Point-of-Care Technology Research Network: An evolving model for collaborative translational research in biomedical engineering.

As the healthcare system evolves from a centralized, hospital- and office-based model to an emphasis on patient-centric care delivered in decentralized settings from the community and/or home to low resource settings domestically and internationally, some Point-of-Care Technologies (POCT) have become important and others may soon become important in facilitating care. These portable diagnostic and monitoring devices enable moving care closer to the patient. We review recent developments in a national model to accelerate the development of POCT, specifically the Point-of-Care Technology Research Network (POCTRN), comprising a multi-center scientific network supported by a coordinating center. We summarize the history of the Network, and then describe the primary objectives and key activities of the Network and highlight the role of a new coordinating center providing administrative and infrastructure support. POCTRN is committed to building evidence-based best practices for high-quality translation and commercialization in biomedical engineering to maximize clinical impact of Point-of-Care Technologies.

The National Institutes of Health Affordable Cancer Technologies Program: Improving Access to Resource-Appropriate Technologies for Cancer Detection, Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Point-of-care (POC) technologies have proved valuable in cancer detection, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment in the developed world, and have shown promise in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC) as well. Despite this promise, the unique design constraints presented in low-resource settings, coupled with the variety of country-specific regulatory and institutional dynamics, have made it difficult for investigators to translate successful POC cancer interventions to the LMIC markets. In response to this need, the National Cancer Institute has partnered with the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering to create the National Institutes of Health Affordable Cancer Technologies (ACTs) program. This program seeks to simplify the pathway to market by funding multidisciplinary investigative teams to adapt and validate the existing technologies for cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment in LMIC settings. The various projects under ACTs range from microfluidic cancer diagnostic tools to novel treatment devices, each geared for successful clinical adaptation to LMIC settings. Via progression through this program, each POC innovation will be uniquely leveraged for successful clinical translation to LMICs in a way not before seen in this arena.

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Point-of-Care Technology Research Network: Advancing Precision Medicine.

To advance the development of point-of-care technology (POCT), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering established the POCT Research Network (POCTRN), comprised of Centers that emphasize multidisciplinary partnerships and close facilitation to move technologies from an early stage of development into clinical testing and patient use. This paper describes the POCTRN and the three currently funded Centers as examples of academic-based organizations that support collaborations across disciplines, institutions, and geographic regions to successfully drive innovative solutions from concept to patient care.