[Productivity before and after installing a computerized system in a clinical laboratory]

Area of Science:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Health Informatics
• Cancer Research Administration

Background:

• The clinical laboratory at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia faced challenges with administrative workload and operational integration.
• Prior to system implementation, manual processes likely contributed to inefficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a laboratory information system (LIS) on administrative efficiency and operational integration.
• To quantify changes in laboratory productivity before and after LIS implementation.

Main Methods:

• A laboratory information system (LIS) was installed in January 1991.
• Productivity was assessed by comparing data from 1990 (pre-LIS) and 1992 (post-LIS).
• Key performance indicators included patient volume, number of laboratory studies, and clerk-based productivity metrics (tests/clerk/day, patients/clerk/day), using College of American Pathologists parameters.

Main Results:

• Patient volume increased by 41% (from 30,764 to 43,679) and laboratory tests by 28% (from 191,070 to 245,280) between 1990 and 1992.
• Clerk productivity improved, with tests/clerk/day rising from 131 to 168 and patients/clerk/day from 21 to 30.
• Laboratory personnel initiated three research projects and participated in three scientific meetings in 1992, activities non-existent prior to the LIS.

Conclusions:

• The LIS implementation led to significant improvements in laboratory productivity and operational efficiency.
• The system facilitated an increased workload without requiring additional personnel.
• The LIS enabled the laboratory staff to engage in teaching and research activities, enhancing overall institutional contribution.