New Ecosystem Approach Tackles Increasing Point-of-Care Workloads

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics is tackling challenges faced by point-of-care (POC) coordinators in the laboratory with an innovative ecosystem approach. The Ecosystem™ solution was recently launched as an integrated component of the RAPIDComm® Data Management System, an informatics solution which centrally manages Siemens in vitro diagnostics analysers and operators. The solution encompasses eight core components including device management, operator management, quality control, compliance reporting, competency management, inventory management, remote monitoring and mobile access.

“Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has been carefully analysing the point-of-care market and is ready to provide a holistic approach to testing,” stated Afia Boamah, Product Manager - Blood Gas, Stratus CS & POC IT S at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “POC testing continues to grow at a rapid pace and there is a strong need to provide fast and reliable results in order to improve patient outcomes and optimise clinical workflow.”

“Although solutions for each of the eight core components do exist individually, efficiently managing all aspects of a POC testing programme requires close collaboration among hospitals, device manufacturers and IT vendors. The Siemens POC Ecosystem helps to address this challenge by implementing an integrated solution which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of POC programmes.”

The Ecosystem solution manages secure access to POC devices, oversees quality control, manages staff training plus identifies and resolves issues from any location via the remote access facility. This helps to ensure the manageability of instruments and consumables for potentially hundreds of testing devices throughout a Trust. External compliance requirements are also met while reducing costs and improving efficiencies. Ecosystem takes the core needs of a POC programme into consideration with a focus on helping POC coordinators improve control, effectiveness and transparency.

Afia Boamah continues, “We are working hand-in-hand with healthcare providers to adapt to clinical environments making use of handheld IT devices such as tablets and smart phones. The Ecosystem solution allows POC data management from anywhere within a hospital using these devices which improves the ability of POC coordinators to quickly and efficiently resolve issues. This has been highlighted by customers as a critical requirement in a fast-paced laboratory environment.”