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Body Fluid Processing Workspace Quality Improvement Initiative in a High-Volume Reference Laboratory
Michelle R Campbell1, Karrie K Milam1, Kelly R Fisher1
1Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|April 5, 2018
Summary
Workspace redesign in clinical laboratories significantly improves efficiency. Implementing quality improvement tools reduced physical steps by 40% and processing time by 32% for manual body fluid testing.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Healthcare Management
- Industrial Engineering
Background:
- Workspace design critically influences clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) productivity.
- Optimizing layouts is vital in high-volume labs facing CLS shortages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To redesign a manual body fluid testing workspace to enhance efficiency.
- To reduce unnecessary physical steps and processing time for laboratory staff.
Main Methods:
- Utilized quality improvement tools and system engineering principles.
- Employed fishbone diagrams, spaghetti diagrams, and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.
- Initiated a CLS-led project in a clinical laboratory setting.
Main Results:
- Physical steps were reduced by an average of 40%.
- Processing time for body fluids decreased by an average of 32%.
- Demonstrated significant workflow improvements.
Conclusions:
- Workspace redesign effectively enhances clinical laboratory efficiency.
- Quality improvement tools are valuable for optimizing laboratory operations.
- The study highlights the impact of strategic workspace design on staff productivity.
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