The care of patients is greatly impacted by laboratories in the contemporary healthcare environment. They are accountable for various diagnostic procedures and providing fast, precise outcomes that doctors use to make crucial patient health-related choices. Without the proper tools, it can be difficult to handle the growing amount of data created in laboratories accurately and effectively. Software for laboratory information systems (LIS) can help with this.
A computer system called LIS software is made for handling and storing laboratory information, such as patient data, test outcomes, and quality assurance data. It improves communication across departments and optimizes laboratory procedures, allowing labs to produce quicker and more reliable results. However, with so many LIS software options available in the market, choosing the right one for your laboratory’s specific needs can be overwhelming.
This article discusses tips for selecting the right LIS software for your laboratory.
Table of Contents
1) Check for Reporting Capabilities
When evaluating different LIS software solutions, checking for the system’s reporting capabilities is important. Look for a system that can produce various reports, such as payments, inspections, and legal compliance reports. Additionally, the system should allow users to delve into the specifics and produce simple-to-read summaries and infographics.
NovoPath is one supplier with configurable reporting features. LIS software from NovoPath has a solid track record for offering reliable features that can assist laboratories in enhancing workflow precision, effectiveness, and patient safety. Numerous customizable reports are available from NovoPath that can be made to meet the unique requirements of each laboratory.
Summaries on test outcomes, patient data, billing data, and more can all be produced by lab staff. These reports provide the ability to export data in several formats, including PDF, Excel, and CSV, which makes it simple to share information with other lab staff members and outside stakeholders.
2) Look for Scalability
Selecting a system that can handle volume variations and future growth is crucial because laboratory conditions can change. As your lab expands, you will produce more data, conduct additional tests, and have more people utilize the system. Selecting a system that can grow with you is crucial to meet these rising needs.
Large data quantities should be easily handled by scalable LIS software, offering flexible data storage solutions and sufficient processing capacity. Additionally, if required, it must be able to handle numerous users and labs. In the long term, a system that can expand with your demands can save you time and money by eliminating the need for regular upgrades and lowering the likelihood that your system will become obsolete.
3) Consider User-Friendliness
Because your lab staff will use the system regularly and may have varied levels of technological competence, usability should be one of your top priorities. If you have an intuitive LIS system, your staff will work more effectively, make fewer mistakes, and require less training than if they operated a complex one. Look for a simple and clear design that makes it easy to access the characteristics and functions your lab requires most. The system must also provide the following:
- Beneficial tooltips.
- Additional contextual data that can assist users.
- Easy-to-understand directions and recommendations on how to do routine activities.
Finally, since human data entry can be labor-intensive and error-prone, the system should be built to automate such processes.
4) Look for Interoperability
Interoperability is necessary for effective and precise data interchange between various systems in a laboratory setup. For instance, you might have to manually input patient data into both platforms if your LIS software and EMR system cannot communicate. It is tedious and susceptible to mistakes. Alternatively, if your LIS software is compatible, patient data can be seamlessly exchanged between systems, reducing time and lowering the possibility of errors.
Improved provider coordination is another benefit of interoperability. For instance, if a patient is sent to a specialist, it is simple to share their medical records amongst healthcare professionals, enabling coordinated and thorough care.
5) Prioritize Security
A laboratory handles sensitive patient data, and your chosen system must provide the necessary security features to protect that data from unauthorized access, theft, or misuse. Below are a few important security features to look for in a LIS software
- Using access control, administrators can specify who has access to what information and system features. It ensures that users only gain access to the information and features needed to perform their jobs.
- Data stored in the LIS is encrypted, so anyone without the encryption key cannot decipher it. In the case of a security compromise, this helps to safeguard private information.
- The LIS software should also adhere to all applicable laws and standards, including HIPAA, CLIA, and ISO. If it complies with these criteria, the system will have undergone extensive safety evaluation and use industry-recognized security procedures.
- User authentication ensures that only individuals with permission to use the system and its information can do so. Password encryption, biometric verification, and smart card verification are all forms of user authentication.
6) Consider the Cost
It’s crucial to consider the system’s overall cost of ownership. The original licensing fees, ongoing upkeep and support costs, and any required hardware upgrades should be considered when analyzing prices.
Others might provide flat-rate pricing, while certain vendors may base their pricing models on the quantity of data or the number of users. It’s critical to select a service that provides simple pricing and a detailed breakdown of charges to assist you in making an informed decision. The cheapest option may not always be the greatest, and opting for that may cost more in the long run than getting a better option.
7) 24/7 Support System
Downtime can have major repercussions in a laboratory because it is always active. No matter the time of day or night, a 24/7 support system guarantees that somebody is always available to offer advice and fix problems.
Additionally, a vendor with a strong support network can provide frequent updates and patches to keep the system current and operational. Regular maintenance and upgrades are required to avoid system outages, losing data, or privacy violations. Therefore, a 24/7 support system ensures that your laboratory can operate smoothly and efficiently and resolve any issues quickly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right laboratory information system (LIS) software is crucial for optimizing laboratory operations, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. To make an informed decision, laboratories should assess their needs and budget, evaluate software features, compatibility, and scalability, consider vendor reputation, and involve key stakeholders in the selection process. In turn, laboratories can select LIS software that meets their unique requirements, enhances productivity, and drives innovation in the healthcare industry.
