Health Information Technology A DEFINITIVE GUIDE How to Improve Patient-Centered Care and Engagement with LIS Solutions PIONEERING DIAGNOSTICS
CONNECTED AND EFFICIENT LAB IT IS KEY TO REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE 1 THE LAB'S ROLE IN PATIENT CARE AND OUTCOMES 2 HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THEN AND NOW 4 TECHNOLOGY THAT ENHANCES LAB RESULT DELIVERY, EMPOWERS PATIENTS, AND STREAMLINES CARE 5 SIX WAYS AN LIS CAN BENEFIT LABORATORIES AND HEALTHCARE AT LARGE 8 A GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTING LAB IT FOR LAB RESULT DELIVERY 11 MOVING FORWARD: THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF LAB RESULT DELIVERY 15 BIOMÉRIEUX: YOUR PARTNER IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY 16 The healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant shift, as it moves from volume-based to patient-centered care, where patients actively participate in their health and treatment decisions. More than ever, the industry requires the seamless, secure exchange of accurate and timely health data throughout the entire care continuum. Laboratories play a vital role in this transformation. Lab results make up a significant percentage of a patient's overall health record and are an essential resource for effective patient management.1 However, in order to promote improved patient care and outcomes, lab tests must be ordered correctly, conducted and returned in a timely manner, reported effectively, and used properly by clinicians. Manual processes and cumbersome laboratory information systems (LISs) often make it difficult to deliver on that goal. In fact, surveys have shown a relatively low level of satisfaction with existing LISs, with significant numbers of users citing usability, reliability, scalability, security, and interoperability as areas of concern.2 As healthcare organizations transition to value-based care plans, healthcare leaders must leverage the value of the laboratory and laboratory medicine in a way that fosters effective collaboration across the healthcare team-clinicians, patients, their proxies, and caregivers. By strategically selecting and implementing appropriate laboratory information technology solutions, a healthcare system can help eliminate the frustrations caused by paper mail and LISs and empower laboratories to share data more efficiently and securely. More efficient lab result delivery and access unlocks numerous benefits. Laboratories reduce time to diagnosis, minimize errors, and optimize workflows. They can quickly search, analyze, and compare lab data to identify trends. Clinicians can collaborate in real-time and gain valuable insights, leading to faster diagnoses and timely informed clinical decisions. Through secure patient portals, patients gain remote access to their test results, information, and direct communication with their healthcare team. Informed and engaged patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans. This e-book delves deeper into both the rationale for and challenges of implementing innovative lab IT solutions to revolutionize lab result delivery and access. It addresses the limitations of existing LISs and navigates strategies for harnessing technology, fostering engagement, and transforming laboratories from behind-the-scenes players to champions for empowered patients. In the dynamic world of patient-centered care, clear and secure communication of meaningful health data is not just an expectation but an essential cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery. Laboratory tests significantly influence clinical decisions. They provide objective data for a wide range of purposes, including: Poor lab result communication not only impacts patient engagement and health outcomes but also affects the healthcare system. Early intervention based on the timely and secure delivery of accurate information is crucial for facilitating practices like diagnostic stewardship, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), and the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and achieving optimal health outcomes. THE LAB' S ROLE IN PATIENT CARE AND O UTC OME S The impact of ineffective lab result delivery and access Outdated methods of result delivery, poorly designed lab information technology, a fragmented IT infrastructure, and insufficient staff training can impair timely access to critical diagnostic data. Issues such as these can hinder making the correct diagnosis, hamper collaboration, increase clinician frustration and care costs, and put patient safety at risk. Not all technology is good technology. For example, excessive, context- agnostic alerts (like notifications for every single lab result, regardless of urgency) can create alert fatigue and increase workload, leading to clinician burnout and missed critical findings.3 Lack of notification can also impact follow-up on actionable results. Without a follow-up system in place, too many clinicians risk missing pending results, especially at hospital discharge.2 When result reports are not clear, concise, and accurate, clinicians must spend more time searching for essential data points or clarifying unclear reports for patients. As a result, clinicians have less time to devote to individual patient care and treatment planning. Delayed access or missed test results can also lead to misdiagnosis, negatively affecting a patient's clinical course. Studies have shown that delayed test results also contribute to longer lengths of stay in hospitals, which increases overall costs of care.4 Furthermore, the lack of clear and timely information can leave patients feeling anxious and frustrated, hindering their ability to actively participate in their care. Patient care isn't the only thing impacted by ineffective lab result delivery and access. When clinicians don't receive results, lab technicians must spend extra time tracking them down-time they could be spending optimizing internal laboratory workflows. Delays in reporting often translate into delays in treatment and the need for additional tests, consultations, or even hospital admissions. This creates a domino effect, driving up healthcare costs for both patients and the system as a whole. The limitations of traditional or substandard electronic reporting methods are particularly disadvantageous for patients in underserved or rural communities with limited access to technology or reliable communication channels. This creates a barrier to patient engagement and can exacerbate existing health disparities. A well-designed LIS can mitigate poor lab result delivery, and, when strategically designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders across the care continuum, be a game changer. In recent decades, health IT has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered, moving from a model centered on the needs of institutions to one that empowers patients. In the 1960s and 1970s, technology was used to develop basic hospital information systems primarily focused on administrative tasks like billing and internal record-keeping and test results were captured and shared using index cards. The early 2000s saw a major shift with the introduction of lab information systems (LISs), which replaced paper charts with a centralized digital repository for patient medical information. In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act established the HITECH (Health Information Technology Economic and Clinical Health) Act, which allocated funds to eligible clinicians and hospitals to promote the adoption, implementation, and use of electronic health records (EHRs), formalizing the use of health IT as a national health policy.5 LISs were designed to facilitate the exchange of laboratory information between laboratories and provider EHR systems. Progress, however, was hampered by a lack of interoperability between thousands of LISs and disparate electronic health information systems. While providers within a network could more easily share data and collaborate, unaffiliated providers continued to rely on fax machines and physical mail to exchange patient data, hindering seamless collaboration and continuity of care. Challenges remain, and health IT is a work in progress. However, significant strides have been made in interoperability: software applications to "talk" to each other and exchange data between various health IT systems. Going forward, when investing in new LISs, laboratories should prioritize solutions that not only optimize data management and internal workflows but also foster a more collaborative and patient-centered approach to care. Adopting solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing healthcare information networks is key to ensuring an efficient and secure exchange of lab results with clinicians and patients. An LIS can offer a powerful set of tools to transform the delivery and access of lab results. When selecting new systems or software, laboratories should consider the specific needs of patients and clinicians and identify options that enable a true partnership with the entire healthcare team. This may involve soliciting the input of both patients and clinicians in every aspect of the design, development, and use of potential systems and features to understand what features will be appreciated and implemented and what training, if any, will be required to ensure adoption. As with all healthcare IT, security is paramount. Any new LIS must provide robust access controls to safeguard patient data. TECHNOLOGY THAT ENHANCE S LAB RESULT DELIVERY, EMPOWERS PATIENTS, AND STREAMLINES CARE Core lab IT solutions: the foundation for efficiency To optimize workflows and patient care, an LIS should be built on a foundation of fundamental solutions, including: TECHNOLOGY THAT ENHANCE S LAB RESULT DELIVERY, EMPOWERS PATIENTS, AND STREAMLINES CARE Features and add-on enhancements to expand functionality and security The following features and add-on functionalities build upon the core LIS solutions to address specific user needs and IT preferences. While an LIS can transform care delivery and management, innovative tech solutions also provide direct benefits to laboratories. By embracing advanced data management features, improved workflows, and user- friendly interfaces, labs can streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, track epidemiological trends, promote antimicrobial stewardship, and ultimately, strengthen their reputation and bottom line. 1 Data consolidation and management By consolidating laboratory data into a centralized hub, it is readily accessible for analysis and reporting. Centralized data management gives you instant visibility of test results, surveillance data, and instrument and staff performance analysis, so your data is always available at the touch of a button. This eliminates the time-consuming task of manually sifting through binders and folders to compile reports or answer questions, freeing up staff to focus on higher-level tasks. 2 Enhanced efficiency 8 Digitizing all data makes it easier to find and share information, and collaborate with colleagues and patients. Technology solutions with well-designed human-computer interfaces help streamline data entry, result reporting, and pre- and post-analytical tasks. Laboratories can use raw data to generate interactive visualizations of laboratory results and workflows to help them quickly identify bottlenecks and optimize efficiency, leading to cost savings through minimized rework and improved resource allocation. Health IT makes it possible to get more done with fewer people, a benefit that can be especially helpful as the demand for laboratory services outpaces the number of trained lab scientists and technicians. SIX WAYS AN LIS CAN BENEFIT LAB OR ATORIES AND HEALTHCARE AT LARGE 3 Real-time insights and analytics Newer LIS solutions are designed to give you a holistic view of relevant lab and clinical data. Labs can keep track of test results, surveillance data, clinician utilization, and instrument and staff performance analytics. This real-time data empowers labs to identify potential issues and discrepancies early on and determine the impact of using specific LIS solutions on clinical measures and quality metrics. Real-time analysis of test results can help identify potential errors or outliers, allowing for timely investigation and ensuring the highest level of accuracy. Staff performance analytics can be used to identify areas for improvement and optimize workflows, ultimately leading to faster turnaround times and improved patient care. 4 Pathogen surveillance 9 Identifying and tracking the emergence of new pathogens or antimicrobial- resistant strains becomes a streamlined process with the right LIS solution. By using IT to analyze trends in organism occurrence and resistance patterns, labs can proactively alert clinicians, enabling faster implementation of targeted interventions. An LIS allows authorized personnel to access data remotely, facilitating collaboration and consultation with specialists across different locations. This proactive approach to pathogen surveillance may also help labs play a vital role in safeguarding public health. SIX WAYS AN LIS CAN BENEFIT LAB OR ATORIES AND HEALTHCARE AT LARGE 5 Antimicrobial stewardship The fight against antimicrobial resistance requires a comprehensive strategy. LIS solutions empower laboratories to contribute significantly to antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) through real-time trend analysis and advanced analytics and reporting. A lab's LIS can integrate with hospital antimicrobial use data, helping ASPs track changes in susceptibility patterns and provide real-time data on infectious disease trends. This helps clinicians make informed decisions about antimicrobial selection, minimizing the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate use. Additionally, using an LIS to automate the creation of antibiograms based on real-time test results significantly reduces turnaround time, allowing clinicians to initiate the most effective treatment course sooner. 6 Reduced training costs with user-friendly interfaces While many legacy LISs miss the mark when it comes to user interface, newer systems are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Intuitive interfaces with clear navigation and role-based access controls minimize training time for new staff. This not only reduces onboarding costs but also empowers staff to become more efficient in their daily tasks. 10 Laboratories that embrace LIS technology establish themselves as valuable partners in patient care, enhancing their reputation for quality and reliability and fostering stronger relationships with healthcare providers. Having explored how an LIS can empower both laboratories and the broader healthcare system, the next step is unlocking its potential by understanding how to implement the right solutions that are "fit for purpose" for tasks such as stewardship and surveillance. If you are implementing your first laboratory information system or making significant changes to an old one, you have the opportunity to reimagine your relationship with technology. This is a chance to transform how it supports your staff, clinicians, patients, and workflows. The path to a more efficient and patient-centered laboratory environment requires not just the right technology, but the ability to maximize buy-in and build a spirit of collaboration. Laboratory leadership, pathologists, lab technicians, IT professionals, and even administrative staff have a role in ensuring a future where accurate test results are delivered seamlessly to clinicians and patients alike. Change can be daunting. New software can feel overwhelming and transitioning from paper-based or hybrid paper/electronic workflows to a new digital environment can seem complex. However, by approaching these challenges with open eyes and a collaborative spirit, laboratories can unlock the immense potential of LIS technology and transform into hubs of efficiency and innovation. This guide serves as a roadmap, providing information and strategies to achieve successful implementation. A G UIDE TO IMPLEMENTING LAB IT FOR LAB RESULT DELIVERY Address challenges in lab IT implementation Overall, acknowledging challenges before implementation is not about negativity-it's about fostering transparency and allowing for proactive problem-solving. By anticipating and addressing potential roadblocks, you can develop a more realistic implementation timeline and budget, mitigate risks, and ensure a smoother, more successful LIS implementation journey. Common challenges that may need to be addressed include: data belongs to the patient. Many companies buy and sell health information, believing they own it.7 Clear ownership and usage guidelines are essential for building trust in interoperable systems that enable patients to access their results and ensure the data is used to its full potential. and long-term collaboration with your chosen vendor. By anticipating these challenges and implementing appropriate solutions, you can pave the way for a system that delivers optimal results. A G UIDE TO IMPLEMENTING LAB IT FOR LAB RESULT DELIVERY Identify solutions that meet lab needs Every member of the healthcare team-clinicians, nurses, techs, administrative staff, and patients-plays a vital role in building a patient-centered organization. Therefore, getting input from all stakeholders is crucial for identifying LIS solutions that truly meet your specific requirements. Gather a representative group of stakeholders from different departments within the lab to brainstorm needs and goals. Determine priorities and identify bottlenecks in existing workflows. Additionally, consider the perspectives of the two crucial groups who ultimately benefit from the efficiency and accuracy of health technology- clinicians and patients. Clinicians understand what information they need most from the laboratory and the format in which it will best serve them. While patient involvement in the technical aspects of LIS selection might be limited, their perspective on patient portal functionalities and secure messaging options is invaluable. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions you choose will address your most pressing challenges and streamline daily operations for everyone involved. With a clear understanding of your laboratory's requirements, you're ready to explore the vast array of LIS solutions available. While the options may seem endless, applying specific evaluation criteria can help narrow down your choices. Here are key features to consider: LIS platform, test features like test ordering, specimen management, inventory management, billing, and insurance. Evaluate how well they integrate and streamline communication and processes. By investing in comprehensive training and testing before you go live, you empower your staff to navigate the new LIS solutions with confidence. This minimizes anxiety, reduces the risk of errors, and paves the way for a smooth and successful transition to a more efficient and digital laboratory environment. LIS Selection Checklist LIS solutions are no longer futuristic concepts-they are tools with the power to streamline workflows, provide valuable insights, and empower patients by placing relevant data directly in their hands. They can automate tedious, manual laboratory processes and lead to a more reliable foundation for patient care by transmitting data securely and minimizing errors and delays. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to grow exponentially and is poised to play a significant role in assisting healthcare professionals in analyzing complex data, highlighting critical findings within seconds, and allowing for faster diagnoses and more timely interventions. Perhaps the most exciting development in AI lies in the potential for personalized health recommendations based on lab data. Instead of just receiving raw results, patients could be presented with customized insights based on their unique health profiles. This might include actionable recommendations for lifestyle modifications, preventative measures, or follow-up care specific to their needs. This level of personalization fosters patient engagement and empowers individuals to take a proactive role in managing their health. The integration of lab results with telemedicine platforms also has the potential to open doors for a more patient-centric approach. Patients could receive their results remotely and discuss them with their healthcare providers virtually, eliminating the need for unnecessary in-person visits-an incredible option for those in rural and underserved communities. Telemedicine also allows for remote monitoring of chronic conditions, potentially reducing the frequency of lab testing needed. As part of a virtual care strategy, labs might partner with telemedicine platforms to provide direct-to-patient lab testing services. As promising as lab information technology is, navigating this evolving landscape requires a forward-thinking approach. When selecting a technology partner, choose one with a proven track record of innovation and a commitment to continuous improvement. Look for a vendor who actively invests in research and development, ensuring your system remains at the forefront of technological advancements. By embracing innovative lab IT solutions, laboratories can play a transformative role in shaping the future of healthcare-a future with a more efficient, patient-centered, and collaborative approach to care, ultimately resulting in a healthier and more empowered population.
bioMérieux: Your partner in health technology By providing a comprehensive suite of laboratory and hospital software solutions that collect, analyze, and merge various sources of data, bioMérieux empowers healthcare professionals to collaborate effectively and engage patients throughout the care continuum. Resources A review of our Connectivity and Data IT and why you need data-driving decision-making in your lab.
Learn More www.biomerieux.com/corp/en/our-offer/point-of-care/ specialty/connectivity-and-data.html Resources BIOFIRE® FIREWORKS™: A centralized data management web portal to give users total insights and analytics into BIOFIRE® System performance, utilization, pathogen surveillance, workflow management, and more. Visit Page bioMérieux can help organizations understand and apply solutions that foster patient-centered care with a
www.biomerieux.com/corp/en/our-offer/clinical-products/ seamless, secure exchange of accurate and timely MAESTRIA™: Microbiology middleware biofire-fireworks.html health data. The following resources highlight some of our most relevant solutions. for data-driven laboratory operations. bioMérieux CLARION™: A secure, software-
Visit Page www.biomerieux.com/corp/en/our-offer/clinical-products/ maestria.html as-a-service that connects and integrates data into a single management application for smarter antimicrobial stewardship.
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in vitro diagnostics for more than 60 years, bioMérieux has always been driven by a pioneering spirit and unrelenting commitment to improve public health worldwide. Our diagnostic solutions bring high medical value testing to healthcare professionals, providing them with the most relevant and reliable information, as quickly as possible, to support treatment decisions and better patient care. bioMérieux's mission entails a commitment to support medical education, by promoting access to diagnostic knowledge for as many people as possible. Focusing on the medical value of diagnostics, our collection of educational booklets aims to raise awareness of the essential role that diagnostics test results play in healthcare decisions. Other educational booklets are available.
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