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Thai clinical laboratory responsible to economic crisis
K Sirisali1, P Vattanaviboon, S Manochiopinij
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Clinical laboratories in Thailand are implementing cost-saving strategies to combat economic crisis. Key measures include reducing utility consumption and optimizing reagent procurement.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Health Economics
Background:
- Thailand faces a significant economic crisis, necessitating cost-saving measures across sectors.
- Clinical laboratories are crucial for healthcare delivery and are actively seeking efficiency improvements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cost-saving strategies implemented in clinical laboratories within Bangkok hospitals.
- To identify effective methods for reducing operational expenses in clinical laboratory settings.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to 45 hospital laboratories in Bangkok.
- Data collected focused on policies and practices related to cost reduction in laboratory operations.
Main Results:
- Significant cost reductions were achieved by curtailing unnecessary electricity (86.9%), telephone usage (80%), and material waste (80%).
- Laboratories are optimizing reagent procurement through purchasing cheaper alternatives, bulk buying, and "contact reagent with free rent instrument" programs.
- Personnel management was revised, including workload rearrangement and elimination of unnecessary overtime.
Conclusions:
- Clinical laboratories are actively engaged in cost-saving initiatives, demonstrating success in reducing operational expenditures.
- Strategic approaches to utility management, procurement, and personnel are vital for enhancing efficiency in clinical laboratories during economic challenges.
Abstract:
Nowadays, Thailand encounters a serious economic crisis. A clear consensus has been made that a cost-saving system must be the important tool. Both private and government organizations are engaged in this situation. We studied the cost-saving in the clinical laboratory. A questionnaire was distributed to 45 hospital laboratories located in Bangkok. Results showed that efforts to control the cost are the essential policy. There was a variety of factors contributing to the cost-saving process. The usage of public utility, non-recycle material and unnecessary utility were reconsidered. Besides, capital cost (wages and salary) personnel incentive are assessed. Forty three of the 45 respondents had attempted to reduce the cost via curtailing the unnecessary electricity. Eliminating the needless usage of telephone-call. water and unnecessary material was also an effective strategy. A reduction of 86.9%, 80 % and 80.0% of the mentioned factors respectively, was reported. An inventory system of the reagent, chemical and supplies was focused. Most of the laboratories have a policy on cost-saving by decreased the storage. Twenty eight of the 45 laboratories considered to purchase the cheaper with similar quality reagents instead. And some one would purchase a bulky pack when it is the best bargain. A specific system "contact reagent with a free rent instrument" has been used widely (33.3%). Finally, a new personnel management system has been chosen. Workload has rearranged and unnecessary extra-hour work was abandoned.
