Point-of-care laboratory testing in primary care: utilization, limitations and perspectives of general practitioners in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Due to their fast turnaround time and user-friendliness, point-of-care tests (POCTs) possess a great potential in primary care. The purpose of the study was to assess general practitioners' (GPs) perspectives on POCT use in German primary care, including utilization, limitations and requirements.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among GPs in Germany (federal states of Thuringia, Bremen and Bavaria (Lower Franconia), study period: 04/22-06/2022).

Results

From 2,014 GPs reached, 292 participated in our study (response rate: 14.5%). The median number of POCTs used per GP was 7.0 (IQR: 5.0-8.0). Six POCTs are used by the majority of surveyed GPs (> 50%): urine dipstick tests (99%), glucose (urine [91%] and plasma [69%]), SARS-CoV-2 (80%), uri

SUBMITTER: Matthes A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10088261 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature