Clinical Test Escalation Workflow for Abnormal Result Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical record systems require manual data input, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and delays in communicating urgent clinical test results, which can affect patient care.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that automates the process of requesting additional clinical tests based on predetermined thresholds, using identification data and clinical test results, and integrates with laboratory information systems to streamline communication and reduce manual input errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data input is used in medical record systems, then flexibility in data entry is maintained, but time consumption and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs data entry tasks by extracting information from clinical test results and electronically requesting additional tests through automated decision trees, eliminating the need for manual data input while maintaining operational flexibility through configurable alert thresholds and test protocols
2Ease of operation
If manual communication of clinical test results is used, then communication flexibility is maintained, but delays and communication failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors clinical test results against predetermined thresholds and automatically triggers communication protocols when abnormalities are detected, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures timely notification of medical professionals without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures communication protocols and alert thresholds before clinical tests are performed, so that when abnormal results occur, the communication infrastructure is already in place and can immediately initiate notifications through multiple channels without manual setup
3Productivity
If automated system is implemented to request additional tests, then time efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into modular functional components including threshold evaluation modules, decision tree protocols, communication interfaces, and data extraction functions, each operating independently and can be configured or replaced without affecting the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configurable parameters such as alert thresholds, test selection criteria, and notification timing that can be adjusted based on clinical guidelines without requiring system reprogramming, allowing flexibility while maintaining automation
4Device complexity
If manual checking of test orders is performed by clinicians, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary between clinical test results and clinician action, automatically interpreting results, determining abnormality, and initiating communication protocols, thereby freeing clinicians from manual checking tasks while maintaining simple user interaction through standardized alert interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A clinical test data management system and method, in particular for requesting additional clinical tests for a patient and escalating abnormal clinical test results, the method comprising obtaining identification data and clinical test result data, wherein the clinical test result data relates to a sample corresponding to the identification data; then determining whether the clinical test result data falls within a pre-determined range; and, based on the determination as to whether the clinical test result data falls within the pre-determined range, sending a signal to request an additional clinical test be performed on the sample corresponding to the identification data.