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Restructuring clinical laboratories in Ontario--a '90s revolution
1Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Clinical Laboratory Management Review : Official Publication of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association
|June 6, 1996
Summary
Ontario
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Laboratory Science
Background:
- Publicly funded healthcare systems face significant financial constraints.
- Laboratory restructuring initiatives are being implemented across Ontario, Canada's most populous province.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey province-wide laboratory restructuring initiatives in Ontario.
- To identify common strategies and challenges faced by laboratories during restructuring.
Main Methods:
- A province-wide survey was distributed to all laboratory directors in Ontario.
- A 73% response rate was achieved from the hospital sector.
Main Results:
- Most hospital laboratories are restructuring, employing downsizing and multiskilling.
- Regional alliances and contracting out services are being considered.
- Community hospitals often lack Laboratory Information Systems, unlike teaching facilities.
- Staff morale and quality of care are concerns during restructuring.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory restructuring in Ontario mirrors trends in the United States.
- Hospital bed count does not influence restructuring decisions.
- Utilization management strategies, such as user education, are common.