Point-of-care tests to manage acute respiratory tract infections in primary care: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of healthcare professional and patient views.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To review the evidence on healthcare professionals' (HCPs) and patients' views of the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) in the management of acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care settings.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies up to 28 April 2023. We included studies that included qualitative methods and results; focused on HCPs' and/or patients' views/experiences of POCTs for acute RTIs; and were conducted in primary care settings. We conducted a thematic synthesis to identify how their views on POCTs and interventions can support test use (PROSPERO registration: CRD42019150347).

Results

We included 33 studies, developing 9 categories each for HCP and patient data. We identified 38 factors affecting POCT use: 28 from HCPs

SUBMITTER: Hoste ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11695907 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature