The laboratory journey to become a decision engine: a roadmap for diagnostic transformation

Laboratories and diagnostic departments are presiding over a massive amount of data they are failing to fully leverage it. Data is the new black gold of healthcare organizations and by extracting insights from it, laboratories could become true decision engines, able to drive action across healthcare. This opinion paper responds three fundamental questions: (1) Where are we (diagnostic parties)? Taking a look at the most significant trends and challenges in healthcare and shedding some light upon the status of diagnostics. (2) Where do we want to be? Reviewing the opportunities for digital health, its role in the healthcare of the future and providing inspiration about what success looks like. (3) What do we need to do? Explaining what Digital Health Solutions (DHS) from Abbott is doing in this regard. This will include information about how DHS can impact the Diagnosis Cycle and how to set a roadmap for laboratories and diagnostic organizations. Diagnosis Cycle means the different steps in the diagnosis process, from the beginning when a patient is seen by a clinician and some tests are ordered, until the results are reviewed by the clinician and the treatment, follow up or discharge is decided.