Leading POCT Networks: Operating POCT Programs Across Multiple Sites Involving Vast Geographical Areas and Rural Communities

Edward W Randell; Vinita Thakur

Leading POCT Networks: Operating POCT Programs Across Multiple Sites Involving Vast Geographical Areas and Rural Communities

EJIFCC. 2021 Jun 29;32(2):179-189. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Authors

Edward W Randell^{1

2}, Vinita Thakur^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory Medicine, Eastern Health Authority, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
² Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

PMID: 34421486
PMCID: PMC8343053

Abstract

Few peer-reviewed publications provide laboratory leaders with useful strategies on which to develop and implement point of care testing (POCT) programs to support delivery of acute care services to remote rural communities, with or without trained laboratory staff on site. This mini review discusses common challenges faced by laboratory leaders poised to implement and operate POCT programs at multiple remote and rural sites. It identifies areas for consideration during the initial program planning phases and provides areas for focus during evaluation and for continued improvement of POCT services at remote locations. Finally, it discusses a potential oversight framework for governance and leadership of multisite POCT programs servicing remote and rural communities.

Keywords: leadership; point of care testing; remote; rural; service delivery model.

Publication types

Review