In this issue of Medical Laboratory Observer, we are sharing the results of our State of the Industry survey on Lab Management Best Practices (page 26). It ended up being the biggest article in the issue. But as all of you know, probably better than me, laboratory best practices is a sizable topic. This issue also includes an article by Dr. Nicholas Moore on diagnostic stewardship (page 22), definitely a recognizable part of this sizable topic. And this month’s Lab Innovator is Dr. Emily Volk, president of the College of American Pathologist’s Board of Governors; an organization that has fostered laboratory excellence since its formation in 1946.
The healthcare industry is facing numerous challenges through changing payment models and a transition to value-based care, rising costs, an uncertain regulatory environment, and staffing shortages. Moreover, to thrive in this environment, healthcare organizations need to improve outcomes and reduce costs, i.e., “do more with less.”
Last year, Forbes published a helpful article on this unsympathetic catchphrase.1 The author states, “Achieving ambitious goals while utilizing much fewer resources is an important task, but it must first be made clear that these goals are to be achieved as an organization and that these changes are not directed at individuals. Achieving more with less is not as simple as increasing output—it does not mean that you or your employees work more days, hours, weekends, or evenings.” Instead, the author explains that doing more with less should be approached from the angles of prioritization and efficiency.
Every laboratory has a mission. Perhaps your laboratory’s mission could be summarized as providing accurate, reliable, and timely patient test results. The author states that an organization’s mission and its strategy are not interchangeable. Strategy is the plan put in place to accomplish your mission/purpose. “This is where prioritization comes in. A leader must guide their team in a strategy that facilitates the company’s long-term goals.” Prioritize areas where you will have the biggest impact, so resources can be freed up and better utilized. All staff should be aware of what results the laboratory is prioritizing and when these results are expected to be achieved. In his article, Dr. Moore shares the strategies of his lab’s diagnostic stewardship program to improve molecular testing for respiratory viral infections.
When the author moved into his current CEO position, he asked people, “What is a barrier to getting our work done?” He stated, “In some cases, people knew why we had to do it that way, but in many instances, when I asked, people just said, Well, that’s the way we have always done it.” Many labs already know that improving communication is a key to improving efficiency. In this month’s Lab Management Best Practices article, Susan Dawson shared that Quality Circle management is used to implement changes in her laboratory. “When we have a goal to meet, we bring together the staff and engage them in figuring out how to meet our goals, change or adjust our process, and improve our work area. Everyone owns the project and works together. Sometimes it takes a couple of adjustments, and sometimes we get it right the first time.”
I welcome your comments and questions — please send them to me at [email protected].
REFERENCES
1. Thiel C. Two approaches to doing more with less. Forbes. Published August 3, 2022. Accessed May 9, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/08/03/two-approaches-to-doing-more-with-less/?sh=1927bb545418.
