The cost-effectiveness of point of care testing in a general practice setting: results from a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While point of care testing (PoCT) for general practitioners is becoming increasingly popular, few studies have investigated whether it represents value for money. This study aims to assess the relative cost-effectiveness of PoCT in general practice (GP) compared to usual testing practice through a pathology laboratory.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis based on a randomized controlled trial with 4,968 patients followed up for 18 months and fifty-three general practices in urban, rural and remote locations across three states in Australia.The incremental costs and health outcomes associated with a clinical strategy of PoCT for INR, HbA1c, lipids, and ACR were compared to those from pathology laboratory testing. Costs were expressed in year 2006 Australian doll

SUBMITTER: Laurence CO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2905350 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature