Experience with a large point of care testing network

Abstract

Introduction PoCT is an important enabler of evidence-based cardiac care allowing safe risk stratification and management of patients across country hospitals. Success of a large network relies on good communication, user-friendly instructions, effective IT, flexible training programs and good support systems. Methods The Integrated Cardiovascular Clinical Network Country Health SA (iCCnet CHSA) provides face to face and videoconferencing training, online education and competencies for PoCT operators. Online resources are located on the iCCnet CHSA website (www.iccnetsa.org.au) and 24/7 technical support is provided to PoCT operators. Results iCC net CHSA supports PoCT across country hospitals in South Australia. PoCT is managed by clinical network scientists complying with recommendations set by professional organisations such as the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists. They ensure all hospitals are involved in quality programs and have access to training when required. Because of staff resources across country, a variety of options for training PoCT operators are provided, ensuring it is accessible to all staff when convenient. Conclusions iCCnet CHSA removes the barriers to access education, training and support to allow the operation of PoCT within a quality framework in the management of cardiovascular disease. PoCT has been integral component to the improved cardiac outcomes reported by iCCnet CHSA. PoCT is an important enabler of evidence-based cardiac care allowing safe risk stratification and management of patients across country hospitals. Success of a large network relies on good communication, user-friendly instructions, effective IT, flexible training programs and good support systems. The Integrated Cardiovascular Clinical Network Country Health SA (iCCnet CHSA) provides face to face and videoconferencing training, online education and competencies for PoCT operators. Online resources are located on the iCCnet CHSA website (www.iccnetsa.org.au) and 24/7 technical support is provided to PoCT operators. iCC net CHSA supports PoCT across country hospitals in South Australia. PoCT is managed by clinical network scientists complying with recommendations set by professional organisations such as the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists. They ensure all hospitals are involved in quality programs and have access to training when required. Because of staff resources across country, a variety of options for training PoCT operators are provided, ensuring it is accessible to all staff when convenient. iCCnet CHSA removes the barriers to access education, training and support to allow the operation of PoCT within a quality framework in the management of cardiovascular disease. PoCT has been integral component to the improved cardiac outcomes reported by iCCnet CHSA.