Journal:A web application to support the coordination of reflexive, interpretative toxicology testing
| Full article title | A web application to support the coordination of reflexive, interpretative toxicology testing |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Pathology Informatics |
| Author(s) | Pablo, Abed; Laha, Thomas J.; Breit, Nathan; Hoffman, Noah G.; Hoofnagle, Andrew N.; Baird, Geoffrey S.; Mathias, Patrick C. |
| Author affiliation(s) | University of Washington School of Medicine |
| Primary contact | Email: pcm10 at uw dot edu |
| Year published | 2023 |
| Volume and issue | 14 |
| Article # | 100303 |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100303 |
| ISSN | 2153-3539 |
| Distribution license | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International |
| Website | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2153353923001177 |
| Download | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2153353923001177/pdfft (PDF) |
 |
This article should be considered a work in progress and incomplete. Consider this article incomplete until this notice is removed. |
Abstract
Background: Reflexive laboratory testing workflows can improve the assessment of patients receiving pain medications chronically, but complex workflows requiring pathologist input and interpretation may not be well-supported by traditional laboratory information systems (LISs). In this work, we describe the development of a web application that improves the efficiency of pathologists and laboratory staff in delivering actionable toxicology results.
Method: Before designing the application, we set out to understand the entire workflow, including the laboratory workflow and pathologist review. Additionally, we gathered requirements and specifications from stakeholders. Finally, to assess the performance of the implementation of the application, we surveyed stakeholders and documented the approximate amount of time that is required in each step of the workflow.
Results: A web-based application was chosen for the ease of access for users. Relevant clinical data was routinely received and displayed in the application. The workflows in the laboratory and during the interpretation process served as the basis of the user interface (UI). With the addition of auto-filing software, the return on investment (ROI) was significant. The laboratory saved the equivalent of one full-time employee in time by automating file management and result entry.
Discussion: Implementation of a purpose-built application to support reflex and interpretation workflows in a clinical pathology practice has led to a significant improvement in laboratory efficiency. Custom- and purpose-built applications can help reduce staff burnout, reduce transcription errors, and allow staff to focus on more critical issues around quality.
Keywords: Python, laboratory workflows, custom web application, quality control, mass spectrometry
Background
References
Notes
This presentation is faithful to the original, with only a few minor changes to presentation, spelling, and grammar. In some cases important information was missing from the references, and that information was added.
