Design and implementation of a clinical laboratory information system in a low-resource setting

• DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v8i1.841
• Publication Date: 2019-10-28T14:13:42Z
• Authors: Timothy M. Mtonga; Faheema E. Choonara; Jeremy U. Espino; Chimwemwe Kachaje; Kenneth Kapundi; Takondwa E. Mengezi; Soyapi L. Mumba; Gerald P. Douglas
• Keywords: Medical laboratory

Background: Reducing laboratory errors presents a significant opportunity for both cost reduction and healthcare quality improvement. This is particularly true in low-resource settings where are further exacerbated by poor infrastructure shortages trained workforce. Informatics interventions can be used to address some of the sources errors. Objectives: article describes development process clinical information system (LIS) that leverages informatics problems testing at hospital setting. Methods: We designed using methods previously identified First, we reviewed pre-existing LIS functionality assessment toolkit consulted with personnel. provided requirements were developed into had been identified. piloted Kamuzu Central Hospital Lilongwe, Malawi. Results: implemented series form support entire process. Custom hardware was built ordering tests review test results. Conclusion: Our experience highlights potential systemic settings. Implementing these may require innovation new various contextual issues. strongly encourage thorough such innovations reduce risk failure when implemented.