Global Point of Care
The Value of POCT in SMI Health Checks and Patients with Learning Disabilities for the Diagnosis, Management and Monitoring of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk.

Summary
Hear about the value of point-of-care testing in severe mental illness (SMI) patients and in patients with learning disabilities for screening of chronic diseases.
In this webinar our speaker examines screening for and prevention of chronic disease in severe mental illness (SMI) patients and patients with learning disabilities (LD). The role and value of point-of-care testing in this patient cohort is analyzed.
Point-of-care testing is tolerated well by patients due to the small blood sample volume and is minimally invasive compared to venous blood sampling, therefore it is better tolerated and helps to reduce any distress amongst patients. (1)
Medication prescribed to SMI patients leads to patients becoming susceptible to cardiovascular disease. The NHS have implemented a drive to screen patients with an SMI for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the role of POCT in addressing physical health disparities among individuals with Severe Mental Illness (SMI).
- Identify specific biomarkers for diabetes and cardiovascular risk that are particularly relevant to patients with SMI.
- Learn how POCT can be integrated into routine health checks for patients with SMI to improve early detection and management of comorbid conditions.
- Explore tailored case studies demonstrating the impact of POCT on health outcomes in patients with SMI.
- Discuss practical strategies for implementing POCT in mental health settings, including overcoming common barriers and challenges
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Clinical Significance. In Point-of-Care Testing (Chapter 5). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592387/
Presenter Biography
Dr. Vinny Khunger
GP Principal Haughton Thornley Medical Centres, Tameside and Glossop CCG.
Governing Body Lead for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, GP ST3 Trainer and GP Appraiser.
England
Who Should Watch
Endocrinologists, Nephrologists, Healthcare professionals, Clinicians, POC coordinators, Physician, & General practitioners