Information system issues facing clinical laboratories serving complex integrated delivery systems

Area of Science:

• Clinical Informatics
• Health Services Management

Background:

• Integrated delivery systems (IDSs) are becoming a dominant healthcare model.
• Clinical laboratories within IDSs face pressures to consolidate and expand services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine laboratory information management within complex IDSs.
• To present options for information system (IS) support for laboratory consolidation and integration.
• To review IS functionality requirements for laboratory outreach programs.

Main Methods:

• Review of current trends in healthcare delivery systems.
• Analysis of information system decision-making in laboratory settings.
• Examination of laboratory outreach program requirements.

Main Results:

• LISs must support both consolidation and regional service delivery across inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Successful reference laboratory testing increases revenue and leverages excess capacity.
• IS support is crucial for managing consolidated laboratory operations and outreach.

Conclusions:

• Effective information system strategies are vital for laboratories operating within IDSs.
• LIS functionality must adapt to support cost reduction, service expansion, and revenue generation through outreach.