Technology assessment: measuring the outcomes of laboratory practice

The collision of explosive growth in biomedical technology and pressure to contain cost requires that managers of health-care services base decisions to introduce new technology on hard evidence that the benefits outweigh the costs of the new technology. Outcomes research measures the impact of new technology and changes in clinical practice on patient well-being or financial performance. Outcomes research in the clinical laboratory requires a systematic collection of data that is best accomplished in conjunction with a broader health services research effort that includes a multi-disciplinary team of laboratorians, clinicians, administrators, and statisticians. The major requirement for successful outcomes research is an integrated information system that includes clinical, demographic, administrative, claims, financial, and survey information.