The cost-effectiveness of point of care testing in a general practice setting: results from a randomised controlled trial

摘要: Background: While point of care testing (PoCT) for general practitioners is becoming increasingly popular, few studies have investigated whether it represents value money. This study aims to assess the relative cost-effectiveness PoCT in practice (GP) compared usual through a pathology laboratory. Methods: A analysis based on randomized controlled trial with 4,968 patients followed up 18 months and fifty-three practices urban, rural remote locations across three states Australia. The incremental costs health outcomes associated clinical strategy INR, HbA1c, lipids, ACR were those from laboratory testing. Costs expressed year 2006 Australian dollars. Nonparametric bootstrapping was used generate 95% confidence intervals. Results: estimate total direct per patient sector less than testing, but greater HbA1c Lipids, although none these differences statistically significant. led significant cost savings their families. When uncertainty around estimates taken into account, ratio (ICER) found be unfavourable somewhat favourable ACR, while substantial still surrounds Lipids.