Question

Scenario 2. [5 Marks] You are the manager of a clinical lab at large-sized hospital. Physicians and nurses are concerned about the early morning turnaround time for lab tests. It appears the samples are collected on the 6:00 A.M round. Physicians begin their patient rounds at 7:30 A.M and prefer to see the lab tests results at the time they see the patient so they can make decisions with regards to patient treatment. 1. What is the best method to address this problem? 2. What mgmt. styles might be used? 3. Who should be included? 4. What decision-making tools would be used?

Answer 1

1. Turnaround time is measured on the basis of laboratory service and performance of laboratory technicians in given time. For common laboratory tests, turnaround time is less than 60 min. If samples are collected at 6:00 am then reports should be ready till 7:00 am or before 7:00 am. If laboratory is unable to provide report within one hour it will affect the laboratory reputation. So as to overcome this problem multitasking staff training should be arranged for all all staff. Tests which are done in single machine should be marked first and then keep inside be machine for processing instead of adding tests one by one so as to conserve the time.

2. Laboratory efficiency and productivity is calculated by using turnaround time means in short Laboratory reputation is dependent upon its turnaround time. So it is important aspect of laboratory management. Following are some management styles-

• Laboratory instruments and tools are updated as per current requirement.
• Barcode the sample which will reduce the manual data storage time.
• Arrange the instrument or machine interfacing to automate entry of tests.
• Report delivery method change will help in shortening the turnaround time. Instead of manual report delivery one can use electronic report delivery.

3. In this process changing task, laboratory manager, all laboratory technicians, pathologist, data entry operator, sample collection Individual these all are must included.

4. Information management, strategic management planning, staff task management, analytical management and changes, these aspects are used at time of decision making. Decision making tools such as SWOT analysis means servey taken by laboratory to identify it's strength and weaknesses, cost analysis, investigation template upgradation should be used.