Point-of-care testing: managing people and technology. A win-win approach to successful point-of-care test management.

The objective of this article is to provide a step-by-step approach to evaluating the need for a point-of-care testing program. It also describes a process for writing a proposal for the implementation of the program, getting the program accepted by all stake-holder groups, and managing it after it has been established. More importantly, the actions described will help assure that the program design: 1. fits the information needs of the patient care area where it will be implemented 2. meshes with the resources available in the organization 3. takes advantage of the state-of-the-art in laboratory technology.