Clinical Governance in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) -

Clinical governance is vital for delivering safe, high-quality healthcare. In Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), it ensures bedside and near-patient tests produce accurate results and are used safely by clinical teams. For POCT leads, ward managers, and healthcare staff, good governance means managing risks, maintaining quality, and ensuring staff are trained and supported.

POCT services must meet strict regulatory and quality standards. These include:

Following these frameworks helps organisations achieve quality assurance, maintain regulatory compliance, and protect patient safety. It also supports accreditation (such as UKAS in the UK) and improves trust in POCT results across clinical teams and patients alike.

Strong clinical governance is not just about compliance — it builds a culture of safety, empowers clinical staff, and ensures POCT services support effective, reliable patient care every day.

POCTIFY Governance Form

Step 1 of 7

Ward Clinical Governance: POCT Practices Questionnaire

This questionnaire is designed by the POCT department to help you reflect on how your department governs the use of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) devices. Your responses will help us improve safety, quality, and compliance across the Trust.

Estimated time: 15–20 minutes.

Name: Department: Hospital:

Section 1: Evidence-Based Care & Effectiveness

What evidence-based guidelines do you follow when using POCT devices?

How do you ensure staff apply these guidelines consistently in practice?

How do you ensure that the POCT devices are clinically effective and meet patient care needs?

Section 2: Risk Management

How often are risk assessments conducted for your POCT workflow?

Do you have systems for capturing POCT-related incidents or near misses?

Section 3: Patient & Public Involvement (PPI)

How do you involve patients in discussions about their POCT results?

Do you gather patient feedback on POCT? How is this incorporated?

Section 4: Clinical Audit

How often do you perform audits on calibration, QC, and accuracy?

What audit findings have been acted upon, and what were the outcomes?

How do you track post-audit changes over time to ensure improvement?

Section 5: Staffing & Staff Management

Who is responsible for POCT oversight on your ward?

How do you identify and address performance gaps?

How do you ensure clear accountability for each step of the POCT process?

Section 6: Education & Training

What initial and ongoing training do staff receive?

Do you use formal competency assessments or refresher courses?

Section 7: Information & IT

How is POCT data recorded and integrated into systems?

How do you ensure data accuracy and integrity?

What measures protect patient data confidentiality?