A Profile of Point of Care Coordinators: Roles, Responsibilities and Attitudes.

BACKGROUND

Point of care (POC) testing is rapidly evolving. POC testing is often managed by POC coordinators (POCC), but this role is relatively new and has not been characterized.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the background, responsibilities, and job satisfaction of POCCs.

METHODS

Structured interviews were conducted with 15 POCCs. On the basis of these interviews, a 38-item questionnaire was developed and administered as a web-based survey.

RESULTS

The respondents (N = 98) were mostly female (87%) and had a bachelor's degree (79%). About half the respondents were older than 55 years and were in supervisory positions. Overall, respondents indicated high job satisfaction, but women were significantly less satisfied than men. POCCs were infrequently involved in decisions regarding the implementation of new tests. The number of tests managed by each POCC varied widely (median, 6.0; range, 1-30).

CONCLUSIONS

The POCC role is in flux. There is consensus regarding some aspects of the job, but there are significant differences in the way that hospitals organize the POCC function.