TY  - CHAP
AB  - Purpose Point-of-care testing (POCT) at the Emergency Department (ED) attains better objectives in patient care while aiming to achieve early diagnosis for faster medical decision-making. This study assesses and compares the benefits of POCT in the ED in Germany and Malta, while considering differences in their health systems.Methodology/approach This chapter utilizes multiple case study approach using Six Sigma. The German case study assesses the use of POCT in acute coronary syndrome patients, compared to the central lab setting. The Maltese case study is a pilot study of the use of medical ultrasonography as a POCT to detect abdominal free fluid in post-blunt trauma.Findings This study provides clear examples of the effectiveness of POCT in life-threatening conditions, as compared to the use of traditional central lab or the medical imaging department. Therapeutic quality in the ED and patient outcomes directly depend upon turnaround time, particularly for life-threatening conditions. Faster turnaround time not only saves lives but reduces morbidity, which in the long-term is a critical cost driver for hospitals.Originality/value The application of Six Sigma and the international comparison of POCT as best practice for life-threatening conditions in the ED.
VL  - 17
SN  - 978-1-78441-278-4, 978-1-78441-279-1/1474-8231
DO  - 10.1108/S1474-823120140000017012
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/S1474-823120140000017012
AU  - Buttigieg Sandra C.
AU  - von Eiff Wilfried
AU  - Farrugia Patrick
AU  - von Eiff Maximilian C.
PY  - 2015
Y1  - 2015/01/01
TI  - Process Optimization in the Emergency Department by the Use of Point-of-Care-Testing (POCT) in Life-Threatening Conditions: Comparative Best Practice Examples from Germany and Malta
T2  - International Best Practices in Health Care Management
T3  - Advances in Health Care Management
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 195
EP  - 219
Y2  - 2024/04/19
ER  -