Factors influencing digital review of pathology test results in an inpatient setting: a cross-sectional study
Challen, R; Tsaneva-Atanasova, K; Edwards, T; et al.Gompels, L; Dayer, M; Pitt, M; Danon, L
Date: 17 March 2020
Journal
JAMIA Open
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publisher DOI
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Delay or failure to view test results in a hospital setting can lead to delayed
diagnosis, risk of patient harm, and represents inefficiency. Factors influencing this were
investigated to identify how timeliness and completeness of test review could be improved through
an evidence based redesign of the use of clinical ...
BACKGROUND: Delay or failure to view test results in a hospital setting can lead to delayed
diagnosis, risk of patient harm, and represents inefficiency. Factors influencing this were
investigated to identify how timeliness and completeness of test review could be improved through
an evidence based redesign of the use of clinical test review software.
METHODS: A cross section of all abnormal haematology and biochemistry results which were published on a digital test review platform over a three year period were investigated. The time it
took for clinicians to view these results, and the results that were not viewed within 30 days, were
analysed relative to time of the week, the detailed type of test, and an indicator of patient record
data quality.
RESULTS: The majority of results were viewed within 90 minutes, and 93.9% of these results
viewed on the digital platform within 30 days. There was significant variation in results review
throughout the week, shown to be due to an interplay between technical and clinical workflow
factors. Routine results were less likely to be reviewed, as were those with patient record data
quality issues .
CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that test result review would be improved by stream-lining
access to the result platform, differentiating between urgent and routine results, improving
handover of responsibility for result review, and improving search for temporary patient records.
Altering the timing of phlebotomy rounds, and a review of the appropriateness of routine test
requests at the weekend may also improve result review rates.
Mathematics and Statistics
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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