Search PubMed⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 10387147

How to develop an effective decentralized laboratory testing program.

C P Collier·R L Houlden·S L Rhymer
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

In this article, we offer practical guidelines for developing an effective decentralized laboratory testing (DLT) program. Based on more than 10 years of experience with a DLT program for bedside blood glucose monitoring, we have identified eight essential steps in this process, including: developing an effective multidisciplinary DLT committee that oversees the various DLT programs; performing a needs analysis and a cost analysis as part of the application for approval of a program from the DLT committee; instrument selection and method evaluation; and, finally, implementing a DLT program including initiating a quality assurance program. A collaborative effort by everyone from the beginning is an important key to success.

Explore related subjects

CanadaCosts and Cost AnalysisEfficiency, OrganizationalGuidelines as TopicLaboratories, HospitalManagement Quality CirclesPlanning TechniquesPoint-of-Care SystemsProgram DevelopmentProgram EvaluationQuality Assurance, Health CareJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

C P Collier, R L Houlden, S L Rhymer. How to develop an effective decentralized laboratory testing program.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10387147/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2026

Investing in Canada's nursing workforce: a comprehensive review to inform policy innovations and directions.

BACKGROUND: Health systems worldwide face persistent health workers challenges including nursing shortages, workforce strain, and inequities. In Canada, these challenges have prompted renewed national and provincial reforms to strengthen recruitment, retention, leadership, and sustainability. This paper compares nursing workforce policy directions across Canada, and international jurisdictions to inform policy and planning. METHODS: A cross-country comparative analysis of policies building on a comprehensive national funded review that included an umbrella review of 69 systematic reviews, a comparative policy review of nursing workforce strategies in five jurisdictions, and validation through national horizon-scanning and policy dialogues (n >100). Evidence was analyzed across system, organizational, and individual levels. RESULTS: At the system level, international jurisdictions demonstrate comprehensive, legislated approaches integrating data, governance, and multi-year funding have advanced key nursing strategies. In Canada, the advances show the importance of strategies to have national and provincial/territorial alignment emphasizing leadership, flexibility, and inclusion as key levers. Organizational and individual-level reforms such as mentorship, leadership development, and wellness initiatives are expanding but remain variably evaluated. Experts identified national workforce data strategies and policy integration with embedded evaluation as key enablers to inform scalability and sustainability of implemented strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Canada's nursing workforce reforms are advancing toward coordinated, equity-driven, and evidence-informed strategies. Continued investment in evaluation, leadership, and national integrated data systems along with integrating nursing workforce planning within broader intersectoral planning will consolidate these gains and position Canada as an international leader in sustainable nursing workforce policy.

Canada↗