Evaluation of a system for electronic exchange of laboratory information: a pre-implementation study

Gates, Kayla. (2004) Evaluation of a system for electronic exchange of laboratory information: a pre-implementation study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

MEDINET is an interface that will allow electronic exchange of laboratory orders and results between heterogeneous laboratory information systems, in real-time. This study was designed to examine the expected impact of Medinet, prior to implementation. It was the pre-implementation component of a two phase evaluation study. -- Study sites included two of the Province's Institutional Health Boards and two Provincial reference laboratories. Study instruments included: a) key informant interviews; b) a survey of laboratory personnel; c) a survey of physicians; d) laboratory turnaround time (TAT); and e) a measure of the accuracy with which orders are transmitted to the laboratory. -- As a result of improved timeliness of results delivery and more accurate transmission of laboratory orders and results, it is expected that the implementation of Medinet will improve information management, reduce unnecessary utilization of laboratory services and enhance the quality of patient care. Several concerns with the implementation of Medinet were identified and discussed. -- Baseline measurements of turnaround time TAT) and order accuracy were established. The post-implementation study, planned for 6 and 12 months after implementation, will assess the impact of Medinet on each. -- Ultimately, study participants would like to see province-wide integration of laboratory information that supports electronic exchange of orders and results between geographically dispersed sites, direct physician order entry (POE) and immediate access to a patient's longitudinal history of laboratory services.

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