POET (Point Of carE Testing)

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Use of Point Of carE Testing (POET) for monitoring and management of long-term conditions (LTCs): A validation and feasibility study

• IRAS ID

  309342

• Contact name

  David Webb

• Contact email

  david.webb@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Leicester

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 6 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  Currently there is more focus in increasing the use of technology in healthcare. This can be in ways such as virtual consultations, electronic health recording and the use of remote monitoring tools to manage those with long term conditions like diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Through the use of technology in healthcare settings, we can improve patient experiences and free-up clinic time.
  
  This is also highlighted during the current COVID-19 pandemic where healthcare services have undergone important transformations including virtual consultations when face-to-face consultants were not always possible. Since the start of the pandemic, 75% of diabetes consultations within University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust have been taking place virtually.
  
  For people with diabetes, collecting and measuring blood samples including HbA1c measurement remain an important part of routine health care and monitoring. This allows health care providers to make important decisions on diagnosis of diabetes and provides a good way to monitor diabetes control. Sample collection is usually measured during a visit to the hospital or a health care setting. However, the collection of blood samples remains a barrier for successful remote working as this requires face-to-face contact.

  In this study we are investigating if the remote Point Of Care Testing (POCT) (which uses blood samples collected via finger prick methods at home) can be used to monitor diabetes control and measure other routine blood samples without having to visit the hospital. This will allow Health Care Providers (HCPs) to make decisions and take action in a timely manner during the virtual consultations.

  The overall aim of this study is to see if POCT is accurate compared to normal collection of blood samples using a vein and understanding patient experiences and thoughts around remote blood collection.

• REC name

  East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  24/EM/0071

• Date of REC Opinion

  7 May 2024

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion