Implementation of point-of-care testing in a general internal medicine practice: A confirmation study.

Background: In a previous study we reported on the impact of point-of-care testing (POCT) on practice efficiency in an academic primary care practice that was established to develop new models of care delivery. Here we report a follow-on confirmation study in a more typical primary care practice in the community.

Methods: In this observational study with a retrospective comparison analysis we measured metrics of practice efficiency on two patient cohorts: those that did not receive POCT and those that did.

Primary Care-Based Health Coaching Intervention for Weight Loss in Overweight/Obese Adults: A 2-Year Experience.

Obesity is a major contributor to medical comorbidity and places a large economic burden on health care. This study examined the effectiveness of primary care-integrated health coaching for weight loss in overweight/obese patients. This observational clinical study with a retrospective comparison analysis was performed at an urban academic primary care practice.

Impact of HbA1c Testing at Point of Care on Diabetes Management.

Diabetes is a highly prevalent disease also implicated in the development of several other serious complications like cardiovascular or renal disease. HbA1c testing is a vital step for effective diabetes management, however, given the low compliance to testing frequency and, commonly, a subsequent delay in the corresponding treatment modification, HbA1c at the point of care (POC) offers an opportunity for improvement of diabetes care. In this review, based on data from 1999 to 2016, we summarize the evidence supporting a further implementation of HbA1c testing at POC, discuss its limitations and propose recommendations for further development.

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Point-of-Care Technology Research Network: Advancing Precision Medicine.

To advance the development of point-of-care technology (POCT), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering established the POCT Research Network (POCTRN), comprised of Centers that emphasize multidisciplinary partnerships and close facilitation to move technologies from an early stage of development into clinical testing and patient use. This paper describes the POCTRN and the three currently funded Centers as examples of academic-based organizations that support collaborations across disciplines, institutions, and geographic regions to successfully drive innovative solutions from concept to patient care.

Maximizing the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by Choosing Words Wisely.

Background: Culture is transmitted through language and reflects a group's values, yet much of the current language used to describe the new patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a carryover from the traditional, physician-centric model of care. This language creates a subtle yet powerful force that can perpetuate the status quo, despite transformation efforts. This article describes new terminology that some innovative primary care practices are using to support the transformational culture of the PCMH.

Implementation of point-of-care testing in an ambulatory practice of an academic medical center.

Objectives: Point-of-care laboratory testing (POCT) offers reduced turnaround time and may promote improved operational efficiency. Few studies have been reported that document improvements from implementing POCT in primary care.

Methods: We measured metrics of practice efficiency in a primary care practice before and after implementation of POCT, including the total number of tests ordered, letters and phone calls to patients, and revisits due to abnormal test results.

Patient satisfaction with point-of-care laboratory testing: report of a quality improvement program in an ambulatory practice of an academic medical center.

Background: Point-of-care laboratory testing (POCT) offers reduced turnaround time and may facilitate medical decision-making and improve clinical operations. However, there is very little published data concerning the impact of POCT on patient satisfaction.

Methods: We implemented POCT for hemoglobin A1c, lipid panel and comprehensive metabolic panel in a primary care practice and monitored patient satisfaction with on-site testing using an anonymous survey.

Telephone follow-up as a primary care intervention for postdischarge outcomes improvement: a systematic review.

Objective: Postdischarge telephone follow-up plays an integral part in transitional care efforts in many regions. We systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the evidence regarding the impact of primary care-based telephone follow-up on postdischarge emergency department visits and hospital readmissions.

Methods: We performed an electronic database search for relevant telephone follow-up studies originating in adult primary care settings.