Systematic review of near patient test evaluations in primary care

Abstract

Objective To identify and qualitatively synthesise the findings from all studies that have examined the performance and effect of near patient tests in the primary care setting. Design Systematic review of published and unpublished research 1986-99. Main outcome measures Test performance characteristics, measures of effect on clinical practice or patient outcome. Results 101 relevant publications were identified. The general quality of these papers was low, and consequently only 32 papers were assessed in detail. Although these papers gave some indication of the value of near patient testing in areas such as anticoagulation monitoring and group A haemolytic streptococcus testing, the research raised many more questions than it answered. Almost no reports were found of unbiased assessment of the effect of near patient tests in primary care on patient outcomes, organisational outcomes, or cost. Conclusions Available research provides little evidence to guide the expansion of use of near patient testing in primary care. Further research is needed in areas of clinical practice where near patient tests might be most beneficial.

Point-of-Care Testing in Diabetes Management: What Role Does It Play?

“…16,17 Participants' concerns reiterated observations made by Delaney et al, 18 who observed that without evidence to support the cost effectiveness of POCT, the implementation of this technology in primary health care settings would be low. A review by Baer 19 of the cost of POCT versus performing the same tests in laboratories found that approximately half of the studies reported POCT as being less expensive.…”

The impact of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) on anticoagulation therapy in rural Australia

“…48,68,71 While local PoCT models have been developed for use in the Australian rural general practice environment 47 , the evidence base for the usefulness of PoCT in general practice both within Australia and globally has thus far been limited. 3,13 The objectives of this component of the PoCT Trial in General Practice were to develop, deliver and manage both:…”

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Near-patient testing in primary care

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