A-226 Optimizing the laboratory workflow with healthcare informatics

Abstract

Background In healthcare informatics, technology is used to streamline processes to improve patient care and health outcomes. For example, informatics can help modern laboratories experiencing increased testing demands with fewer resources. Small- and medium-sized labs, including physician office labs, however, tend to have challenges with cost and availability of resources for installing informatics solutions. Our aim was to evaluate the QuidelOrtho® Results Manager™ System software for streamlining operations to improve overall laboratory performance in multiple sites. Methods The QuidelOrtho Results Manager System software is an informatics solution that focuses on four areas in the laboratory workflow: patient results, rules/standard configuration, quality control, and moving averages. The software was implemented at multiple sites globally, where pre- and post-implementation surveys were conducted. Questions on current tube workflow and informatics setup were asked in the pre-implementation portion, as well as time to complete tasks such as sample validation and quality control. The post-implementation survey included questions about installation and implementation time and ease of use. In addition, customer feedback was obtained for future improvements to the QuidelOrtho Results Manager System. Results All sites previously have not had middleware installed. Highlights from post-implementation survey responses from customers included seamless integration into current workflow, and overall ease of use and customization of software tools with an intuitive interface. Complex rules were set up without extensive training, and troubleshooting and decision-making processes were improved for more efficient patient care. The QuidelOrtho Results Manager System also facilitated standardization of result interpretation and management of abnormal results while also providing in-depth quality control (QC) review, which supported improvements to workflow and efficiency. Processes for updating ranges, adding assays, and storing samples were also improved. Installation time was relatively quick, and turnaround times were reduced compared to those collected pre-implementation. Conclusion In conclusion, the QuidelOrtho Results Manager System was shown to be an ideal solution for streamlining operations to improve overall laboratory performance at multiple sites located in different countries. This is supported by survey findings including reduction in turnaround time, efficiency in obtaining results more quickly, and ease of use and installation without coding expertise. Future improvements to the software will be incorporated in later stages with further implementation in more laboratories.