Laboratory information systems: Enhancing efficiency and patient care

Abstract

Background _ Laboratory services are an integral part of the decision-making process for physicians, especially in ambulatory care settings, where timely and accurate laboratory results are crucial for effective medical treatment. Communication errors commonly occur when information is shared on paper, which can adversely affect patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The advent of electronic communication systems presents an opportunity to enhance this communication between ambulatory care facilities and laboratories. Aim of Work – The aim of this review was to analyze research conducted on the impact of electronic communication between ambulatory care facilities and laboratories. The review sought to assess the benefits and implications of transitioning from traditional paper-based communication methods to electronic interfaces in laboratory services. Methods –A comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were set to focus on studies published in English between the years 2000 and 2021, and only those with accessible full texts were selected.