strictly within their professional scope and follow defined escalation criteria.

The nurse:

• Reviews the concern carefully
• Asks structured medical questions
• Screens for danger signs using clinical protocols
• Provides clear, practical guidance

This approach ensures fast response times, consistency, and safe, structured decision-making.

When a case requires further medical review:

• A licensed doctor is involved
• The case is reviewed or escalated based on clinical criteria
• Additional guidance or referral advice is provided

Doctors intervene when:

• Risk thresholds are met
• Symptoms are unclear or worsening
• Clinical judgment indicates the need for further review

In limited, low-risk cases, a licensed doctor may issue a prescription.

Prescriptions:

• Are not guaranteed
• Are limited to predefined, protocol-approved conditions
• Are issued solely at the doctor’s discretion

Before issuing any prescription:

• The patient may be asked to provide valid government-issued identification
• The doctor must verify the patient’s identity through a brief video call

This process protects patients, clinicians, and the integrity of care.

When in-person care is required, DoctaDirect:

• Advises seeking care at an appropriate health facility
• Explains which symptoms require urgent attention
• Helps families understand next steps

DoctaDirect does not delay or replace facility-based care.
We do not provide transportation or emergency response services.
Early referral is encouraged whenever necessary.

• Provides nurse-led medical guidance and triage
• Identifies danger signs early
• Supports informed decision-making
• Escalates cases to doctors when appropriate
• Issues limited prescriptions when clinically justified and verified
• Guides families to appropriate health facilities

• Provide emergency medical services
• Replace hospitals or clinics
• Perform physical examinations
• Provide in-person medical treatment
• Manage complex or chronic conditions
• Delay urgent facility care

In emergencies or severe danger signs, families must go immediately to the nearest health facility.

• All staff follow standardized clinical protocols
• Nurses and doctors are licensed professionals
• Cases are documented and reviewed for quality assurance
• Patient information is handled with strict confidentiality
• All staff operate within their professional scope of practice

Our care model is built for the Democratic Republic of Congo:

• Accessible through WhatsApp
• Affordable and scalable
• Focused on maternal and child health
• Aligned with national health system priorities

DoctaDirect is committed to providing safe, ethical, and responsible medical guidance that supports — not replaces — the healthcare system.

DoctaDirect
Early guidance. Safer decisions. Better care.