Effectiveness of Practices to Support Appropriate Laboratory Test Utilization: A Laboratory Medicine Best Practices Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Issue 3 (14th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rubinstein, Matthew; Hirsch, Robert; Bandyopadhyay, Kakali; Madison, Bereneice; Taylor, Thomas; Ranne, Anne; Linville, Millie; Donaldson, Keri; Lacbawan, Felicitas; Cornish, Nancy
• Is Part Of: American journal of clinical pathology. Volume 149:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2018-02-14
• Subjects: Clinical decision-making -- Clinical laboratory services -- Laboratory diagnosis -- Laboratory medicine -- Laboratory test utilization -- Meta-analysis -- Quality assurance -- Quality improvement -- Systematic review -- Test ordering -- Utilization management -- Utilization review; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; 616.07
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqx147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-9173

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of practices used to support appropriate clinical laboratory test utilization. Methods: This review followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laboratory Medicine Best Practices A6 cycle method. Eligible studies assessed one of the following practices for effect on outcomes relating to over- or underutilization: computerized provider order entry (CPOE), clinical decision support systems/tools (CDSS/CDST), education, feedback, test review, reflex testing, laboratory test utilization (LTU) teams, and any combination of these practices. Eligible outcomes included intermediate, systems outcomes (eg, number of tests ordered/performed and cost of tests), as well as patient-related outcomes (eg, length of hospital stay, readmission rates, morbidity, and mortality). Results: Eighty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Fifty-one of these studies could be meta-analyzed. Strength of evidence ratings for each practice ranged from high to insufficient. Conclusion: Practice recommendations are made for CPOE (specifically, modifications to existing CPOE), reflex testing, and combined practices. No recommendation for or against could be made for CDSS/CDST, education, feedback, test review, and LTU. Findings from this review serve to inform guidance for future studies.