The iPOCT staff in Skipton UK, recently paid host to visitors from the Point of Care team in Sörmland, Sweden by holding a workshop on Point of Care Testing.

Cecilia Odelsparr Operational Manager, Region Sörmland
Lotta Bodin Operational Manager Clinical Chemistry, Sörmland
Harriet Liljenbring POCT Co-ordinator, Sörmland

spent 2 days with the iPOCT team comprising of:

Paula Connor National Manager Laboratory Medicine
Cheryl Bannon iPOCT Trainer and Quality Co-Ordinator
Helena Hunter iPOCT client services Co-ordinator
Richard Anderson iPOCT IT Consultant
Claire Pridige Sales and Marketing Manager
Lawrence Bayley Project Manager

The teams spent time giving presentations of how the POCT systems work in both UK and Sweden and discussed similarities and differences before starting to work on KPIs to enable a benchmarking exercise to take place later this year. Lawrence gave a demonstration of the IT systems. Harriet gave some information on the validation of POCT tests undertaken in Sweden, this will contribute to accreditation of POCT in the UK. We decided on a list of activities going forward to continue the teamwork, such as developing a web-based learning tool for the POCT operators and evaluation of a new software application to provide enhanced functionality for monitoring performance across all connected POCT analysers

At the end of the two days, everyone felt that they had achieved a great deal, both in terms of learning about how POCT operates in both countries, and in setting out KPIs which will be very useful for the business.

Everyone agreed that the two days had been extremely constructive and between the two countries there are many initiatives in routine use and in ‘project’ stage that can be shared. The process of knowledge exchange has started and the teams all agreed to keep up the momentum.

Paula Connor said “I feel that we achieved a great deal during a short time and I am really looking forward to keeping the relationships and network going”

Claire Pridige - iPOCT Sales & Marketing Manager