Automated reading system for Multistix 8SG urine analysis strips was adopted for use in primary care following completion of a successful community-based trial.
At the most recent Siemens Diagnostics Point of Care Forum, Lynda Petley, co-ordinator of the point of care team for Partnership Pathology Services (the joint venture laboratory organisation serving Frimley Park Hospital and the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK) described ways of fostering a 'buy-in' attitude from patients and staff to a POCT service.
"POCT brings opportunities to add value at various points in the patient's 'journey'", she told delegates.
"We have involved expert biomedical scientists in the writing of SOPs and training schedules for POCT, and healthcare workers now understand much more about what goes on in the laboratory.
"I think that's a positive result.
Petley referred to her team's roll-out of Siemens Diagnostics Clinitek urine chemistry analysers to hospital departments and GP surgeries throughout south west Surrey, UK, which has enabled introduction of a standardised UTI screening protocol.
The analyser has also been well received by nurses on hospital wards who now have the confidence to delegate the reading of strips to health care assistants.
Following introduction of the Clinitek, some chronic UTI patients now routinely take the initiative to bring urine samples into their GP surgeries for analysis by the practice nurse.
The decision to allow patients to do this was taken by GPs in the surgeries concerned, and Petley considers this to be a very positive development.
Similar patient 'buy-in' has been achieved among diabetics whose HbA1c measurements are obtained at the point of care using Siemens portable DCA 2000+ analyser.
"This helps them take ownership of their condition and increases their expectation of our services", Petley said.
Petley's presentation was one of six delivered to delegates on topics ranging from solutions for inventory management to practical experiences of a CPA inspection.
The meeting was structured to provide delegates with a valuable networking opportunity, and they also participated in an interactive training session designed to help them negotiate with and influence people more effectively.
The next Siemens Diagnostics point of care meeting, where attendees will be able to learn more about the Siemens range of blood gas, urinalysis and diabetes testing products, will be held in March 2008.
