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Cadamuro J. Disruption vs. evolution in laboratory medicine. Current challenges and possible strategies, making laboratories and the laboratory specialist profession fit for the future. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:558-566. [PMID: 36038391 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Since beginning of medical diagnostics, laboratory specialists have done an amazing job, continuously improving quality, spectrum and speed of laboratory tests, currently contributing to the majority of medical decision making. These improvements are mostly of an incremental evolutionary fashion, meaning improvements of current processes. Sometimes these evolutionary innovations are of a radical fashion, such as the invention of automated analyzers replacing manual testing or the implementation of mass spectrometry, leading to one big performance leap instead of several small ones. In few cases innovations may be of disruptive nature. In laboratory medicine this would be applicable to digitalization of medicine or the decoding of the human genetic material. Currently, laboratory medicine is again facing disruptive innovations or technologies, which need to be adapted to as soon as possible. One of the major disruptive technologies is the increasing availability and medical use of artificial intelligence. It is necessary to rethink the position of the laboratory specialist within healthcare settings and the added value he or she can provide to patient care. The future of the laboratory specialist profession is bright, as it the only medical profession comprising such vast experience in patient diagnostics. However, laboratory specialists need to develop strategies to provide this expertise, by adopting to the quickly evolving technologies and demands. This opinion paper summarizes some of the disruptive technologies as well as strategies to secure and/or improve the quality of diagnostic patient care and the laboratory specialist profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Cadamuro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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2
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Doshmangir L, Jabbari H, Arab-Zozani M, Naghavi-Behzad M, Abedi Z, Mostafavi H. Factors affecting hospital services overutilization and reductive strategies in Iran: a qualitative study to explore experts' views. Hosp Pract (1995) 2022; 50:416-424. [PMID: 36222088 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2022.2134679] [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] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the viewpoints of the main stakeholders of the Iranian healthcare system about the overutilization of hospital services and strategies to eliminate or reduce it in Iran. METHODS This is a qualitative study and thematic data analysis using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). We conducted eight interviewers and two FGDs with hospital stakeholders including faculty members, insurance organizations' authorities, experienced hospital administrative staff, hospital managers, and health-care providers. RESULTS The factors leading to the overutilization of hospital services were categorized into four main themes including site of service, quality, supplier push, and demand pull. Strategies for eliminating or reducing the overutilization of hospital services are also identified based on the influential factors. CONCLUSION Addressing overutilization of hospital services in the health system and adherence to policies for reducing or eliminating overutilization is a way to make preventive strategies to overcome overutilization. Developing a national plan to integrate utilization management into health system programs is a strategy to combat overutilization in various levels of the health system including hospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Doshmangir
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Jabbari
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Iranian Center of Excellence in Health Management, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Arab-Zozani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Zeinab Abedi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hakimeh Mostafavi
- Health Equity Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ingvarsson S, Hasson H, von Thiele Schwarz U, Nilsen P, Powell BJ, Lindberg C, Augustsson H. Strategies for de-implementation of low-value care-a scoping review. Implement Sci 2022; 17:73. [PMID: 36303219 PMCID: PMC9615304 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01247-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of low-value care (LVC) is a persistent problem that calls for knowledge about strategies for de-implementation. However, studies are dispersed across many clinical fields, and there is no overview of strategies that can be used to support the de-implementation of LVC. The extent to which strategies used for implementation are also used in de-implementing LVC is unknown. The aim of this scoping review is to (1) identify strategies for the de-implementation of LVC described in the scientific literature and (2) compare de-implementation strategies to implementation strategies as specified in the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change (ERIC) and strategies added by Perry et al. Method A scoping review was conducted according to recommendations outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. Four scientific databases were searched, relevant articles were snowball searched, and the journal Implementation Science was searched manually for peer-reviewed journal articles in English. Articles were included if they were empirical studies of strategies designed to reduce the use of LVC. Two reviewers conducted all abstract and full-text reviews, and conflicting decisions were discussed until consensus was reached. Data were charted using a piloted data-charting form. The strategies were first coded inductively and then mapped onto the ERIC compilation of implementation strategies. Results The scoping review identified a total of 71 unique de-implementation strategies described in the literature. Of these, 62 strategies could be mapped onto ERIC strategies, and four strategies onto one added category. Half (50%) of the 73 ERIC implementation strategies were used for de-implementation purposes. Five identified de-implementation strategies could not be mapped onto any of the existing strategies in ERIC. Conclusions Similar strategies are used for de-implementation and implementation. However, only a half of the implementation strategies included in the ERIC compilation were represented in the de-implementation studies, which may imply that some strategies are being underused or that they are not applicable for de-implementation purposes. The strategies assess and redesign workflow (a strategy previously suggested to be added to ERIC), accountability tool, and communication tool (unique new strategies for de-implementation) could complement the existing ERIC compilation when used for de-implementation purposes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-022-01247-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ingvarsson
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.
| | - Henna Hasson
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.,Unit for implementation and evaluation, Center for Epidemiology and Community Medicine (CES), Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrica von Thiele Schwarz
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.,School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Per Nilsen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Public Health, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Byron J Powell
- Center for Mental Health Services Research, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Clara Lindberg
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden
| | - Hanna Augustsson
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.,Unit for implementation and evaluation, Center for Epidemiology and Community Medicine (CES), Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
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Cassim N, Ramdin N, Moodly S, Glencross DK. Cost of running a full-service receiving office at a centralised testing laboratory in South Africa. Afr J Lab Med 2022; 11:1504. [PMID: 35937761 PMCID: PMC9350462 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v11i1.1504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The National Health Laboratory Service operates a platform of 226 laboratories across South Africa, ranging from highly sophisticated central academic hospitals to distant rural hospitals. The core function of the National Health Laboratory Service is to provide cost-effective and efficient health laboratory services in the public healthcare sector. Objective This study aimed to assess the comprehensive cost of running a full-service receiving office (RO) at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) laboratory. Methods Top-down costing was conducted, with the cost per registration as the main outcome of interest. The annual equivalent costs (AEC) for the following categories were determined: registration materials, collection materials, staffing, laboratory equipment, building and electricity, and other operating costs. Data for the period from 01 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 were included in the analyses. Results The AEC was $1 657 483.00 United States dollars (USD) and the cost per registration was $0.766 USD. Staff contributed 59.9% of the total cost per registration, while collection materials contributed 21.4%. The RO core staff (data clerks) contributed 50.8% of the total staffing costs, while messengers and drivers contributed 31.2%. The introduction of order entry at the CMJAH and other primary healthcare facilities reduced the total AEC by 20%. A single order entry application would serve both the CMJAH and primary healthcare facilities - hence we would prefer to not refer to order entries. Conclusion Providing a comprehensive RO service costs approximately $1.00 USD per registration. The implementation of order entry at the CMJAH would reduce AECs substantially and improve efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseem Cassim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neeshan Ramdin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sadhaseevan Moodly
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Deborah K. Glencross
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Lillo S, Larsen TR, Pennerup L, Antonsen S. The impact of interventions applied in primary care to optimize the use of laboratory tests: a systematic review. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 59:1336-1352. [PMID: 33561910 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Laboratory tests are important tools in primary care, but their use is sometimes inappropriate. The aim of this review is to give an overview of interventions applied in primary care to optimize the use of laboratory tests. A search for studies was made in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. We also extracted studies from two previous reviews published in 2015. Studies were included if they described application of an intervention aiming to optimize the use of laboratory tests. We also evaluated the overall risk of bias of the studies. We included 24 studies. The interventions were categorized as: education, feedback reports and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) strategies. Most of the studies were classified as medium or high risk of bias while only three studies were evaluated as low risk of bias. The majority of the studies aimed at reducing the number of tests, while four studies investigated interventions aiming to increase the use of specific tests. Despite the studies being heterogeneous, we made results comparable by transforming the results into weighted relative changes in number of tests when necessary. Education changed the number of tests consistently, and these results were supported by the low risk of bias of the papers. Feedback reports have mainly been applied in combination with education, while when used alone the effect was minimal. The use of CPOE strategies seem to produce a marked change in the number of test requests, however the studies were of medium or high risk of bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lillo
- Biochemistry Department, Odense University Hospital (OUH) and Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - Trine Rennebod Larsen
- Biochemistry Department, Odense University Hospital (OUH) and Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - Leif Pennerup
- Biochemistry Department, Odense University Hospital (OUH) and Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
| | - Steen Antonsen
- Biochemistry Department, Odense University Hospital (OUH) and Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
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Nascimento-Júnior VP, Camargos EF. Inappropriate requests for tumor markers in patients aged 50 years and older: lessons not learned. GERIATRICS, GERONTOLOGY AND AGING 2021. [DOI: 10.5327/z2447-212320212000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate, within a private health insurance, the ordering frequency and the costs related to inappropriate TM test orders. METHODS: This study analyzed data regarding TM requests within a private health insurance between 2010 and 2017. Patients included in this analysis were ≥ 50 years old, had available medical records, and had at least 1 TM tested within the study period. Tests were considered inappropriate when TMs were used in screening for neoplasms, ie, when there was no previous diagnosis. We evaluated data regarding age, sex, the ordering physician’s medical specialty, and test costs. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2017, 1,112 TM tests were performed and increased from 52 to 262 per year. Our sample consisted mostly of women (69.50%) with a mean age of 59.40 (SD, 8.20) years. Most orders were inappropriate (87.80%) and represented 79.40% of all expenses with TM tests. Cardiology professionals were the medical specialty that requested the most TM tests (23.90%), followed by internal medicine specialists (22.70%) and gynecologists (19.20%). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high percentage of inappropriate test orders in the study period, resulting in elevated costs. Studies of this nature deserve the attention of health care managers, and interventions should be performed in order to reduce the inappropriate use of TM tests in clinical practice.
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Kip MMA, Oonk MLJ, Levin MD, Schop A, Bindels PJE, Kusters R, Koffijberg H. Preventing overuse of laboratory diagnostics: a case study into diagnosing anaemia in Dutch general practice. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:178. [PMID: 32736551 PMCID: PMC7395377 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More information is often thought to improve medical decision-making, which may lead to test overuse. This study assesses which out of 15 laboratory tests contribute to diagnosing the underlying cause of anaemia by general practitioners (GPs) and determines a potentially more efficient subset of tests for setting the correct diagnosis. Methods Logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of individual tests on the (correct) diagnosis. The statistically optimal test subset for diagnosing a (correct) underlying cause of anaemia by GPs was determined using data from a previous survey including cases of real-world anaemia patients. Results Only 9 (60%) of the laboratory tests, and patient age, contributed significantly to the GPs’ ability to diagnose an underlying cause of anaemia (CRP, ESR, ferritin, folic acid, haemoglobin, leukocytes, eGFR/MDRD, reticulocytes and serum iron). Diagnosing the correct underlying cause may require just five (33%) tests (CRP, ferritin, folic acid, MCV and transferrin), and patient age. Conclusions In diagnosing the underlying cause of anaemia a subset of five tests has most added value. The real-world impact of using only this subset should be further investigated. As illustrated in this case study, a statistical approach to assessing the added value of tests may reduce test overuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M A Kip
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Martijn L J Oonk
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Mark-David Levin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Schop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ron Kusters
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Enschede, the Netherlands.,Laboratory for Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Den Bosch, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Koffijberg
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Enschede, the Netherlands
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8
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Barrett BJ, Randell EW, Mariathas HH, Mohammadi A, Darcy S, Wilson R, Brian Johnston K, Parfrey PS. The effect of laboratory requisition modification, audit and feedback with academic detailing or both on utilization of blood urea testing in family practice in Newfoundland, Canada. Clin Biochem 2020; 83:21-27. [PMID: 32450078 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Measuring blood urea at the same time as serum creatinine in stable ambulatory patients in family practice is largely unnecessary. The objective was to assess the relative impact of changing the laboratory requisition versus audit and feedback and academic detailing on the volume of orders for blood urea. DESIGN AND METHODS A natural experiment was observed over the period April 2015 to March 2018 in the Canadian province of Newfoundland where three health regions had different approaches to trying to reduce such urea testing. The Eastern and Western regions removed urea from the standard laboratory requisition but the test could still be ordered by writing it on the requisition. Central region requisitions continued to list urea. Audit and feedback was undertaken with family doctors in Eastern region after the requisition change and that was followed by academic detailing. A nephrologist gave presentations to groups of family doctors on one occasion in Central region. RESULTS The volume of serum creatinine testing was largely unchanged over time in each region. The volume of urea testing reduced by 73%, 48% and 28% in Eastern, Western and central regions. Interrupted time series analysis showed significant changes in test volume after requisition change in Eastern and Western regions as well as after audit and feedback in Eastern and the presentations in Central region. The incremental impact of academic detailing was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION We conclude that removing urea from standard test order menus was the most effective in reducing test volumes, but combination with audit and feedback augmented the impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Barrett
- Clinical Epidemiology & Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
| | - Edward W Randell
- Discipline of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
| | - Hensley H Mariathas
- NL SUPPORT, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
| | - Asghar Mohammadi
- NL SUPPORT, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
| | - Stephen Darcy
- Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
| | - Robert Wilson
- NL SUPPORT, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
| | - K Brian Johnston
- Patient Partner affiliated with NL SUPPORT, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Patrick S Parfrey
- Clinical Epidemiology & Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
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Ibarz M, Cadamuro J, Sumarac Z, Guimaraes JT, Kovalevskaya S, Nybo M, Cornes MP, Vermeersch P, Simundic AM, Lippi G. Clinicians' and laboratory medicine specialists' views on laboratory demand management: a survey in nine European countries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 8:111-119. [PMID: 31990661 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2019-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laboratory tests are an essential aspect of current medical practice and their use has grown exponentially. Several studies however have demonstrated inappropriate use of laboratory testing. This inappropriateness can lead to delayed or wrong diagnosis, negatively impacting patient safety and an increase in health care expenditure. The aim of the present small-scale survey was to obtain information on the current status of demand management in European laboratories, as well as the opinions of laboratory and clinical professionals in this regard. METHODS Two surveys were developed, one for laboratory specialists and one for clinicians, covering information on current use, knowledge and opinions on the possible impact of different demand management strategies on patient outcome and health care costs. Additionally, we asked for the current state and willingness on collaboration of laboratory specialists and clinicians. RESULTS One hundred and fifty responses, 72 laboratory specialists and 78 clinicians, from nine countries were received. Developing local ordering protocols/profiles in collaboration with clinicians was the most used strategy (80.3% of laboratories). Of clinicians, 85.6% considered measures to ensure appropriate use of tests necessary and 100% were interested in advice/information about their indication. Of the laboratory specialists 97.2% were either already participating or willing to participate in multidisciplinary groups on the appropriateness of test demand as were 60.3% of clinicians, and 85.9% of clinicians were interested in attending activities about laboratory test demand management. CONCLUSIONS The results of our survey show that tools to improve the appropriate use of laboratory tests are already regularly used today. Laboratory medicine specialists as well as clinicians are willing to undertake additional shared activities aimed at improving patient-centered laboratory diagnostic workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Ibarz
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Janne Cadamuro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Zorica Sumarac
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Joao Tiago Guimaraes
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sao Joao Hospital Center, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Svetlana Kovalevskaya
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Department with Course of Molecular Medicine, 1st Pavlov State Medical University, St-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mads Nybo
- Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael P Cornes
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester, UK
| | - Pieter Vermeersch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana-Maria Simundic
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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10
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Kandalam V, Lau CK, Guo M, Ma I, Naugler C. Inappropriate repeat testing of complete blood count (CBC) and electrolyte panels in inpatients from Alberta, Canada. Clin Biochem 2019; 77:32-35. [PMID: 31891680 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The avoidance of repeat chemistry testing such as Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Electrolyte Panel (EP) on clinically stable patients was identified as important utilization goals by Choosing Wisely Canada. The purpose of this study was to assess the volume of overutilization of CBC and EP in an inpatient setting in Alberta, Canada, and provide an estimated cost assessment of unnecessary testing. METHODS The total laboratory testing volumes of two common test panels were collected retrospectively for one-year from January to December 2018. Data was collected on test panels performed in an emergency room (ER) and inpatient setting from three separate Laboratory Information Systems covering the provincial population in Alberta, Canada. Total initial test panel instances, total repeated panels, repeated panels that were previously normal or abnormal, and estimated costs were examined. Cost assessment was completed based on Reference Median Cost (RMC) analysis for each of these two common test panels. RESULTS During the study period, 2,020,467 (CBC) and 1,455,983 (EP) initial test panel instances were recorded, of which 67.7% and 73.5% were repeated for the CBC and EP, respectively. There was a higher proportion of EP repeated inappropriately (previously normal; 35.6%) compared to CBCs (5.4%). The cost to the province for inappropriately repeating CBC and EP were estimated to be RMC $0.52 million and RMC $1.90 million CAD, respectively. CONCLUSION Results from this study can assist policy makers in implementing utilization management initiatives and update clinical practice guidelines to reduce costs to healthcare without compromising patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kandalam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cheryl K Lau
- Alberta Public Laboratories (formerly Calgary Laboratory Services), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maggie Guo
- Alberta Public Laboratories (formerly Calgary Laboratory Services), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Irene Ma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christopher Naugler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Public Laboratories (formerly Calgary Laboratory Services), Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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11
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Tsai ER, Tintu AN, Demirtas D, Boucherie RJ, de Jonge R, de Rijke YB. A critical review of laboratory performance indicators. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019; 56:458-471. [PMID: 31393193 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1641789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare budgets worldwide are under constant pressure to reduce costs while improving efficiency and quality. This phenomenon is also visible in clinical laboratories. Efficiency gains can be achieved by reducing the error rate and by improving the laboratory's layout and logistics. Performance indicators (PIs) play a crucial role in this process as they allow for performance assessment. This review aids in the process for selecting laboratory PIs-which is not trivial-by providing an overview of frequently used PIs in the literature that can also be used in clinical laboratories. We conducted a systematic review of the laboratory medicine literature on PIs. As the testing process in clinical laboratories can be viewed as a production process, we also reviewed the production processes literature on PIs. The reviewed literature relates to the design, optimization or performance assessment of such processes. The most frequently cited PIs relate to pre-analytical errors, timeliness, resource utilization, cost, and the amount of congestion. Their citation frequency in the literature is used as a proxy for their importance. PIs are discussed in terms of their definition, measurability and impact. The use of suitable PIs is crucial in production processes, including clinical laboratories. By also reviewing the production processes literature, additional relevant PIs for clinical laboratories were found. The PIs in the laboratory medicine literature mostly relate to laboratory errors, while the PIs in the production processes literature relate to the amount of congestion in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline R Tsai
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center , Rotterdam , the Netherlands.,Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR), University of Twente , Enschede , the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC , Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Andrei N Tintu
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center , Rotterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Derya Demirtas
- Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR), University of Twente , Enschede , the Netherlands
| | - Richard J Boucherie
- Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR), University of Twente , Enschede , the Netherlands
| | - Robert de Jonge
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC , Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Yolanda B de Rijke
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center , Rotterdam , the Netherlands
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Cadamuro J, Ibarz M, Cornes M, Nybo M, Haschke-Becher E, von Meyer A, Lippi G, Simundic AM. Managing inappropriate utilization of laboratory resources. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 6:5-13. [PMID: 30096052 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2018-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The inappropriate use of laboratory resources, due to excessive number of tests not really necessary for patient care or by failure to order the appropriate diagnostic test, may lead to wrong, missed or delayed diagnosis, thus potentially jeopardizing patient safety. It is estimated that 5-95% of tests are currently used inappropriately, depending on the appropriateness criteria, thus significantly contributing to the potential of generating medical errors, the third leading cause of death in the US. Content In this review, we discuss the reasons as well as the medical and financial consequences of inappropriate utilization of laboratory tests. We then provide demand management (DM) tools as a means for overcoming this issue and also discuss their benefits, challenges, limitations and requirements for successful implementation. Summary and outlook When based on current evidence, adapted to local conditions and developed in close collaboration with clinicians, DM is a reasonable strategy for progressing toward better management of over- and underuse of laboratory resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Cadamuro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstr. 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, Phone: +43-57255-57263, Fax: +43-57255-23199
| | - Mercedes Ibarz
- Laboratory Medicine Department, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Michael Cornes
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester, UK
| | - Mads Nybo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Alexander von Meyer
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz AG and Klinikum St. Marien, Weiden and Amberg, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ana-Maria Simundic
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia
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Wierzbicki AS, Reynolds TM. Primum non nocere: Demand management in pathology and preventing harm. Int J Clin Pract 2019; 73:e13311. [PMID: 30633836 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Wierzbicki
- Dept Metabolic Medicine/Chemical Pathology, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Timothy M Reynolds
- Dept Metabolic Medicine/Chemical Pathology, Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK
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AI-Driven Pathology Laboratory Utilization Management via Data- and Knowledge-Based Analytics. Artif Intell Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21642-9_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Reynolds TM, Wierzbicki AS. Demand management of weekend haematology and clinical biochemistry requests. Int J Clin Pract 2018; 73:e13297. [PMID: 30472761 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing demand for laboratory testing at weekends is common but little is known about its appropriateness. METHODS An audit was conducted in a large district hospital of routine haematology and clinical biochemistry requests ordered over two weekends. Appropriateness was assessed by review of ordered tests compared with clinical records by a qualified chemical pathologist. RESULTS Profiles requested on phlebotomy included full blood count (76%), renal profile (91%), C-reactive protein (41%), liver function tests (18%) and another test in 18%. Phlebotomy was likely unnecessary in 47.5% of episodes while 60.8% of requested assays were graded probably unnecessary or unnecessary. At ward level the number of requests averaged 37 (median 32; range 2-76) totalling 446 separate profiles or assays. There was no difference in phlebotomy requests by ward (P = 0.19). Differences were observed in ordered tests (P = 0.005) which were caused by one outlier ward with a low request rate. CONCLUSIONS A large number of unnecessary common tests seem to be carried out at weekends as part of the routine care. Implementation of demand management through education and if necessary electronic limitation of requests may be useful to control laboratory workloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim M Reynolds
- Department of Metabolic Medicine/Chemical Pathology, Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Anthony S Wierzbicki
- Department of Metabolic Medicine/Chemical Pathology, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
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16
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MacMillan TE, Gudgeon P, Yip PM, Cavalcanti RB. Reduction in Unnecessary Red Blood Cell Folate Testing by Restricting Computerized Physician Order Entry in the Electronic Health Record. Am J Med 2018; 131:939-944. [PMID: 29729235 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The red blood cell (RBC) folate test is a laboratory test with limited clinical utility. Previous attempts to reduce physician ordering of unnecessary laboratory tests, including folate levels, have resulted in only modest success. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and impacts of restricting RBC folate ordering in the electronic health record (EHR). METHODS This was a retrospective observational study that took place from January 2010 to December 2016 at a large academic healthcare network in Toronto, Canada. All inpatients and outpatients who underwent at least 1 RBC folate or vitamin B12 test during the study period were included. Ordering an RBC folate test was restricted to clinicians in gastroenterology and hematology. The option to order the test was removed from other physicians' computerized order entry screens in the EHR in June 2013. RESULTS RBC folate testing decreased by 94.4% during the study, from a mean of 493.0 ± 48.0 tests per month prior to intervention to 27.6 ± 10.3 tests per month after intervention (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Restricting RBC folate ordering in the EHR resulted in a large and sustained reduction in RBC folate testing. Significant cost savings, estimated at more than a quarter of a million Canadian dollars over 3 years, were achieved. There was no significant clinical impact of the intervention on the diagnosis of folate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E MacMillan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; HoPingKong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Patrick Gudgeon
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul M Yip
- Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rodrigo B Cavalcanti
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; HoPingKong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hajati F, Atlantis E, Bell KJL, Girosi F. Patterns and trends of potentially inappropriate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol testing in Australian adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease from 2008 to 2014: analysis of linked individual patient data from the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019041. [PMID: 29523561 PMCID: PMC5855213 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examine the extent to which the adult Australian population on lipid-lowering medications receives the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) testing recommended by national guidelines. DATA We analysed records from 7 years (2008-2014) of the 10% publicly available sample of deidentified, individual level, linked Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) electronic databases of Australia. METHODS The PBS data were used to identify individuals on stable prescriptions of lipid-lowering treatment. The MBS data were used to estimate the annual frequency of HDL-C testing. We developed a methodology to address the issue of 'episode coning' in the MBS data, which causes an undercounting of pathology tests. We used a published figure on the proportion of unreported HDL-C tests to correct for the undercounting and estimate the probability that an HDL-C test was performed. We judged appropriateness of testing frequency by comparing the HDL-C testing rate to guidelines' recommendations of annual testing for people at high risk for cardiovascular disease. RESULTS We estimated that approximately 49% of the population on stable lipid-lowering treatment did not receive any HDL-C test in a given year. We also found that approximately 19% of the same population received two or more HDL-C tests within the year. These levels of underutilisation and overutilisation have been changing at an average rate of 2% and -4% a year, respectively, since 2009. The yearly expenditure associated with test overutilisation was approximately $A4.3 million during the study period, while the cost averted because of test underutilisation was approximately $A11.3 million a year. CONCLUSIONS We found that approximately half of Australians on stable lipid-lowering treatment may be having fewer HDL-C testing than recommended by national guidelines, while nearly one-fifth are having more tests than recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshid Hajati
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Capital Markets CRC, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evan Atlantis
- Capital Markets CRC, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Federico Girosi
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Capital Markets CRC, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Cadamuro J, Gaksch M, Wiedemann H, Lippi G, von Meyer A, Pertersmann A, Auer S, Mrazek C, Kipman U, Felder TK, Oberkofler H, Haschke-Becher E. Are laboratory tests always needed? Frequency and causes of laboratory overuse in a hospital setting. Clin Biochem 2018; 54:85-91. [PMID: 29409798 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate utilization of laboratory resources is an increasing concern especially in high-throughput facilities. Until now, no reliable information has been published addressing to which extent laboratory results are actually used for clinical decision-making. Therefore, we aimed to close this gap using a novel retrospective approach including a survey of clinicians and nurses. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the number of re-orders for potassium (K), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), activated partial thromboplastin-time (APTT) and prothrombin-time/INR (PT/INR), after the initial order had to be cancelled due to preanalytical non-conformities. We analyzed subgroups regarding time to re-order, ward and sample priority (urgent vs. routine). Subsequently, we surveyed clinicians and nurses, asking for their estimate of the amount of failed re-orders as well as for possible reasons. RESULTS From initially cancelled tests, only ~20% of K, LD, AST and ~30% of APTT and PT/INR tests were re-ordered within 24 h. 70% of the investigated clinical chemistry and 60% of coagulation tests were re-ordered one week after cancellation or not at all. Survey participants quite accurately estimated these numbers. Routine laboratory panels, short stay of out-patients, obsolete test results and avoiding additional phlebotomies were the main reasons for not re-ordering cancelled tests. CONCLUSIONS Overall, 60-70% of test results in the investigated assays ordered in a high throughput laboratory are potentially inappropriate or of doubtful clinically importance. Although clinicians and nurses are aware of this situation, it is the duty of laboratory specialists to overcome overutilization in close collaboration with all involved healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Cadamuro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Martin Gaksch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Helmut Wiedemann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alexander von Meyer
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz AG, Klinikum St. Marien, Amberg, Weiden, Germany
| | - Astrid Pertersmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Simon Auer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Cornelia Mrazek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Thomas K Felder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Hannes Oberkofler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Rudolf JW, Dighe AS, Coley CM, Kamis IK, Wertheim BM, Wright DE, Lewandrowski KB, Baron JM. Analysis of Daily Laboratory Orders at a Large Urban Academic Center: A Multifaceted Approach to Changing Test Ordering Patterns. Am J Clin Pathol 2017; 148:128-135. [PMID: 28898984 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqx054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to address concerns regarding recurring inpatient laboratory test order practices (daily laboratory tests) through a multifaceted approach to changing ordering patterns. METHODS We engaged in an interdepartmental collaboration to foster mindful test ordering through clinical policy creation, electronic clinical decision support, and continuous auditing and feedback. RESULTS Annualized daily order volumes decreased from approximately 25,000 to 10,000 during a 33-month postintervention review. This represented a significant change from preintervention order volumes (95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.64; P < 10-16). Total inpatient test volumes were not affected. CONCLUSIONS Durable changes to inpatient order practices can be achieved through a collaborative approach to utilization management that includes shared responsibility for establishing clinical guidelines and electronic decision support. Our experience suggests auditing and continued feedback are additional crucial components to changing ordering behavior. Curtailing daily orders alone may not be a sufficient strategy to reduce in-laboratory costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anand S Dighe
- Departments of Pathology
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Christopher M Coley
- Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Irina K Kamis
- Information Systems, Partners HealthCare, Boston, MA
| | - Bradley M Wertheim
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Douglas E Wright
- Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jason M Baron
- Departments of Pathology
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Lapić I, Juroš GF, Rako I, Rogić D. Changing the electronic request form proves to be an effective tool for optimizing laboratory test utilization in the emergency department. Int J Med Inform 2017; 102:29-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Rudolf J, Jackson BR, Wilson AR, Smock KJ, Schmidt RL. Organizational Benchmarks for Test Utilization Performance: An Example Based on Positivity Rates for Genetic Tests. Am J Clin Pathol 2017; 147:382-389. [PMID: 28340161 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqx019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health care organizations are under increasing pressure to deliver value by improving test utilization management. Many factors, including organizational factors, could affect utilization performance. Past research has focused on the impact of specific interventions in single organizations. The impact of organizational factors is unknown. The objective of this study is to determine whether testing patterns are subject to organizational effects, ie, are utilization patterns for individual tests correlated within organizations. METHODS Comparative analysis of ordering patterns (positivity rates for three genetic tests) across 659 organizations. Hierarchical regression was used to assess the impact of organizational factors after controlling for test-level factors (mutation prevalence) and hospital bed size. RESULTS Test positivity rates were correlated within organizations. CONCLUSIONS Organizations have a statistically significant impact on the positivity rate of three genetic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Rudolf
- From the Department of Pathology and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Brian R Jackson
- Center for Effective Medical Testing, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Andrew R Wilson
- School of Nursing, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City
| | - Kristi J Smock
- Center for Effective Medical Testing, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Robert L Schmidt
- Center for Effective Medical Testing, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Wierzbicki
- Department of Metabolic Medicine/Chemical Pathology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
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