"This edition focuses less on the history and the technology
of POCT, and more on POCT's emerging role as an enabler of health-care reforms
and in delivering a patient-centred service...It provides an excellent
evidence-based resource on when to use POCT (and when not to use POCT)...It is
essential reading for any POCT Clinical Lead."
Annette Thomas
Cardiff and Vale
University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
Point-of-care testing (POCT) is now considered a key enabler of reform and
quality improvement in healthcare. Written by an international list of authors,
this book brings together:
- A distillation of the key challenges in healthcare today, including the
move to patient-centered care
- Analytical principles of POCT technology and the new developments in this
field
- How to manage an effective POCT service in a changing environment
- Applications of POCT in a range of clinical settings and the improved
outcomes that results from POCT.
- A discussion of the challenges of translating innovative technology in the
complex environment of healthcare, and the leading role that POCT will play in
transforming healthcare delivery.
The technological developments described in this book demonstrate how all in
vitro tests can potentially be delivered at the point of care in the future. The
challenge for developer, manufacturer, purchaser, provider and user is to
determine which tests will offer the greatest benefit and address the challenges
of healthcare delivery. As a disruptive technology, experience indicates that
the biggest challenge for all stakeholders will be transforming the practice of
healthcare in order to generate these benefits. This is a ‘must read’ book for
all developers and manufacturers of POCT technology, those who develop
healthcare policy, those who purchase or commission healthcare services, and
those who will use this innovative technology.