Creation and Use of an Electronic Health Record Reporting Database to Improve a Laboratory Test Utilization Program

Area of Science:

• Clinical Informatics
• Laboratory Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Laboratory utilization management programs traditionally depend on laboratory information system (LIS) data.
• Analyzing testing volumes and utilization concerns is crucial for efficient laboratory operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an electronic health record (EHR) laboratory orders database in improving laboratory utilization programs.
• To determine if EHR data offers unique insights not available through LIS data alone.

Main Methods:

• A daily file of laboratory test ordering data was extracted from the EHR.
• An automated process was developed to import EHR data into a database for analysis.
• Self-service queries and analysis were facilitated using the database.

Main Results:

• The EHR laboratory orders database significantly enhanced the utilization management program.
• Analysis of EHR data provided unique insights into utilization issues, complementing LIS data.
• Specific examples demonstrated the database's utility in addressing common utilization challenges.

Conclusions:

• An EHR laboratory orders database is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing laboratory testing.
• Healthcare systems should develop and maintain EHR laboratory orders databases.
• Integrating EHR data with existing laboratory utilization programs is recommended for improved efficiency.