Meads_PLoS.pdf (352.7 kB)
Impact of laboratory test use strategies in a Turkish hospital
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-26, 14:23 authored by Fatima M. Yilmaz, Rabia Kahveci, Altan Aksoy, Emine Ö Kucuk, Tezcan Akin, Joseph L. Mathew, Catherine Meads, Nurullah ZenginObjectives: Eliminating unnecessary laboratory tests is a good way to reduce costs while maintain patient safety. The aim of this study was to define and process strategies to rationalize laboratory use in Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital (ANH) and calculate potential savings in costs. Methods: A collaborative plan was defined by hospital managers; joint meetings with ANHTA and laboratory professors were set; the joint committee invited relevant staff for input, and a laboratory efficiency committee was created. Literature was reviewed systematically to identify strategies used to improve laboratory efficiency. Strategies that would be applicable in local settings were identified for implementation, processed, and the impact on clinical use and costs assessed for 12 months. Results: Laboratory use in ANH differed enormously among clinics. Major use was identified in internal medicine. The mean number of tests per patient was 15.8. Unnecessary testing for chloride, folic acid, free prostate specific antigen, hepatitis and HIV testing were observed. Test panel use was pinpointed as the main cause of overuse of the laboratory and the Hospital Information System test ordering page was reorganized. A significant decrease (between 12.6-85.0%) was observed for the tests that were taken to an alternative page on the computer screen. The one year study saving was equivalent to 371,183 US dollars. Conclusion: Hospital-based committees including laboratory professionals and clinicians can define hospital based problems and led to a standardized approach to test use that can help clinicians reduce laboratory costs through appropriate use of laboratory tests
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
11Issue number
4Page range
e0153693Publication title
PLOS ONEISSN
1932-6203External DOI
Publisher
Public Library of ScienceFile version
- Published version
Language
- eng
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Legacy posted date
2018-06-27Legacy creation date
2018-06-21Legacy Faculty/School/Department
ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)Usage metrics
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