title: How to develop an effective decentralized laboratory testing program.
abstract: In this article, we offer practical guidelines for developing an effective decentralized laboratory testing (DLT) program. Based on more than 10 years of experience with a DLT program for bedside blood glucose monitoring, we have identified eight essential steps in this process, including: developing an effective multidisciplinary DLT committee that oversees the various DLT programs; performing a needs analysis and a cost analysis as part of the application for approval of a program from the DLT committee; instrument selection and method evaluation; and, finally, implementing a DLT program including initiating a quality assurance program. A collaborative effort by everyone from the beginning is an important key to success.
authors.affiliation: Health Science Faculty, Queen's University, Kingston.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Collier
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Houlden
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Rhymer
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D008332:Management Quality Circles; D010934:Planning Techniques; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care