R D Aller1, W Friedman. 1. Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy of data entry in microbiology, using a commercially available laboratory information system that is keystroke-intensive. DESIGN: A combination of technologies, including bar-coded phrase sheets, keyboard macros, and bar-coded specimen labels, are used to automate the entry of commonly used keystroke sequences and combinations of culture findings. SETTING: An acute care hospital laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Laboratory technologists. OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility, report error rates, and technologist time. RESULTS: Qualitative: implementation of all three technologies proved feasible and practical. Quantitative: a 25-fold decrease in misreported cultures, as well as a 50% saving in reading time for new urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS: This set of technologies for keystroke reduction would be of general applicability to laboratories with a variety of different laboratory information systems.
OBJECTIVE: To develop techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy of data entry in microbiology, using a commercially available laboratory information system that is keystroke-intensive. DESIGN: A combination of technologies, including bar-coded phrase sheets, keyboard macros, and bar-coded specimen labels, are used to automate the entry of commonly used keystroke sequences and combinations of culture findings. SETTING: An acute care hospital laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Laboratory technologists. OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility, report error rates, and technologist time. RESULTS: Qualitative: implementation of all three technologies proved feasible and practical. Quantitative: a 25-fold decrease in misreported cultures, as well as a 50% saving in reading time for new urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS: This set of technologies for keystroke reduction would be of general applicability to laboratories with a variety of different laboratory information systems.