Utilizing technology to enhance laboratory-client interaction while encouraging best behavior

Area of Science:

• Veterinary diagnostics
• Laboratory information systems
• Data management

Background:

• Client expectations for veterinary diagnostic laboratories have evolved, demanding faster results, better case accessibility, and seamless data transfer.
• Early web-based systems offered 24-h access but struggled with data quality due to inconsistent submission information.
• Incomplete or inconsistent data input directly impacted the quality and usability of laboratory diagnostic data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the quality and consistency of veterinary diagnostic submission data.
• To enhance the client experience through an integrated, user-friendly web-based system.
• To leverage improved diagnostic data for better analysis and utilization.

Main Methods:

• Designed and implemented a web-based system integrated into the existing reporting platform at ISU-VDL.
• Included mandatory fields such as premises identification number (PIN) for consistent location data.
• Incentivized the adoption of the new system and submission practices among clients.
• Developed a streamlined daily reporting summary for concise communication of results.

Main Results:

• Observed a significant improvement in the completeness and consistency of diagnostic data.
• Facilitated easier data querying and enhanced the ability to leverage diagnostic information.
• Reported a positive impact on the overall quality and consistency of diagnostic data.
• Enhanced the client experience through improved data management and reporting.

Conclusions:

• The web-based system successfully improved diagnostic data quality and consistency.
• Client adoption and system design positively impacted data integrity and usability.
• Continuous improvement and client-centered design are key to advancing veterinary diagnostic services.