Digitalization of Satellite Laboratory System of Base Hospital Warakapola, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Investigation is a vital component of healthcare. Yet, there are many primary level institutions (PLIs) that do not have the laboratory facilities of their own. Satellite laboratory system (SLS) of Base Hospital Warakapola (BHW) was conceptualized with the aim of offering laboratory facilities for the clients of eight PLIs. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of digitalization of SLS of BHW. Materials and methods: The process of SLS was extensively studied. The study identified gaps in the process of SLS, BHW (Phase I), implemented the intervention of digitalization of SLS (Phase II), and evaluated the intervention after 3 months (Phase III). Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in the study. Patients survey, key informant interviews (KIIs), and desk review of secondary data were the instruments and techniques used. The gaps identified were delay in delivery of reports, errors in transcribing investigation results informed over the phone, poor quality of handwritten reports, and reduced customer satisfaction. The delivery of reports was improved by emailing them to PLIs, which eliminated the requirement of conveying them over the phone. The report was printed at PLIs and issued to patients. The necessary infrastructure facilities to the institutions and training to the staff on use of computers and printers and email were provided. Results: The evaluation of interventions revealed that the availability of reports within 24 hours has improved from 82.19 to 100% significantly reducing the turnaround time of reports. The percentage of reports not collected by patients dropped from 12.92 to 2.87%. The patients’ satisfaction was improved about the availability of reports within 24 hours and convenience in cost and time spent significantly. It was noteworthy that both pre-and post-interventional level clients were satisfied about the trustworthiness of SLS. Both the staff of BHW and PLIs expressed their satisfaction with the interventions and improved turnaround time of reports. In conclusion, the project identified the gaps in the process of SLS and was able to overcome them with the interventions. The improvement in the process leads to enhanced efficiency of the SLS.