User requirements on the future laboratory information systems

Today numerous information technology solutions exist for the clinical laboratory which operate either as stand-alone functionalities or with ad hoc integration solutions. The OpenLabs (A2028) AIM Project puts emphasis on the design and specification of a framework for the interoperability of existing systems and new advanced services, and consequently concentrates on the issue of integration. The purpose of the OpenLabs open architecture is to serve as a functional solution to this integration. A basic principle for this open architecture is that each of the advanced services shall be able to function individually or in any combination with an existing Laboratory Information System (LIS), and that it shall enable new modular functionalities to be incorporated in a 'plug-and-play' fashion. The synthesis of the main user needs and requirements implies that the future IT solutions: (a) must be highly flexible and maximally customizable--by the users themselves; (b) are based on the concept of open systems, both technically and functionally, which enables modular functionalities from different vendors to co-operate forming a global LIS functionality; (c) are future viable and able to incorporate already installed IT functionalities; (d) support management of failure prevention, of repair, of success, and of change. The establishment of an open architecture implies that a market will develop for modular, scaleable, and cost-effective LIS features without today's dependence on individual manufacturers and hardware/software platforms.