The implementation of a new laboratory system can be a daunting undertaking with many potential challenges. The following lessons learned from successful Laboratory Implementations should be considered to increase the likelihood of a successful project.
Understand your business requirements Implementing Laboratory Information Systems have a guileful tendency to present as a smaller undertaking than they are. Because of this, it is essential to fully understand your laboratories core business requirements, potential gaps, and identify any barriers or risks that may impact the overall success of the project before the official kick-off. A pre-implementation assessment can help ensure that staffing, project scope, and timelines are appropriately defined and understood by all stakeholders.
Be inclusive It is equally important to consider the requirements of cross-functional areas when defining conditions and designing your laboratory system. Including non-laboratory SMEs in discovery and design sessions will increase effectiveness and promote process improvement adoption.
Plan for backfill Often, key laboratory subject matter experts support various internal and external groups in addition to assisting the laboratory informatics implementation team. It is important to balance the time and value of each SME and how their absence from their primary duties might impact lab productivity.
Staffing appropriately Successfully transitioning laboratory information systems requires more planning and preparation than any one person or project manager can reasonably do well. Your chances of success will be significantly enhanced by properly staffing your project with the appropriate number of internal personnel and external consultants/subject matter experts. This is a great way to supplement your team, add expertise to your project, mitigate your risk, and increase your likelihood of a successful implementation.
System implementation is not something to take lightly. Optimum’s team of experts can address the specialized clinical information integration needs of both hospital-based and independent clinical labs. From strategic assessments to system selection and implementation we can help maximize the return on your IT-related investments. Contact us today for more information.
