Jennifer L Rodis1, Renee Ahrens Thomas. 1. College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, 500 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. rodis.2@osu.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To provide a stepwise approach to development and implementation of a point-of-care testing (POCT) patient care service. SETTING: Community and ambulatory care pharmacy practice. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: To provide community and ambulatory pharmacists with the steps involved in integrating POCT services into their pharmacy practice site. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Authors used various resources to detail the process of implementing pharmaceutical care in community or ambulatory pharmacy settings in combination with individual practice experiences. The five steps involved in developing a POCT service include conducting a needs assessment, researching and organizing information, developing program materials, implementing the service, and evaluating the service. The narrative description of each step is illustrated by a case study example. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: POCT patient care services are a valuable addition to a pharmacy's services, benefiting patients, health care providers, and the pharmacy. This article presents a structured, deliberate approach with resources that can be used to develop a successful POCT service within a community or ambulatory pharmacy setting.
OBJECTIVE: To provide a stepwise approach to development and implementation of a point-of-care testing (POCT) patient care service. SETTING: Community and ambulatory care pharmacy practice. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: To provide community and ambulatory pharmacists with the steps involved in integrating POCT services into their pharmacy practice site. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Authors used various resources to detail the process of implementing pharmaceutical care in community or ambulatory pharmacy settings in combination with individual practice experiences. The five steps involved in developing a POCT service include conducting a needs assessment, researching and organizing information, developing program materials, implementing the service, and evaluating the service. The narrative description of each step is illustrated by a case study example. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: POCT patient care services are a valuable addition to a pharmacy's services, benefiting patients, health care providers, and the pharmacy. This article presents a structured, deliberate approach with resources that can be used to develop a successful POCT service within a community or ambulatory pharmacy setting.