Glucose point-of-care meter operators competency: An assessment checklist

Abstract

Background and objectives: Glucose point-of-care testing meters are essential technology ubiquitous in hospitals. They are operated by non-specialized staff who are assessed through an auto-recertification process that is dependent on operators successfully producing expected outcomes. Alternatively, we suggest that operator practices be directly observed using a competency assessment checklist. Method: We designed a checklist based on literature and manufacturers’ instructions and tested it by observing 30 operators at two sites (three hospitals) over two months in 2018. Results: Despite all operators being auto-recertified, the checklist revealed that only 20% met the 80% threshold of compliance to standards. Moreover, the site with a POCT coordinator had a compliance rate of 82% versus 67% for the site that did not. Discussion: The checklist is more reliable than auto-recertification in assessing operators’ competence. It also highlights areas for process improvement and provides an opportunity to give personalized feedback to operators.

Keywords

• Point-of-care testing
• Competency
• Auto-recertification
• Laboratory accreditation
• Dedicated POCT coordinator
• Electronic medical record