Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
Prehospital use of point-of-care tests by community health workers: a scoping review
Daniel Ebbs1, Max Taricia1, Melissa C Funaro2
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
Introduction:
Point-of-Care Tests (POCTs) are utilized daily in resource abundant regions, however, are limited in the global south, particularly in the prehospital setting. Few studies exist on the use of non-malarial POCTs by Community Health Workers (CHWs). The purpose of this scoping review is to delineate the current diversity in and breadth of POCTs evaluated in the prehospital setting.
Methods:
A medical subject heading (MeSH) analysis of known key articles was done by an experienced medical librarian and scoping searches were performed in each database to capture "point of care testing" and "community health workers." This review was guided by the PRISMA Extension for scoping reviews.
Results:
2735 publications were returned, 185 were nominated for full-text review, and 110 studies were confirmed to meet study criteria. Majority focused on malaria (74/110; 67%) or HIV (25/110; 23%); 9/110 (8%) described other tests administered. Results from this review demonstrate a broad geographic range with significant heterogeneity in terminology for local CHWs.
Conclusion:
The use of new POCTs is on the rise and may improve early risk stratification in limited resource settings. Current evidence from decades of malaria POCTs can guide future implementation strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...