You’ve done the research. You’ve identified the perfect POCT solution that could transform patient care in your department. The clinical evidence is rock solid, the business case is compelling, and you know it would work.
So why is it an uphill battle to move forward or to even get off the starting blocks?
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. After 15+ years implementing POCT solutions across UK and Ireland healthcare settings – from securing six-figure budgets to navigating complex hospital politics – I’ve seen brilliant medical scientists repeatedly hit the same invisible walls.
The skills gap nobody talks about
Here’s what they don’t teach you in your medical science degree: 90% of successful POCT implementation has nothing to do with the technology. It’s about people, politics, and positioning.
As medical scientists, we’re trained to think analytically. We present facts, evidence, and logical arguments. We assume that good data speaks for itself.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: your stakeholders don’t make decisions based purely on your data. The Finance Director worried about budget overruns, the IT Manager concerned about system integration, the Clinical Director juggling ten competing priorities – they all have different concerns, different languages, and different definitions of success.
The three critical mistakes I see repeatedly
Over the years, I’ve identified patterns in why some POCT projects sail through approval while others – often with better clinical evidence – never see the light of day.
Mistake #1: Leading with features instead of outcomes You’re excited about the analyser’s precision and 2-minute turnaround time. But your ED Consultant cares about reducing patient wait times, and your Finance Director cares about cost per test. Same technology, completely different value propositions.
Mistake #2: Treating all stakeholders the same The one-size-fits-all PowerPoint presentation that worked for your lab manager will fall flat with the Chief Executive. Each stakeholder group needs tailored communication that addresses their specific concerns and speaks their language.
Mistake #3: Underestimating the human element Change is emotional. Even when people agree with your proposal logically, they may resist implementation because of fear, competing priorities, or past negative experiences. Technical excellence doesn’t overcome emotional barriers.
The good news! I am in the middle of developing a stakeholder engagement course specifically to address these issues for point of care scientists. The first of several, specifically designed for medical scientists and point of care scientists.
Why this matters more than ever
The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving. POCT adoption is accelerating, budgets are tighter, and competition for resources is fiercer. Medical scientists who can navigate stakeholder relationships effectively aren’t just getting their projects approved – they’re becoming indispensable strategic partners in their organizations.
But it’s not just about getting approval. Effective stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation process dramatically reduces project delays, budget overruns, and post-implementation problems. It’s the difference between a solution that gets installed and one that gets truly adopted.
The broader skills revolution
This challenge extends beyond stakeholder engagement. The most successful medical scientists I know have developed what I call “commercial awareness” – understanding risk management frameworks, project management principles, change management strategies, and influencing techniques.
These aren’t “nice-to-have” skills anymore. They’re career differentiators.
For example, my Risk Management for POCT Professionals course originally started as a compliance requirement. But participants consistently report that the biggest value comes from the broader strategic thinking framework it provides – helping them anticipate challenges, prepare stakeholders, and position projects for success.
Moving forward
The good news? These skills can be learned. Yes, mastering project management, change frameworks, and risk management typically takes years of experience across different roles and environments. But here’s the difference – you don’t need to spend those years learning through trial and error.
The frameworks and strategies I’ve developed come from years of real-world experience in sales, implementation, project management, and regulatory affairs. What took me years to learn through different roles can be applied immediately when you understand the core principles and have practical tools to work with.
The better news? There’s a massive competitive advantage for medical scientists who develop these capabilities. While others continue to struggle with project approvals and implementations, you’ll be the one they turn to when they need things done.
About the Author
Carole Gough is a State Registered Medical Scientist in the UK and Ireland, Fellow of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine and former member of the Institute of Biomedical Science. With 15+ years’ experience in hospital diagnostics, Point of Care Testing, and healthcare IT implementation. She holds a Masters in Medical Device Regulatory Affairs, is Project Management certified, and serves as a guest lecturer at Technological University Ireland. Her practical approach to bridging the gap between technical excellence and commercial success has helped her and her clients secure significant project approvals and advance their careers.
Currently working as Change and Configuration Manager with the Health Service Executive, she brings together technical expertise, commercial experience, and people skills (including postgraduate certifications in psychology to create practical frameworks that deliver results
Learn more about practical skills development for medical scientists at www.labwise.ie . You can subscribe and look out for upcoming courses. You can find me on LinkedIn too!
This is an evolving digital platform responding to the needs of POCT scientists and medical scientists in the broader sense. Happy to work with medical scientists who have knowledge they wish to share.
Best wishes and happy learning!
Carole.
Ready to stop watching great projects fail for preventable reasons? Connect with Carole to learn about practical frameworks that help medical scientists navigate healthcare politics, influence stakeholders, and deliver results that matter.
Carole Gough is a State Registered Medical Scientist in the UK and Ireland, Fellow of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine and former member of the Institute of Biomedical Science. With 15+ years’ experience in hospital diagnostics, Point of Care Testing, and healthcare IT implementation. She holds a Masters in Medical Device Regulatory…