Data-Driven Decision-Making in Support of Managing Pathology Laboratories

Data-driven decision-making using information extracted from existing sources and analyzed using commercially available or homegrown analytical tools is key to sustaining and improving effective laboratory services. Abstract Pathology laboratories generate large amounts of patient and operational data, usually housed in laboratory information systems. Linking that information to other data sources for data mining and analytics is essential to inform decision-making by multiple stakeholders to effectively manage the pathology laboratory. We review and illustrate examples of how data-driven decision-making can support laboratory operations, resource management, personnel performance and productivity, quality assurance, and business activities. The application of dashboards and informatics tools for data-driven decision-making in pathology is highlighted.