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How to realize the benefits of point-of-care testing at the general practice: a comparison of four high-income countries

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posted on 2023-06-10, 04:03 authored by Deon Lingervelder, Hendrik Koffijberg, Jon D Emery, Paul Fennessy, Christopher P Price, Harm van MarwijkHarm van Marwijk, Torunn B Eide, Sverre Sandberg, Jochen WL Cals, Joke TM Derksen, Ron Kusters, Maarten J IJzerman
BACKGROUND: In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Norway, point-of-care testing (POCT) is more widely implemented in general practice compared to countries such as England and Australia. To comprehend what is necessary to realize the benefits of POCT, regarding its integration in primary care, it would be beneficial to have an overview of the structure of healthcare operations and the transactions between stakeholders (also referred to as value networks). The aim of this paper is to identify the current value networks in place applying to POCT implementation at general practices in England, Australia, Norway and the Netherlands and to compare these networks in terms of seven previously published factors that support the successful implementation, sustainability and scale-up of innovations. METHODS: The value networks were described based on formal guidelines and standards published by the respective governments, organizational bodies and affiliates. The value network of each country was validated by at least two relevant stakeholders from the respective country. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that the biggest challenge for countries with low POCT uptake was the lack of effective communication between the several organizations involved with POCT as well as the high workload for general practitioners (GPs) aiming to implement POCT. It is observed that countries with a single national authority responsible for POCT have a better uptake as they can govern the task of POCT roll-out and management and reduce the workload for GPs by assisting with set-up, quality control, training and support. CONCLUSION: Setting up a single national authority may be an effective step towards realizing the full benefits of POCT. Although it is possible for day-to-day operations to fall under the responsibility of the GP, this is only feasible if support and guidance are readily available to ensure that the workload associated with POCT is limited and as low as possible.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Int J Health Policy Manag

ISSN

2322-5939

Publisher

Maad Rayan Publishing Company

Event location

Iran

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-06-23

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-06-23

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-06-23

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