Laboratory Performance Improvement Project

A Lean project to address why physicians were not receiving lab results in a timely manner was implemented. Lab processes were evaluated from order generation through verification of results being sent to physicians. Data was collected and evaluated for each step including value stream maps. Measureable improvement included a 41 percent reduction in collect to receive times, 33 percent reduction in collect to verify and an increase in morning results reported out by 7:30 a.m. from 89 percent to 98 percent.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)