1. Consolidation of the Microbiology Laboratory Services: A Mini-Review of Finances and Quality of Care.
- Author
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Hemangi Shah
- Subjects
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HEALTH facilities , *MERGERS & acquisitions , *COST control , *HEALTH facility administration , *HOSPITAL laboratories , *MICROBIOLOGY , *MULTIHOSPITAL systems , *ORGANIZATIONAL change , *PATHOLOGICAL laboratories , *WORK design , *ORGANIZATIONAL structure , *ECONOMICS - Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of consolidation of microbiology laboratories on hospital finances and quality of care. Method: A literature review of multiple articles and case studies was conducted on the topic of consolidation of microbiology services among multiple health care facilities. Results: Elimination of duplicate testing and instrumentation can result in significant cost savings. The quality of results can be improved by staffing the core laboratory with educated, experienced microbiologists. Consolidation of services allows for new, technologically advanced instrumentation, which improves turnaround time. Conclusions: Consolidation of microbiology services, when performed with proper planning, can improve the productivity and turnaround time of testing, as well as reducing the cost of providing care, resulting in positive effects on hospital finances and improved quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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