Autoverification improved process efficiency, reduced staff workload, and enhanced staff satisfaction using a critical path for result validation

Abstract

© 2020 Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. Objective: Continuous process improvements enhance accuracy and productivity in a clinical laboratory setting. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of a new autoverification (AV) system designed to improve the consistency and uniformity of reported laboratory test results. Methods: Limit checks, delta checks, and consistency checks were established, and then retrospective data from 500 requested tests were used to evaluate the accuracy of AV rules compared to manual verification, which was performed by five experienced medical technologists. Efficiency was evaluated by comparing turnaround time (TAT), error rates, workload, and staff satisfaction between before and after AV implementation. Results: AV had 100% sensitivity, 77.6% specificity, and a 22% false-positive rate. The AV passing rate was 95%, 85%, 42%, and 39% for chemistry, coagulation, microscopy, and hematology, respectively. The overall passing rate was 65%. After implementation, the mean overall TAT decreased from 54.2±26.6 to 52.4±24.2 min (p<0.001). However, TAT during peak hours increased (p<0.05). Incident reports decreased 8-fold (p<0.05), net workload decreased by 0.76 full-time equivalent, and overall staff satisfaction increased (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our laboratory's new AV system demonstrated an overall passing rate of 65% with decreases in TAT, incident reports, and workload, and an increase in staff satisfaction.