Training and use of POC Technologies

Upon introduction in a facility, staff at the facility should be trained on the technical use of the POC technology as well as integration of the technology into facility systems. Strong technical training is important to ensure accuracy of results and to keep error rates low. Systems integration training will help facilities maximize utilization of the technology and patient impact.

The MOPH will work to incorporate POC technology training into pre-service training in the future as this may be a more sustainable and cost-effective training method.

Training of Trainers (TOT)

The training of trainers will bring together representatives from MOPH, partners, regions, and the manufacturer of the technology. The aim of the TOT is to prepare a cadre of master trainers to train facilities on technical and systems considerations. The training will cover all technical and systems Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for POC testing that the facilities will need to implement.

Facility Trainings

MOPH, partners, and regional representatives will coordinate facility trainings. These trainings will generally occur on-site, and they will cover both technical and systems training. Master trainers trained through the training of trainers will conduct the end-user facility trainings.

Quality Assurance

A comprehensive quality assurance program will be very important to ensure accuracy of results in a decentralized laboratory system. Systems to ensure the maintenance of an adequate level of quality will include: Internal quality control:
– All POC technologies introduced in Cameroon should have internal quality control
mechanisms
– Facilities should run internal quality controls regularly in accordance with manufacturer
guidelines and recommendations. External Quality Assessment (EQA):
– All POC technologies introduced in Cameroon should be compatible with External Quality
Assessment (EQA) schemes
Supportive Supervision:
– Master trainers should monitor operators’ use of POC technologies and sample collection
techniques through supportive supervision Inter-laboratory comparison schemes:
– Sites can exchange samples among each other to check the quality of testing and the
overall performance of technologies as coordinated by regional laboratories
– In the unexpected absence of EQA programs, a system for inter-laboratory comparison
will be very important.