Clinical leadership & management review : the journal of CLMA最新文献

Prior to the publication of the sequencing of the human genome in April 2003, approximately 1,000 genetic tests were available for monogenetic diseases, i.e., those diseases that emanate from a single gene. The Human Genome Project (HGP) offers the data needed to elucidate the more difficult polygenetic diseases and genetic predisposition to diseases, and help explain variability in drug response. Microarray technology utilizing HGP data has made it possible to survey a person's genome. The applications of this technology include minimizing drug reactions and deriving cancer prognoses. This article will address the role of genetic testing in diagnosing and predicting disease now and in the near future.

Direct Access Testing (DAT) is a consumer-driven phenomenon that is sweeping the country. It is a highly controversial subject, the implementation of which requires methodical planning and development to be successful. DAT's purpose is to allow the consumer to order a battery of laboratory tests previously available only with a physician's order. With proper planning, DAT can be beneficial to a medical facility in a number of ways. Whether introduced to a hospital or an integrated health system, physician buy-in is vital to the success of DAT. Physicians need to publicly champion the program, even if members of the laboratory are doing the behind-the-scenes work. DAT is growing rapidly, but everyone still wants the stamp of approval from their physician(s) when it comes to their health.

During the process of facility planning, Fairview Laboratory Services utilized LEAN manufacturing to maximize efficiency, simplify processes, and improve laboratory support of patient care services. By incorporating the LEAN program's concepts in our pilot program, we were able to reduce turnaround time by 50%, improve productivity by greater than 40%, reduce costs by 31%, save more than 440 square feet of space, standardize work practices, reduce errors and error potential, continuously measure performance, eliminate excess unused inventory and visual noise, and cross-train 100% of staff in the core laboratory. In addition, we trained a core team of people that is available to coordinate future LEAN projects in the laboratory and other areas of the organization.

Due to the shortage of medical laboratory scientist personnel in the United States, the successful integration of students into the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) profession is vital. Education Facilitators are being used increasingly to assist clinical site managers in actively supporting and contributing to a healthier workplace environment, thereby inspiring students to become part of the organization. Education Facilitators associated with a single university-based MLS Program were the participant target group in a study. Face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five Education Facilitators at two clinical sites. The findings of this study suggest that organizational efforts to improve the learning environment for MLS students should focus on providing a supportive and nurturing educational climate. Education Facilitators' descriptions revealed an organizational leadership that communicated a commitment to provide people, space, and equipment in an effort to promote a positive clinical rotation experience. Additionally, the facilitators expressed a need to "pay more attention to students," be "willing to work with students," and make sure the students don't get "lost in the shuffle." They said that concern for a healthy work/life balance should be communicated to MLS students through day-to-day educational contact with bench technologists and Education Facilitators.