One of the most critical aspects in the implementation of new point-of-care testing programs is the development of clinical education, operator training and competency assessment, and appropriate risk and quality management standard operating procedures, training resources, training delivery formats and training and competency assessments. A standardised training program has been developed through the Kirby Institute, Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, St. Vincent’s Hospital, and the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM). Flexible training resources have been developed specifically for operator use in the required clinical settings. Just commenced, the training program will continue be delivered to operators using well established training pathways via remote learning platforms, such as GoToMeeting, website tutorials, and other online resources. The training will include pre-analytical (e.g. specimen collection, cartridge preparation, analytical (e.g. test operation including use of software and middleware) and post-analytical components (results interpretation and recording, waste disposal, and environmental decontamination) required to accurately perform patient tests. The HCV point-of-care testing program will also implement a quality management system, consistent with best-practice and regulatory standards and based upon successful existing programs currently in place for infectious disease point-of-care testing.

This project will prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the operator training with regard to knowledge improvement, practical competency and professional conduct for performing point-of-care testing for HCV infection. This data will be useful in the assessment of training effectiveness across different trainee occupations and will be used in the continual quality improvement of training programs for scale-up of point-of-care testing.