Users Regard Operator Training as Critical for Successful POCT Applications

Area of Science:

• Clinical Diagnostics
• Medical Technology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Point-of-care tests (POCT) are essential for near-patient testing but face challenges in ensuring result reliability due to complex stakeholder involvement.
• Effective quality management is critical for the accuracy and dependability of POCT devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how experienced POCT users manage their testing processes.
• To identify factors perceived as essential for successful POCT implementation and quality control.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 73 German participants from diverse medical disciplines experienced in POCT.
• In-depth interviews with experts were used to verify and supplement survey findings.

Main Results:

• Operator training is considered highly important, yet inconsistently implemented; blended learning (e-learning and face-to-face) is preferred.
• While quality management manuals are underutilized, a readily available POCT contact person is crucial for error resolution.
• Participants emphasize the importance of internal and external quality controls, citing time and information gaps as challenges.

Conclusions:

• Operator training is confirmed as vital for POCT, with blended learning models suggested for effective implementation.
• A significant gap exists between the theoretical importance of guidelines and their practical application in POCT settings.
• Future POCT development should focus on enhancing measurement quality and reliability.