Development of an accreditation program for Point of Care Testing (PoCT) in general practice

ObjectivesTo describe the development and evaluation of an accreditation program for Point of Care Testing (PoCT) in general practice, which was part of the PoCT in general practice (GP) Trial conducted in 2005-07 and funded by the Australian Government.Setting and participantsThirty general practices based in urban, rural and remote locations across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, which were in the intervention arm of the PoCT Trial were part of the accreditation program. A PoCT accreditation working party was established to develop an appropriate accreditation program for PoCT in GP. A multidisciplinary accreditation team was formed consisting of a medical scientist, a general practitioner or practice manager, and a trial team representative. METHODOLOGY AND SEQUENCE OF EVENTS: To enable practices to prepare for accreditation a checklist was developed describing details of the accreditation visit. A guide for surveyors was also developed to assist with accreditation visits. Descriptive analysis of the results of the accreditation process was undertaken.OutcomesEvaluation of the accreditation model found that both the surveyors and practice staff found the process straightforward and clear. All practices (i.e. 100%) achieved second-round accreditation.Discussion and lessons learnedThe accreditation process highlighted the importance of ongoing education and support for practices performing PoCT.Rosy Tirimacco, Briony Glastonbury, Caroline O. Laurence, Tanya K. Bubner, Mark D. Shephard and Justin J. Beilb