Duplicate laboratory test reduction using a clinical decision support tool

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Unnecessary duplicate laboratory tests lead to increased phlebotomy, iatrogenic anemia, reduced patient satisfaction, and higher healthcare expenses.
• Current healthcare systems face challenges in preventing redundant diagnostic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical decision support tool (CDST) integrated into computerized physician order entry (CPOE) for reducing duplicate laboratory test orders.
• To quantify the financial impact and assess patient safety outcomes of implementing a CDST.

Main Methods:

• A CDST was implemented to intercept and block duplicate laboratory test orders during the CPOE process.
• Laboratory cost savings and any adverse patient events were monitored over a two-year period following implementation.

Main Results:

• The CDST successfully blocked 11,790 unnecessary duplicate test orders over two years.
• This intervention resulted in documented cost savings of $183,586.
• No untoward patient effects were reported during the study period.

Conclusions:

• Computerized physician order entry systems, enhanced with CDSTs, enable real-time physician-laboratory interaction to prevent duplicate orders.
• This technological integration offers a viable strategy for reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.