Point-of-Care Testing in Prehospital Settings: Impact on Clinical Decision-Making and Patient Outcomes

Authors: Anwar M. Alessa, Abdullah M. Alboaimi, Hajer H. Aziz, Abrar Y. Alhefdhi, Shahad H. Almaqary, Abdulrahman R. Alruwaili

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14066215

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8qpft

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a growing tool in emergency services, especially when it comes to prehospital care, allowing paramedics to quickly get the kind of diagnostic information they need to make decisions in real-time. This study, which combined both numbers and narratives, looked at how POCT impacts the decisions paramedics make and the outcomes for patients in emergency settings. On the quantitative side, we found that using POCT reduced the time it took to start treatment, shortened hospital stays, and even lowered mortality and complication rates. Qualitatively, paramedics talked about how POCT helped improve their decision-making and patient care but also mentioned some of the hurdles, like getting enough training, equipment challenges, and costs. This study highlights the real potential of POCT in prehospital care, while also noting the practical challenges that need to be addressed for broader use.

Keywords: Point-of-care testing, prehospital care, emergency medical services, decision-making, patient outcomes

Paper Id: 231561

Published On: 2023-01-05

Published In: Volume 11, Issue 1, January-February 2023

Cite This: Point-of-Care Testing in Prehospital Settings: Impact on Clinical Decision-Making and Patient Outcomes - Anwar M. Alessa, Abdullah M. Alboaimi, Hajer H. Aziz, Abrar Y. Alhefdhi, Shahad H. Almaqary, Abdulrahman R. Alruwaili - IJIRMPS Volume 11, Issue 1, January-February 2023. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14066215

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