AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Laboratory Centralization and Workflow Redesign Improves Staff Productivity, Leading to Reduction or Maintenance of Turnaround Times at Greater Specimen Volumes and Significant Cost Savings

Laboratory Centralization and Workflow Redesign Improves Staff Productivity, Leading to Reduction or Maintenance of Turnaround Times at Greater Specimen Volumes and Significant Cost Savings

Snapshot
Summary
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital redesigned laboratory work processes in their clinical laboratory by centralizing functions into one physical space with open, flexible architecture; standardizing the processing of specimens via automation and written work steps; cross-training staff; instituting daily huddles; and conducting periodic audits and performance feedback. The program improved or maintained turnaround times (despite an increase in specimen volume) and enhanced staff productivity, leading to a positive return on investment and roughly $950,000 in annual cost savings.

Evidence Rating
Moderate: The evidence consists of pre- and post-implementation comparisons of key outcomes measures, including test turnaround time, test volumes, and staffing levels.


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AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Laboratory Centralization and Workflow Redesign Improves Staff Productivity, Leading to Reduction or Maintenance of Turnaround Times at Greater Specimen Volumes and Significant Cost Savings