Abstract
Introduction/Background
Pre-analytical errors, such as sample collection, device and process issues, and patient
identification mistakes, are not uncommon in PoCT and can lead to false results and incorrect
medical decisions. Adequate training and ongoing competency of PoCT users is vital for
ensuring result accuracy. We sought to identify what PoCT training resources exist in Australian healthcare.
Method
We hand searched websites, including hospital, general practice, allied health, and
paramedicine, to identify currently available training resources for PoCT across Australian states and territories. The search was conducted using the internet, thus, training resources existing within internal systems (e.g., on an intranet) which are not publicly available were not included in this review.
Results/Findings
A wide array of training resources for PoCT exist in Australia and are broadly dispersed across a range of providers including government agencies, universities, and professional networks. Most identified resources were provided online by NSW Health Pathology and Flinders University (and its associated PoCT programs/collaborations). Whilst many resources are in the public domain (e.g., NSW Health Pathology YouTube channel), other providers require a user account/login to access training (e.g., Australian Point of Care Practitioners Network) or only provide training to staff at specified centres (Flinders University PoCT programs in the Northern Territory/Western Australia). Others, like Pathology Queensland, have internal systems. The identified training resources encompass accredited/nationally recognised courses, elearning modules, training kits, device training guides, case studies, professional learning modules, competencies, and documentation. The format of training resources included videos, webinars, documentation (forms/templates), and guidelines, catering to different learning needs and preferences.
Implications/Key Message
Ensuring comprehensive training and competency assessment for PoCT users is fundamental to address safety and quality concerns and ensure the reliability and accuracy of PoCT results.
Development of a nationally accredited training program could avoid duplication of resources and provide consistency across training standards.
Pre-analytical errors, such as sample collection, device and process issues, and patient
identification mistakes, are not uncommon in PoCT and can lead to false results and incorrect
medical decisions. Adequate training and ongoing competency of PoCT users is vital for
ensuring result accuracy. We sought to identify what PoCT training resources exist in Australian healthcare.
Method
We hand searched websites, including hospital, general practice, allied health, and
paramedicine, to identify currently available training resources for PoCT across Australian states and territories. The search was conducted using the internet, thus, training resources existing within internal systems (e.g., on an intranet) which are not publicly available were not included in this review.
Results/Findings
A wide array of training resources for PoCT exist in Australia and are broadly dispersed across a range of providers including government agencies, universities, and professional networks. Most identified resources were provided online by NSW Health Pathology and Flinders University (and its associated PoCT programs/collaborations). Whilst many resources are in the public domain (e.g., NSW Health Pathology YouTube channel), other providers require a user account/login to access training (e.g., Australian Point of Care Practitioners Network) or only provide training to staff at specified centres (Flinders University PoCT programs in the Northern Territory/Western Australia). Others, like Pathology Queensland, have internal systems. The identified training resources encompass accredited/nationally recognised courses, elearning modules, training kits, device training guides, case studies, professional learning modules, competencies, and documentation. The format of training resources included videos, webinars, documentation (forms/templates), and guidelines, catering to different learning needs and preferences.
Implications/Key Message
Ensuring comprehensive training and competency assessment for PoCT users is fundamental to address safety and quality concerns and ensure the reliability and accuracy of PoCT results.
Development of a nationally accredited training program could avoid duplication of resources and provide consistency across training standards.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 4 Dec 2024 |
| Event | 13th Health Services Research Conference: Health Services Research in the Digital Age - Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Duration: 4 Dec 2024 → 6 Dec 2024 https://eventstudio.eventsair.com/hsr-2024-conference/ |
Conference
| Conference | 13th Health Services Research Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | HSR 2024 |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Brisbane |
| Period | 4/12/24 → 6/12/24 |
| Internet address |