Electronic ordering – for the majority of laboratory samples – will soon be available in NHS Lanarkshire with the implementation of an electronic laboratory order communications (OCS) system. The primary aim of the system is to remove most of the current paper-based process for requesting laboratory investigations and for receiving results. The introduction of the laboratory OCS will replace these processes with an electronic alternative to improve patient safety, quality of care and the efficiency of laboratory request and results management.
This is a challenging and complex project which requires expertise from laboratories, eHealth, the clinical user group and suppliers combined. The project will be delivered by means of a pilot phase within University Hospital Hairmyres in January 2022 and, following successful completion of the pilot, the system will be rolled out on a site-by-site basis to the three acute hospitals later on that year.
Dr John Keaney, acute divisional medical director, said: “I am delighted that NHS Lanarkshire is implementing paperless laboratory ordering and results reporting. Deployment of acute order comms across the three acute sites will contribute to a more complete electronic case record, as well as supporting local strategies to promote paper-light working. It will also improve our governance of results sign off. My hope is this system will both streamline the process for clinicians and make our system safer.”
Donald Wilson, director of information and digital technology, added: “I’m really pleased that we are progressing towards order comms being introduced across our acute hospitals. The ability to order labs tests and receive results electronically will improve the delivery of patient care. This represents another significant milestone in our journey to delivering an electronic health record within NHS Lanarkshire.”
For further information, please visit the acute order communications systems page on FirstPort at: http://firstport2/staff-support/acute-ocs/default.aspx
