Results of a survey among GP practices on how they manage patient safety aspects related to point-of-care testing in every day practice.

Background: Point-of-care (POC) tests are devices or test strips that can be used near or at the site where care is delivered to patients, enabling a relatively fast diagnosis. Although many general practitioners (GPs) in the Netherlands are using POC tests in their practice, little is known on how they manage the corresponding patient safety aspects.

Methods: To obtain information on this aspect, an invitation to participate in a web-based questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 750 GP practices.

Medical technology at home: safety-related items in technical documentation.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the technical documentation of manufacturers on issues of safe use of their device in a home setting.

Methods: Three categories of equipment were selected: infusion pumps, ventilators, and dialysis systems. Risk analyses, instructions for use, labels, and post market surveillance procedures were requested from manufacturers.