The clinical impact of automated susceptibility reporting using a computer interface

Area of Science:

• Clinical Microbiology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Automated reporting systems in clinical microbiology are crucial for efficient patient management.
• Integration of laboratory information systems (LIS) and automated instruments impacts healthcare economics.
• The Vitek and Sunquest systems are widely used in microbiology laboratories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and monetary impact of the Vitek-Sunquest interface's automated reporting.
• To assess the cost savings associated with autofiled positive culture results.
• To describe the benefits of the Bidirectional Computer Interface (BCI) upgrade.

Main Methods:

• An audit was performed on autofiled positive culture results at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center.
• The study analyzed antimicrobial utilization before and after interface implementation.
• The development and functionality of the Bidirectional Computer Interface (BCI) were examined.

Main Results:

• The Vitek-Sunquest interface demonstrated a direct clinical and monetary impact on patient management.
• An average daily saving of $243 in antimicrobial utilization was achieved through autofiled positive culture results.
• The BCI upgrade significantly reduced keyboard entry time for generating epidemiology reports.

Conclusions:

• Rapid automated reporting via the Vitek-Sunquest interface offers substantial cost savings.
• The Bidirectional Computer Interface (BCI) enhances laboratory efficiency in report generation.
• Optimized LIS and instrument integration positively impacts antimicrobial stewardship and operational efficiency.