Point-of-care testing: Implementation is all. Communication is key Journal Article

  


Author: Halpern, N. A.
Article Title: Point-of-care testing: Implementation is all. Communication is key
Abstract: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is being evaluated now for its work-place efficiencies and obvious improvements in acquiring data to help in the diagnostic and therapeutic processes in the ICU. POCT is being advanced not just because of the technical improvements in POCT but also because of the changing nature of the hospital environment. The role of the hospital laboratory is being diminished by internal cost-containment pressures and by the evolution of hospital network laboratories. Cost models that address work-flow and other process enhancements are being used to assess the cost-effectiveness of POCT. Despite the seemingly inexorable spread of POCT, its optimal implementation will come about only through the cooperative efforts of the central laboratory and other hospital departments. In particular, such cooperation will be vital in ensuring that POCT services comply with regulatory mandates. The payoff for political awareness in this setting will be a strong and productive POCT program that will continue to prosper as new technical innovations are introduced.
Keywords: review; treatment planning; medical decision making; information processing; intensive care; standard; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; medical information; laboratory test; cost benefit analysis; point of care testing
Journal Title: Journal of Critical Illness
Volume: 17
Issue: 6
ISSN: 1040-0257
Publisher: Cliggott  
Date Published: 2002-06-01
Start Page: 240
End Page: 244
Language: English
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:

http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0036088495&partnerID=40&md5=1fcdeec517bf921763f530de595a0de1
Notes: Export Date: 14 November 2014 -- Source: Scopus