POCT Listserv Vendor Policy

Hi All,

As the POCT Listserv Manager, allow me to introduce myself...

I'm Bill Donohue, President/CEO/Founder of CarePoint Solutions, a seven year old IVD company focused on innovative new quality control solutions and quality assurance/error detection software.  CarePoint has several new products coming to market in the near future that have the promise to measurably improve diagnostic accuracy in several critical areas, including a recent initiative to help ensure accurate COVID testing.

As part of our overall mission to improve the quality of diagnostic testing, CarePoint Solutions hosts the POCT Listserv and underwrites the cost each month to keep this forum going.  These charges have grown over the years as the Listserv has expanded, but we consider it a privilege to host this important resource that facilitates the exchange of such valuable clinical information. 

Given some recent posts, I would like to establish a policy for vendor participation for the Listserv.

I think we can all agree that industry vendors: 1.) can make valuable contributions to discussions if the posts are factual and objective, 2.) can gain valuable feedback by observing honest and open discussions between clinical professionals in the industry they serve, and 3.) are at the forefront of delivering the technology solutions that enable clinicians to do their jobs more effectively. 

Let me quickly add that many of us appreciate the non-commercial culture of the Listserv -- and see it as central to it's appeal, integrity and mission. 

So here's a PROPOSED vendor participation policy, for your consideration and feedback:

1.) Vendors that participate in discussion posts must fully disclose commercial affiliations up front, in each post.

2.) Vendor contributions must be relevant and specific to the topic of discussion and must be of a factual nature.  No opinions, no claims will be allowed that are not supported by established facts, analyzer specifications, published studies, etc.

3.) Vendors cannot initiate discussion posts, but are welcome to respond.

4.) Vendors are not allowed to promote or critique any products, beyond stating factual information about their own product.

5.) Vendors reps can post on behalf of their company no more than three times per year.

6.) Vendors have unlimited access to the Listserv document section and can upload product information, white papers, published studies, helpful resources, etc. to the Listserv archive for future reference by Listserv participants.  Each of those document uploads may be announced on the Listserv.

7.) And a final rule for ALL POCT Listserv participants:  Comments about any other Listserv participants must be positive.  Criticism or judgement of others will not be tolerated.

My goal is to come up with commonsense rules of etiquette that will serve all participants -- both clinicians and vendors -- that are consistent with our information sharing mission, are well defined, and that can be easily enforced. 

Lab folks and industry vendors alike, let me know what you think... and feel free to suggest any additional points that you think should be considered.

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Bill