Strategies for Improving Laboratory Turnaround Times in Internal Medicine

  • Rami Salem Saleh Jarallah et al.
Keywords: Laboratory turnaround times, Internal medicine, Automation, Laboratory information systems (LIS), Electronic health records (EHR), Real-time tracking, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Bottlenecks, Specimen collection, Continuous improvement, Data analytics

Abstract

Improving laboratory turnaround times in internal medicine is crucial for enhancing patient care and optimizing clinical workflows. One effective strategy is the implementation of streamlined processes through automation and technology. By adopting advanced laboratory information systems (LIS) and integrating them with electronic health records (EHR), laboratories can significantly reduce the time taken for sample processing and result reporting. Automation of repetitive tasks, such as sample sorting and analysis, minimizes human error and accelerates throughput. Additionally, employing real-time tracking systems allows healthcare providers to monitor the status of tests and communicate results more efficiently, ensuring timely decision-making for patient management. Another key strategy involves fostering collaboration between laboratory personnel and clinical staff. Regular interdisciplinary meetings can help identify bottlenecks in the testing process and develop solutions tailored to specific departmental needs. Training staff on the importance of timely specimen collection and handling can also improve turnaround times. Establishing clear communication channels between physicians and laboratory technicians ensures that urgent requests are prioritized and any issues are promptly addressed. Ultimately, a culture of continuous improvement, supported by data analytics to monitor performance metrics, can lead to sustained enhancements in laboratory turnaround times, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

Author Biography

Rami Salem Saleh Jarallah et al.

Rami Salem Saleh Jarallah¹, Naif Bakheet M Aljohani², Samiah Fahad Duhayman Alfuhigi³, Mamdouh Hamoud Alruwaili⁴, Khulud Odayhim Aqeel Aldhafeeri⁵, Sarah Haqil Silfiq Aldhafeeri⁶, Fardoos Yones Fellath⁷, Turkey Eissa H Alhdirees⁸, Abdullah Alhumaidi Hamed Alreshidi⁹, Angham Mohammed Abduallah Alkhnani¹⁰.

¹ Lab Technician, Alwajh General Hospital, Alwajh, Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia.
² Laboratory Microbiology Technician, Aseer Regional Laboratory, Abha, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.
³ Specialist - Laboratory, Al-Jouf Subcentral Blood Bank, Sakaka, Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁴ Medical Laboratories, Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaed Hospital, Arar, Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁵ Lab Specialist, Maternity and Children Hospital, Hafr Al-Batin, Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁶ Lab Technician, Maternity and Children Hospital, Hafr Al-Batin, Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁷ Laboratory Technician, Madinah Regional Laboratory, Madinah, Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁸ Laboratory Specialist, Al Sumaira General Hospital, Hail, Hail Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁹ Specialist - Laboratory, Aga Hospital for Long-Term Care and Medical Rehabilitation, Hail, Hail Region, Saudi Arabia.
¹⁰ Technician - Laboratory - Clinical Biochemistry, Alwajh General Hospital, Tabuk Health Cluster, Alwajh, Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia.

Published
2023-10-04
Issue
Vol 2023 No Issue 2 (2023)
Section
Regular Issue
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