Evaluation of a computerised clinical documentation system (CCDS) implementation in the transplant laboratory

Although many handwritten reports have been replaced by computer generated ones in clinical laboratories, they still remain a common feature in many transplant laboratories for two main reasons: either the laboratory information system (LIS) does not support report formats, or it is costly to purchase a specialised database. A time and motion study was conducted to evaluate one such clinical database, the IG database. Before and after the implementation of our IG database, we evaluated the: 1stationary cost reduction from paper, toner cartridge, and other auxiliaries 2turn-around time from the laboratory information system (MediTech) 3time reduction on analysing report using the electronic reports on three main testing areas; HLA typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching. Approximately $22,035 is saved annually. The turn-around time (TAT) and time on analysing report (TAR) are statistically significant in all testing areas. The IG database demonstrated a significant reduction in cost, a decrease in t...