The complex connections between test properties and relevant outcomes: widening the perspective

Area of Science:

• Clinical laboratory science
• Health services research
• Cognitive science

Background:

• Analytical error is a key consideration but insufficient for setting clinical laboratory goals.
• Societal demands necessitate increased effectiveness and reduced costs in laboratory services.
• A multidisciplinary approach is needed to define appropriate analytical goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a comprehensive framework for formulating clinical laboratory analytical goals.
• To integrate diverse perspectives including cognitive science, health policy, and patient preferences.
• To align laboratory goals with improved patient health outcomes and efficient care processes.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing mathematical models of analytical error.
• Incorporating principles from cognitive science and health policy research.
• Analyzing the impact of laboratory testing on health outcomes and care processes.

Main Results:

• Effective laboratory goals require more than just mathematical error analysis.
• Identifying and reducing variation in pre- and post-analytical phases is crucial.
• Laboratory testing significantly impacts health outcomes, exemplified by therapeutic drug monitoring and disease screening.

Conclusions:

• Clinical laboratory goals must be holistic, considering patient outcomes, cost, and cognitive factors.
• Process improvement, driven by reduced variation, is key to achieving better health outcomes.
• Laboratory services play a vital role in preventive care and managing chronic conditions.