Abstract
ObjectivesEliminating unnecessary laboratory tests is a good way to reduce costs while maintain patient safety. The aim of this study was to define and process strategies to rationalize laboratory use in Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital (ANH) and calculate potential savings in costs.MethodsA collaborative plan was defined by hospital managers; joint meetings with ANHTA and laboratory professors were set; the joint committee invited relevant staff for input, and a laboratory efficiency committee was created. Literature was reviewed systematically to identify strategies used to improve laboratory efficiency. Strategies that would be applicable in local settings were identified for implementation, processed, and the impact on clinical use and costs assessed for 12 months.ResultsLaboratory use in ANH differed enormously among clinics. Major use was identified in internal medicine. The mean number of tests per patient was 15.8. Unnecessary testing for chloride, folic acid, free prostate specific antigen, hepatitis and HIV testing were observed. Test panel use was pinpointed as the main cause of overuse of the laboratory and the Hospital Information System test ordering page was reorganized. A significant decrease (between 12.6–85.0%) was observed for the tests that were taken to an alternative page on the computer screen. The one year study saving was equivalent to 371,183 US dollars.ConclusionHospital-based committees including laboratory professionals and clinicians can define hospital based problems and led to a standardized approach to test use that can help clinicians reduce laboratory costs through appropriate use of laboratory tests.
Highlights
Reducing healthcare costs, with the maintainance of patient safety and improved quality, is one of the main targets in most healthcare reform efforts
Test panel use was pinpointed as the main cause of overuse of the laboratory and the Hospital Information System test ordering page was reorganized
Hospital based Health Technology Assessment (HTA) units have a crucial role in working with the related professionals to facilitate an evidence-based approach in the process, which would further lead to improved quality with reduced costs
Summary
With the maintainance of patient safety and improved quality, is one of the main targets in most healthcare reform efforts. It has been reported that approximately $6.8 billion of medical care in the United States has involved unnecessary testing and procedures that do not improve care and may even harm the patient [1]. ANHTA is the first hospital based Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Unit in Turkey. The unit aims to support hospital managers in evidence-based investment or disinvestment decisions regarding health technology use in the hospital. Hospital based committees, including laboratory professionals and clinicians, can define hospital based problems, which can lead to standardized approaches. Hospital based HTA units have a crucial role in working with the related professionals to facilitate an evidence-based approach in the process, which would further lead to improved quality with reduced costs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
