The clinical laboratory is in the information business

Area of Science:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Healthcare Informatics
• Health Services Management

Background:

• Clinical laboratories have historically operated within the information management domain.
• Current healthcare trends exert pressure on laboratory operations, demanding flexibility and efficiency.

Observation:

• A significant trend involves the distribution of testing systems to the point of care.
• Healthcare delivery is consolidating into larger, integrated systems.
• Nursing and ward care roles are being redesigned, emphasizing cross-training and rapid service access.

Findings:

• Laboratory information management is essential for controlling data production across multiple sites.
• Managing patient data requires robust systems for collection, routing, and archiving.
• Decentralization of laboratory functions to the bedside, ward, or external labs is a potential outcome.

Implications:

• Information management is becoming synonymous with overall laboratory management.
• These changes align with evolving healthcare job roles and the need for immediate patient data.
• Adapting laboratory operations to information management principles is key for future success.