Solving POC Test Communication Challenges to EMRs

Connectivity is a high priority issue in order for hospital POC testing and critical care device markets to expand, according to the findings of a recent market report from healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information (New York, NY, USA). "On-the-spot access to patient information and care guidelines is part of the healthcare quality imperative of the 21st century,” noted Shara Rosen, Kalorama Information's diagnostics analyst. "Cost reduction pressures and the need for shortened in-patient stays are promoting the use of wireless communication in and out of hospitals.”

While the worldwide medical community is racing to embrace EMR and telemedicine, most POC test devices currently have limited connectivity capabilities and cannot participate. At this time, all major lab-based instruments interface automatically to a laboratory information system (LIS) or hospital information system (HIS) system. However, many glucose monitors in hospital wards do not have this connectivity capability and so they do not become part of a patient's EMR. The same applies to almost all pregnancy and urinalysis tests performed in the hospital but outside the laboratory.

Within today's hospital environment of limited resources, cost pressures, decentralized patient information, large investment in new technologies and increased regulatory scrutiny, healthcare is more challenging than ever before. POC testing is poised to provide a solution to some of these economic pressures. However, without first-class connectivity solutions, POC testing cannot provide the expected benefits in improved patient care that will lead to cost reductions. "Any manufacturers who want to make their POC products incredibly valuable should make sure they can link up with major EMR systems,” said Ms. Rosen.

Beyond the connectivity issue, the next frontier is continuous monitoring of patients in acute care and in selected treatment areas such as dialysis, intensive care, and the operating room (OR). Moreover, as the number of POC tests continues to grow, potential users will not want to learn to use a large number of devices. Therefore, considerable research has been ongoing for about a decade on a multipurpose POC platform that can run chemistries and immunoassays.

Kalorama Information supplies independent market research in the life sciences, as well as a full range of custom research services.

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