Abstract
POCT is gaining popularity in scenarios where rapid turnaround time outweighs testing limitations. As POCT programs grow, effective oversight is best achieved by understanding end users’ perspectives and culturing a spirit of teamwork.
The year 2020 has certainly held its share of challenges specific to healthcare, with the coronavirus pandemic top of the list. Point-of-care testing (POCT) continues to gain traction and prove its place as part of an overall effective testing plan to help manage patient care, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Laboratory professionals, as stewards of proper laboratory testing, are responsible for the proper use and implementation of POCT. This responsibility is best embraced by affecting a culture of teamwork and understanding POCT from the end user’s perspective.
Executive Summary
- POCT continues to increase in demand, particularly in patient scenarios that benefit from a rapid turnaround time (TAT), such as COVID-19 testing. y POCT also plays an important role in value-based care, patient satisfaction, patient engagement, and population health management.
- POCT plays an important role in the healthcare system’s shift to bring care closer to the patient and take patient situational circumstances into account when determining treatment plans.
- POCT allows for quick medical decisions, early diagnosis, and subsequent early treatment that leads to improved health outcomes.
- Laboratory professionals, as stewards of proper laboratory testing, are responsible for the proper use and implementation of POCT.
- Laboratory professionals have the best-fit knowledge base to oversee an effective POCT program.
- The responsibility of POCT oversight is best embraced by affecting a culture of teamwork and understanding POCT from end users’ perspectives.
- The increased demand for POCT offers an opportunity for lab professionals to increase their contribution to patient care, bringing visibility and respect to the field.
