Adding value to laboratory medicine: a professional responsibility.

Laboratory medicine plays a central role in healthcare by generating knowledge that can improve patient outcomes and safety. Prior research has shown that high-quality laboratory services are essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. However, the field faces challenges in optimizing its full potential. While it is known that laboratory accreditation, such as ISO 15189, ensures service quality, there is a gap in how leadership can further enhance the value of these services. This uncertainty drives the need for a structured approach to assess and improve laboratory medicine’s impact. No prior work has resolved how to systematically evaluate added value in this field. That uncertainty motivated the development of a framework to guide professionals in maximizing the benefits of laboratory medicine. This gap in leadership and evaluation strategies highlights the importance of exploring new tools and concepts. The need for a standardized framework is clear, yet underexplored. Addressing this issue could lead to more cost-effective and patient-centered healthcare.

The study aims to define how leadership in laboratory medicine can enhance service delivery and patient outcomes. It addresses the challenge of moving beyond basic service quality to adding measurable value. The motivation stems from the recognition that optimal healthcare requires more than just accurate test results. The goal is to provide a framework for evaluating and improving laboratory contributions to patient care. This involves identifying domains where added value can be assessed. The study seeks to address the lack of a standardized approach to this evaluation. By doing so, it aims to support healthcare professionals in making informed decisions. The ultimate purpose is to guide leaders in maximizing the impact of laboratory medicine.

The authors propose a framework called 'SCIENCE' to assess added value in laboratory medicine. This tool categorizes value into seven domains: standardisation, clinical effectiveness, innovation, evidence-based practice, novel applications, cost-effectiveness, and education. The framework is designed to evaluate contributions across operational efficiency, patient management, and patient behaviors. It provides a structured approach for leaders to assess and improve services. The method relies on a conceptual model rather than empirical data. It draws on existing standards like ISO 15189 as a baseline. The approach emphasizes the importance of leadership in driving change. It encourages sharing of best practices to enhance the field. The method is intended to guide both local and global improvements.

The study introduces a framework to evaluate added value in laboratory medicine. The 'SCIENCE' mnemonic identifies seven domains for assessment. These include standardisation, clinical effectiveness, and innovation. The framework is structured around three dimensions: operational efficiency, patient management, and patient behaviors. It provides a tool for leaders to ensure optimal service delivery. The authors suggest that this approach can improve healthcare outcomes. It allows for systematic evaluation of laboratory contributions. The results highlight the need for leadership to drive improvements in these areas.

The authors propose that leadership in laboratory medicine should focus on adding value beyond basic service quality. They suggest using the 'SCIENCE' framework to guide these efforts. The framework is intended to support leaders in evaluating and improving services. It emphasizes the importance of standardisation and innovation. The authors state that this approach can enhance patient outcomes. They propose that it can also improve cost-effectiveness and education. The study concludes that sharing examples of added value will benefit the profession. It suggests that this framework can guide future improvements in the field.