A value-based score for clinical laboratories: promoting the work of the new EFLM committee

Abstract

After the dissemination of a manifesto for the implementation of value-based laboratory medicine (VBLM) and a Strategic Conference dedicated to this issue, a novel initiative of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) is to be initiated with the objective of developing a “value-score for clinical laboratories”. The initial proposition of this value score should be based on the following features: (1) traceability throughout the total testing process (TTP); (2) level of automation (number of manual procedures); (3) laboratory performance on quality indicators; (4) data management and quality of laboratory information; and (5) interaction with clinicians and multidisciplinary initiatives. This paper represents a first conceptualization of the value-based score, which should facilitate a more effective work of the new EFLM Committee (C-VS) to better define the characteristics that can add value to clinical laboratories and allow a benchmark based on effective indicators.