Electronic Lab requests – Why ? How ? When ? Carol Thomson & Dr John Steyn

Why ? Improved quality of data Improve patient safety Improve efficiency within Laboratories Link to clinical guidelines Rules can guide referrers to the most appropriate test. Request tracking with status updates New test requesting guidelines for clinical conditions can be implemented consistently

Why ? Accurate patient and practice information ensuring results appropriately downloaded via LabLinks to Mail Manager Configurable, no printing requirements Improved turnaround times Replace handwritten paper request forms with barcodes labels attached to samples Linked online resources

Improve Data Quality – Reduce Errors Lack of data Illegible Inconsistent Inefficient System to System electronic transfer of data Control over the requesting process – customisable request screens Full audit trail and tracking

Capturing the correct clinical data and preventing inappropriate requests at the time of request. Links to reference material 5

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How ? Integrated with Vision and EMIS systems Launched from within GP clinical system Keeps patient context - No login / password required after set up Labels printed to existing label printers

Electronic Requesting

Clinical Information

Barcode labels Contain patient demographics Practice Name Specimen type Specimen Site Receipting Specialty Electronic Order No/Barcode

When ? Pilot Phase ongoing Then… 3-5 practices per week Mid November / Early December Full roll out completed with 9 months

Questions ?