Evaluating point-of-care testing for glycosylated haemoglobin in public sector primary care facilities in the Western Cape, South Africa

• DOI: 10.7196/samj.2016.v106.i12.10728
• Publication Date: 2016-12-05T13:27:40Z
• Authors: R Mash; A Ugoagwu; C Vos; M Rensburg; R Erasmus
• Keywords: Point-of-Care Testing

Diabetes mellitus contributes significantly to the burden of disease in South Africa (SA). Monitoring glycaemic control with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is recommended, even though current laboratory-based testing does not support immediate clinical decision-making.To evaluate costs and consequences for quality care by introducing point-of-care (POC) HbA1c patients type 2 diabetes at community health centres Cape Town, SA.A quasi-experimental study was conducted two intervention sites same sub-district. The DCA Vantage Analyzer (Siemens, Germany) POC introduced 12 months. Patients were randomly selected from register (n=300) sites, respectively, data collected patient records baseline Focus group interviews performed sites. Technical cost implications evaluated.POC feasible, easy integrate into organisation care, resulted more feedback (p<0.001) appeared satisfied. did improve test coverage, treatment intensification, counselling or control. There an incremental ZAR2 110 per 100 tests. Compliance poor, although tests showed good reliability.This introduction public sector primary practice context. should be evaluated further combination interventions overcome inertia strengthen healthcare.