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St John A, O'Kane M, Jülicher P, Price CP. Improved implementation of medical tests - barriers and opportunities. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:674-678. [PMID: 36622196 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-1071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Applying the concept of a value proposition to medical testing is just one of the many ways to identify and monitor the value of tests. A key part of this concept focusses on processes that should take place after a test is introduced into routine local practice, namely test implementation. This process requires identification of the clinical pathway, the stakeholders and the benefits or disbenefits that accrue to those stakeholders. There are various barriers and challenges to test implementation. Implementation requires the process of clinical audit which involves measurement of outcomes external to the laboratory but this is not widely performed in laboratory medicine. A second key challenge is that implementation requires liaison with stakeholders outside of the laboratory including clinicians and other healthcare professional such as finance managers. Many laboratories are remote from clinical care and other stakeholders making such liaison difficult. The implementation process is based on data which again will be primarily on processes outside of the laboratory. However the recent enthusiasm for so-called real world data and new data mining techniques may represent opportunities that will facilitate better test implementation. A final barrier is that a range of new tools not currently in the education curriculum of the laboratory professional is required for implementation such as those of preparing a business case to support the introduction of a test and health economic analysis. The professional bodies in laboratory medicine could assist with education in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurice O'Kane
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, N. Ireland, UK
| | - Paul Jülicher
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Medical Affairs, Abbott Laboratories, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Christopher P Price
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
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Podolsky E, Hudek N, McCudden C, Presseau J, Yanikomeroglu S, Brouwers M, Brehaut JC. Choosing which in-hospital laboratory tests to target for intervention: a scoping review. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:388-401. [PMID: 36410390 PMCID: PMC9876731 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some laboratory testing practices may be of low value, leading to wasted resources and potential patient harm. Our scoping review investigated factors and processes that developers report using to inform decisions about what tests to target for practice improvement. METHODS We searched Medline on May 30th, 2019 and June 28th, 2021 and included guidelines, recommendation statements, or empirical studies related to test ordering practices. Studies were included if they were conducted in a tertiary care setting, reported making a choice about a specific test requiring intervention, and reported at least one factor informing that choice. We extracted descriptive details, tests chosen, processes used to make the choice, and factors guiding test choice. RESULTS From 114 eligible studies, we identified 30 factors related to test choice including clinical value, cost, prevalence of test, quality of test, and actionability of test results. We identified nine different processes used to inform decisions regarding where to spend intervention resources. CONCLUSIONS Intervention developers face difficult choices when deciding where to put scarce resources intended to improve test utilization. Factors and processes identified here can be used to inform a framework to help intervention developers make choices relevant to improving testing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Podolsky
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Centre for Practice Changing Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Natasha Hudek
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Centre for Practice Changing Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher McCudden
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Centre for Practice Changing Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Justin Presseau
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Centre for Practice Changing Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sezgi Yanikomeroglu
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Centre for Practice Changing Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Brouwers
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jamie C. Brehaut
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Centre for Practice Changing Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Bergamasco A, Luyet-Déruaz A, Gollop ND, Moride Y, Qiao Q. Epidemiology of Asymptomatic Pre-heart Failure: a Systematic Review. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2022; 19:146-156. [PMID: 35355204 PMCID: PMC9177493 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-022-00542-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To quantify the prevalence of asymptomatic pre-heart failure (pre-HF), progression to more severe stages, and associated mortality. RECENT FINDINGS A systematic review was conducted between 01 January 2010 and 12 March 2020 (PROSPERO: CRD42020176141). Data of interest included prevalence, disease progression, and mortality rates. In total, 1030 sources were identified, of which, 12 reported on pre-HF (using the ACC/AHA definition for stage B HF) and were eligible. Prevalence estimates of pre-HF ranged from 11 to 42.7% (10 sources) with higher estimates found in the elderly, in patients with hypertension, and in men. Three studies reported on disease progression with follow-up ranging from 13 months to 7 years. The incidence of symptomatic HF (HF/advanced HF) ranged from 0.63 to 9.8%, and all-cause mortality from 1.6 to 5.4%. Further research is required to investigate whether early detection and intervention can slow or stop the progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicholas D Gollop
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim Am Rhein, Germany
| | - Yola Moride
- YolaRX Consultants, Paris, France
- YolaRX Consultants, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Qing Qiao
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim Am Rhein, Germany
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Jülicher P, O'Kane M, Price CP, Christenson R, John AS. Health economic evaluations of medical tests: Translating laboratory information into value - A case study example. Ann Clin Biochem 2021; 59:23-36. [PMID: 33874738 DOI: 10.1177/00045632211013852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Health-care providers and funders are focused on identifying value in all their services and that includes laboratories. This means that in order to gain a share of scarce resources, laboratory professionals must also understand and assess the value of tests and that includes their economic impact. This can be assessed using health economic modelling tools which, when used in conjunction with a detailed value proposition for the test, can translate laboratory information into value. While a variety of health economic assessment tools are available, this review will focus on the use of decision analytic models which essentially compare the outcomes from pathways with and without the new test, the value of which is being assessed. A step-by-step framework is provided to guide laboratory professionals through the essential steps of conducting the evaluation. Initial steps include mapping the clinical pathway, understanding the goal of the evaluation, identifying the key stakeholders and their needs and determining a suitable analytical model. Following collection of the actual data, the validity of the model must be checked, and the robustness of the outcomes tested through sensitivity analysis. The last step is to translate the findings into measures of value which can then inform appropriate decisions by the stakeholders. This review of basic health economic modelling should enable laboratory professionals to have an understanding of how modelling can be applied to tests in their own environment and help deliver their potential value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Jülicher
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Medical Affairs, Abbott Laboratories, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Maurice O'Kane
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, UK
- Centre for Personalised Medicine: Clinical Decision Making and Patient Safety, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, UK
| | - Christopher P Price
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Christenson
- Laboratories of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Centre, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Metabonomics Analysis of Myocardial Metabolic Dysfunction in Patients with Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Resistance. Cardiol Res Pract 2020; 2020:1416945. [PMID: 33376601 PMCID: PMC7744244 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1416945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an important biological marker and regulator of cardiac function. BNP resistance is characterized by high concentrations of less functionally effective BNP and common in heart failure (HF) patients. However, the roles and consequences of BNP resistance remain poorly understood. Investigate the effects of cardiac BNP resistance and identify potential metabolic biomarkers for screening and diagnosis. Thirty patients and thirty healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Cardiac functions were evaluated by echocardiography. The plasma levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and BNP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the cGMP/BNP ratio is calculated to determine cardiac natriuretic peptide resistance. Liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based untargeted metabolomics analysis was applied to screen metabolic changes. The cGMP/BNP ratio was markedly lower in HF patients than controls. The cGMP/BNP ratio and ejection fraction (EF) were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.676, P < 0.05). Importantly, metabolic profiles were substantially different between HF patients and healthy controls. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed metabolites are involved in signaling pathways that regulate cardiac functions. In HF patients, BNP resistance develops in association with a reduction in heart function and metabolic remodeling. It suggests possible functional roles of BNP resistance in the regulation of cardiac metabolism.
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Price CP, St John A. The Role of Laboratory Medicine in Value-Based Healthcare. J Appl Lab Med 2020; 5:1408-1410. [DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Price
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Giusepi I, John AS, Jülicher P. Who Conducts Health Economic Evaluations of Laboratory Tests? A Scoping Review. J Appl Lab Med 2020; 5:954-966. [DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundHealth economic evaluations (HEEs) are effectively used to inform decision making in healthcare. We sought to assess the level of involvement of laboratory professionals (LPs) in HEEs of laboratory tests.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in Medline (2013 to November 28, 2018) for original articles reporting HEEs of medical laboratory tests. Eligible studies were characterized by indication, utilization, region, setting, study design, primary outcome measures, and sponsorship. Authors were classified based on stated affiliation as clinician, scientist, public health expert, or LP.ResultsIn total, 140 HEEs were included in the study, of which 24 (17.1%) had contributions from LPs. Studies were primarily focused on infectious disease (n = 68), oncology (n = 23), and cardiovascular disease (n = 16). Cost-utility or cost-effectiveness analyses (n = 117) were the most frequent study types, with effectiveness measured mainly in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (n = 57) and detected cases (n = 41). Overall, 76% of HEEs followed a social or health system perspective, whereas 15% took a hospital viewpoint. Partial or full funding was received from public health organizations or industry in 39% and 16% of studies, respectively. The involvement of LPs was associated with test utilization, secondary care, analytic perspective, and an immediate time horizon (all P < 0.05). Quality of studies was found to be lower in HEEs coauthored by LPs.ConclusionMultidisciplinary collaboration is essential to understanding the complexity of clinical pathways. HEEs are used effectively to inform healthcare decision making. The involvement of LPs in HEEs is low. This implies that laboratory expertise is frequently not considered in decision processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Giusepi
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Abbott Diagnostics, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | - Paul Jülicher
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Abbott Diagnostics, Wiesbaden, Germany
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AACC Guidance Document on Management of Point-of-Care Testing. J Appl Lab Med 2020; 5:762-787. [DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Abstract
The pressure on healthcare budgets including laboratory medicine is relentless and the focus on activities and costs remains the dominant funding model of laboratory medicine everywhere. The limitations of this model are well documented and for a decade or more laboratory professions worldwide have started looking at alternative models where the value of laboratory medicine and its impact on patient outcomes are the predominant driving force. There are multiple ways to determine the value of a medical test, particularly if one takes into consideration its impact upon the complete clinical pathway. Thus various approaches to value determination are being explored by a number of international organisations. These organisations will be reviewed below, including one which uses the concept of a value proposition that describes in detail how a test should be implemented by measuring its clinical, operational and economic impact. All approaches for determination of value require professional leadership. There is a need for research of varying types including that related to translating global evidence into local practice, a key challenge facing laboratory medicine and healthcare generally. Another challenge is to think and act beyond the silo of the laboratory to achieve greater collaboration with those colleagues more directly involved in patient care.
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