[Roles of the laboratory information division and laboratory technicians in changing medical circumstances]

It is often voiced recently that the medical administration and medical environment are changing drastically. Hospital management in the future must face the challenges of improving efficiency and quality of medical care. Thus, promotion of team care is indispensable, and the clinical path and Nutrition support Team (NST) are rapidly spreading. We consider that the hospital laboratory must also implement and develop a Laboratory Information Division for more comprehensive exchange of information with clinical departments, and move beyond the laboratory by participating in team care. We have planned and organized the Kinki Laboratory Forum from 2000 as an opportunity for information exchange among laboratory technicians who aspire to establish the Laboratory Information Division and recognize the necessity of new actions for participation in team care. Its contents are presented.