Physicians depend on clinical labs daily to help them diagnose and treat their patients. They need you to get them the results as efficiently as possible. But you may have one thing in your lab working against you: your workflow. Read below to learn four ways to improve the workflow in your laboratory.
Eliminate Any Obstacles
One of the key considerations in a laboratory’s functional design is its workflow. It must allow your staff to do their work as effectively as possible. Look at your current design and see if any obstructions are hindering your employees and their work.
For example, if you spot any physical barriers that are keeping your staff members from completing their work, consider removing them. Or, if your lab is experiencing a slowdown because only one employee can use a certain piece of equipment at a time, think about adding more of those devices. These revisions can help them complete work much quicker.
Create Better Communication
Improving communication with doctors ordering tests is another good way to improve the workflow in your laboratory. You must ensure that your lab removes any blockades preventing the delivery of important patient information. Ensure that you keep active communication with doctors and staff to keep your workflow moving.
Implement Automation
Technology continues to enhance how doctors provide care to patients, and you must look at ways it can help you better serve your physicians. One way to do that is by implementing automation. For example, technology can complete menial tasks, such as data entry, so that your lab workers can stay focused on serving your clients.
Automation can cut down on human errors made during tests, as well. That means that physicians will get accurate results that they can rely on and make better diagnoses.
Review Performance Metrics
Looking at performance metrics can also help you improve the workflow in your laboratory. This strategy may require you to purchase software that will allow you to judge the performance of your employees. But with that information, you can better target the areas where they need to improve and enhance your workflow.
These strategies can help you improve your laboratory’s level of service and better satisfy your clients. That will result in better care for patients and an improved reputation for your lab.