1. Case Study 1

2. You are the manager of clinical laboratory at a mid-sized (200 bed) community hospital. Physicians and nurses are concerned about the turnaround time for laboratory tests ordered on early mornings rounds. It appears that the samples are collected by the phlebotomy team on the 6:00 A.M. rounds. Physicians begin their patient rounds at 7:30 A.M. The Physicians prefer to review the results of the laboratory tests ordered at the time they see the patient.

3. They explain to you that they cannot make decisions with regards to further patient treatment or discharge without these results. Time is of the essence, as the hospitals cutting the budget, and this it is important to decrease the patient length of stay. You are expected to look into this matter and make recommendations regarding the most efficient and effective way to address this problem.

4. Issues and questions to consider
What is the best method of addressing this problem?
Who should be included in a team assigned to address this issue?
What are the solutions for this problem?