title: Development of an accreditation program for Point of Care Testing (PoCT) in general practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty 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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evaluation 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.
  The accreditation process highlighted the importance of ongoing education and support for practices performing PoCT.
authors: Integrated Cardiovascular Clinical Network, Country Health South Australia, Mark Oliphant Building, Science Park, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia. rosy.tirimacco@flinders.edu.au
authors: Rosy
authors: R
authors: Tirimacco
authors: Briony
authors: B
authors: Glastonbury
authors: Caroline O
authors: CO
authors: Laurence
authors: Tanya K
authors: TK
authors: Bubner
authors: Mark D
authors: MD
authors: Shephard
authors: Justin J
authors: JJ
authors: Beilby