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de Carle M, Macnab B, Utainrat J, Herkes-Deane J, Attia J, de Malmanche T, Teber E, Palazzi K, Scowen C, Hure A. Does an electronic pathology ordering system change the volume and pattern of routine testing in hospital? An interrupted time series analysis. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:528-535. [PMID: 37085324 PMCID: PMC11287530 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-208850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Identifying and reducing low-value care is a vital issue in Australia, with pathology test ordering a common focus in this field. This study builds on previous research and aimed to quantify the impact of the implementation of an electronic ordering (e-ordering) system on the volume of pathology testing, compared with manual (paper based) ordering. METHODS An audit and analysis of pathology test data were conducted, using an interrupted time series design to investigate the impact of the e-ordering system on pathology ordering patterns. All medical and surgical adult inpatients at a tertiary referral hospital in Newcastle, Australia, were included over a 3-year period. RESULTS Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in the volume of orders due to the implementation of the e-ordering system. There was a slight increase in the aggregated volume (tests per admission and tests per bed day) of tests ordered across the entire study period, reflecting a secular trend. CONCLUSIONS Despite providing greater visibility and tracking of orders, we conclude that the implementation of an e-ordering system does not, in and of itself, reduce ordering volume. Efforts to identify and reduce low-value care will require intentional effort and specifically designed educational programmes or hard-wired algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine de Carle
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brooke Macnab
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jenewa Utainrat
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Herkes-Deane
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Attia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Theo de Malmanche
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erdahl Teber
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerrin Palazzi
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Craig Scowen
- John Hunter Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexis Hure
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Lang TF. Inappropriate Laboratory Testing: The Hidden Cost to the Environment-Time for a Database of Associated Costs. J Appl Lab Med 2024:jfae043. [PMID: 38776180 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfae043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F Lang
- Consultant Clinical Scientist, Blood Sciences, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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3
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Starolis MW, Zaydman MA, Liesman RM. Working with the Electronic Health Record and Laboratory Information System to Maximize Ordering and Reporting of Molecular Microbiology Results. Clin Lab Med 2024; 44:95-107. [PMID: 38280801 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.10.009] [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: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Molecular microbiology assays have a higher cost of testing compared to traditional methods and need to be utilized appropriately. Results from these assays may also require interpretation and appropriate follow-up. Electronic tools available in the electronic health record and laboratory information system can be deployed both preanalytically and postanalytically to influence ordering behaviors and positively impact diagnostic stewardship. Next generation technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, have the potential to expand upon the capabilities currently available and warrant additional study and development but also require regulation around their use in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan W Starolis
- Molecular Infectious Disease, Quest Diagnostics, 14225 Newbrook Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA.
| | - Mark A Zaydman
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8118, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rachael M Liesman
- Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics Pathology, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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4
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Plebani M. Why C-reactive protein is one of the most requested tests in clinical laboratories? Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:1540-1545. [PMID: 36745137 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein which is synthesized by the liver in response to the secretion of several inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). CRP was the first acute-phase protein to be described and adopted in clinical laboratories as an exquisitely sensitive systemic marker of inflammation and tissue damage. The measurement of CRP is widely used for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory conditions, including sepsis, trauma, and malignancies. In the last decades, impressive advances in analytical methods (from qualitative to high-sensitivity assays), automation and availability of results in a short time, not only translated in an increasing demand for the right management of systemic inflammatory diseases, but also in evaluating subclinical inflammatory processes underlying atherothrombotic events. CRP measurement is one of the most requested laboratory tests for both the wide range of clinical conditions in which it may assure a valuable information and some analytical advantages due to the evidence that it is a "robust biomarker". Even recently, the measurement of CRP received new interest, particularly as a biomarker of severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and it deserves further concern for improving demand appropriateness and result interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Plebani
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas, Galveston, USA
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Dlamini IS, Gounden V, Moodley N. Evaluation of tumour marker utilisation and impact of electronic gatekeeping in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Afr J Lab Med 2023; 12:2027. [PMID: 37434992 PMCID: PMC10331048 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v12i1.2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inappropriate testing remains a high healthcare cost driver. Tumour marker tests are more expensive than routine chemistry testing. Implementing test demand management systems like electronic gatekeeping (EGK) has reportedly decreased test requests. Objective This study aimed to describe the appropriateness of tumour marker tests, carcinoembryonic antigen, alpha foetal protein, prostate-specific antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, cancer antigen 15-3, cancer antigen 125, and human chorionic gonadotropin, and determine the effectiveness of the EGK used in the public health sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods Tumour marker test data for the KwaZulu-Natal province were extracted from the National Health Laboratory Service Central Data Warehouse for 01 January 2017 - 30 June 2017 (pre-EGK) and 01 January 2018 - 30 June 2018 (post-EGK implementation). Questionnaires were sent to the clinicians in the regional hospitals ordering the most tumour marker tests to assess ordering practices. In addition, we assessed monthly rejection reports to determine the effect of the EGK. Results The EGK minimally reduced tumour marker requests or associated costs (1.4% average EGK rejection rate). An overall 18% increase in the tumour marker tests occurred in 2018. The data suggest inappropriate tumour marker test utilisation, particularly for screening. Conclusion The introduction of EGK as a test demand management had little impact on tumour marker test requests and costs. Continuous education and reiteration of indications for tumour marker test use are required. What this study adds This study demonstrates the ineffectiveness of EGK in tumour marker orders, and provides some insight as to why these markers are being ordered, which is important in trying to decrease inappropriate ordering of these tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immaculate S. Dlamini
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Verena Gounden
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nareshni Moodley
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Boerman AW, Al-Dulaimy M, Bandt YC, Nanayakkara PWB, de Jonge R. The usefulness of implementing minimum retest intervals in reducing inappropriate laboratory test requests in a Dutch hospital. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:412-418. [PMID: 36525643 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inappropriate use of laboratory testing remains a challenging problem worldwide. Minimum retest intervals (MRI) are used to reduce inappropriate laboratory testing. However, their effectiveness and the usefulness in reducing inappropriate laboratory testing is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of broadly implemented MRIs as a means of reducing inappropriate laboratory test requests. METHODS We performed a retrospective study in a general care and teaching hospital in the Netherlands, where MRI alerts have been implemented as standard care since June 7th 2017. Clinical chemistry test orders in adult internal medicine patients placed between July 13th 2017 and December 31st 2019 were included. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of MRIs, expressed as percentages of tests ordered and barred as a result of MRIs. RESULTS Of a total of 218,511 test requests, 4,159 (1.90%) got an MRI alert. These MRIs were overruled by physicians in 21.76% of the cases. As a result of implementing MRIs, 3,254 (1.49%) tests were barred. The financial savings for the department of internal medicine directly related to the included barred laboratory tests during this period were 11,880 euros on a total amount of 636,598 euros for all performed tests. CONCLUSIONS Only a small proportion of laboratory tests are barred after implementation of MRIs, with a limited impact on the annual costs. However, MRIs provide a continuous reminder to focus on appropriate testing and the effectiveness of MRIs is potentially higher than described in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneroos W Boerman
- Section General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Muhammad Al-Dulaimy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zaans Medical Center, Zaandam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne C Bandt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Zaans Medical Center, Zaandam, The Netherlands
| | - Prabath W B Nanayakkara
- Section General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert de Jonge
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Nome RV, Amundsen EK, Tvedt THA, Fenstad MH, Øie E. Hvor ofte bør man gjenta blodprøver? TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2023; 143:22-0658. [PMID: 36655958 DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.22.0658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Panteghini M, Dolci A, Birindelli S, Szoke D, Aloisio E, Caruso S. Pursuing appropriateness of laboratory tests: a 15-year experience in an academic medical institution. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:1706-1718. [PMID: 35998662 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Appropriateness in Laboratory Medicine has been the object of various types of interventions. From published experiences, it is now clear that to effectively manage the laboratory test demand it is recommended to activate evidence-based preventative strategies stopping inappropriate requests before they can reach the laboratory. To guarantee appropriate laboratory test utilization, healthcare institutions should implement and optimize a computerized provider order entry (CPOE), exploiting the potential of electronic requesting as "enabling factor" for reinforcing appropriateness and sustaining its effects over time. In our academic institution, over the last 15 years, our medical laboratory has enforced various interventions to improve test appropriateness, all directly or indirectly based on CPOE use. The following types of intervention were implemented: (1) applying specific recommendations supported by monitoring by CPOE as well as a continuous consultation with clinicians (tumour markers); (2) removing outdated tests and avoiding redundant duplications (cardiac markers, pancreatic enzymes); (3) order restraints to selected wards and gating policy (procalcitonin, B-type natriuretic peptide, homocysteine); (4) reflex testing (bilirubin fractions, free prostate-specific antigen, aminotransferases, magnesium in hypocalcemia); and (5) minimum retesting interval (D-Dimer, vitamin B12, C-reactive protein, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase). In this paper, we reviewed these interventions and summarized their outcomes primarily related to the changes in total test volumes and cost savings, without neglecting patient safety. Our experience confirmed that laboratory professionals have an irreplaceable role as "stewards" in designing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining interventions focused to improving test appropriateness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Panteghini
- UOC Patologia Clinica, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Dolci
- UOC Patologia Clinica, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah Birindelli
- UOC Patologia Clinica, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Dominika Szoke
- UOC Patologia Clinica, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Aloisio
- UOC Patologia Clinica, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Caruso
- UOC Patologia Clinica, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
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9
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Caruso S, Szoke D, Birindelli S, Falvella FS, Dolci A, Panteghini M. Improving D-dimer testing appropriateness by controlling periodicity of retesting: prevention is better than cure. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:e175-e176. [PMID: 35510643 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Caruso
- Clinical Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Dominika Szoke
- Clinical Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah Birindelli
- Clinical Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Dolci
- Clinical Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Panteghini
- Clinical Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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10
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Signorini SG, Brugnoni D, Levaggi R, Garrafa E. Less is more: an ecological and economic point of view on appropriate use of lab testing for COVID-19 patients. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:1781-1783. [PMID: 34355575 PMCID: PMC8438925 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Duilio Brugnoni
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rosella Levaggi
- Department of Economics & Management, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emirena Garrafa
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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