2.9 Information systems

Question 1

What are requirements of a good LIS?

Answer 1

IT system the lab uses to deal with and integrate all functional activities of the lab

1. Data entry
   - patient details
   - doctor details
   - test requests
2. List generation
   - work list
   - outstanding list
3. Result entry/distribution
   - interim/storage
   - validation /verification format
   - interfacing
4. Billing
   - validated results batched and sent to medicare
   - can only bill outpatient and private work /GP episode coning (not for inpatients - receive block funding)*
5. Record keeping
   - barcode reading
   - track QC material
   - search/track previous/critical results

Other considerations

• ability to adapt to new technology/demands of disciplines
• IT support/servicing
• security
• audit ability
• inventory ability
• LJ chart ability

Question 2

Why would a lab need a new LIS?

Answer 2

• outdated and incompatible with other changes in the lab
• doesnt have lab requirements for different services
• not supported from IT services
• not interfacing with clients
• issues with performance

Question 3

How to implement a new LIS?

Answer 3

caveat

• affects multiple disciplines
• financial implications

Need committe
Time line
Estimate of budget available

Objectives of why changing current system

Needs to meet requirements

• data entry
• list generation
• billing
• results

IT support level
system how old
potential for change
reviews by other users
Potential for back up

Business case
Tender process
Continuity of care

mock environment
education

Question 4

What characteristics would you be looking for in LIS?

Answer 4

• good performance record
• good IT/servicing support
• reliable system
• capabilities to match function of the lab
• compatible with diff depts needs
• cost is acceptable
• interfacing; with existing IT, or platforms
• ease of use

Question 5

What are the important features of the work list?

Answer 5

Info about the run to be performed

• patient name/DOB/MRN
• Date
• assay name
• kit batch and lot number
• record QC analysis was accepted
• operator set up assay; primary and second
• in house QC results
• NATA requirement; retention of records; 3years for evidence of analysis

Question 6

What is a LIS?

Answer 6

IT system that a lab uses to deal with and integrate all functional activities of the lab including

• data entry
• generating lists
• results entry
• billing

Question 7

You are about to introduce a new LIS what do you need to consider?

Answer 7

• have already chosen
• it meets needs

Implementation

• transition period
• over a quiet period
• training/education
• IT provider/support
• communication to internal and external providers
• ?introduce in smaller/regional centres first