DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is nearing completion of a comprehensive implementation programme for a new, advanced point-of-care testing (POCT) — a blood glucose monitoring system — that aids in examining the effectiveness of diabetes control.
Implementation of the programme, which began in March, will be complete by the year-end and will include the distribution of over 600 devices, enhancing diabetic patient care and safety.
The programme, the Nova StatStrip Glucose Meter System, offers patients improved testing accuracy, better treatment and a faster testing process.
The device offers complete connectivity with full data transfer of results and patient information to/from the electronic patient record system.
Implementation of the device, designed for use by healthcare professionals in the clinical setting, involved over 345 nurse trainers and system-wide training. The nurse operators completed practical competency training and an exam prior to being certified to use the device.
Dr Ajayeb Al Nabet, Chair, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, said the programme, which included the training of over 7,200 nurses and other operators, was comprehensive and encompassed a multi-disciplinary approach.
By offering complete connectivity and data transmission to the hospital’s electronic patient record system, the devices will provide physicians with immediate access to medication and drug data, facilitating safer patient care.
Dr Mahmoud Zirie, Senior Consultant Head, Diabetes/Endocrine Division, Hamad General Hospital, said during the recent World Diabetes Day celebrations at HMC that the devices will transmit blood sugar readings directly to a physician’s office or clinic, positioning HMC to offer the finest care and diagnosis in the region.
In addition to having the capability of measuring a patient’s blood sugar level (glycated haemoglobin or HbA1C) in a few minutes, the device is improving the overall treatment plan and patients’ overall satisfaction with the care they receive.
“The meters provide overall improved patient care by delivering faster, more accurate results using less blood and causing less discomfort to patients,” said Dr Zirie.The Peninsula
