Improving a Point-of-Care Testing Glucose Program With Connectivity and Informatics

Abstract

Implementation of point-of-care (POC) connectivity was the driving force behind the standardization of bedside glucose testing to a single testing method within the St. John Health Laboratories POC testing program. Before connectivity, stand-alone glucose meters were used, and testing data were downloaded manually to a laptop computer at 105 separate nursing units. This method did not allow efficient compliance with various regulatory requirements imposed by Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations Waived Testing Standards, College of American Pathologists Point-of-Care Checklist no. 30, and the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. To implement a new, connected system, a standardization team was formed to identify three potential systems. These three systems were then evaluated by a data management team that selected SureStep Flexx Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems and DataLink 3.0 Data Management Systems to interface with their existing Misys and MEDITECH laboratory information systems. A policy and procedure team created a single standard of care for bedside glucose testing to accompany the new system. The new system was implemented, resulting in improved efficiency of POC glucose testing throughout the health system and allowing two POC testing coordinators at a single location to provide oversight for multiple hospitals.