Using the EPIDEM Model of Quality Improvement to Increase Value of BCR-ABL1 Tests.

<bold>Objectives: </bold>As pathologists and laboratorians, we can enhance patient care by promoting the appropriate ordering of diagnostic tests. Our goal was to improve the ordering of BCR-ABL1 tests by using the EPIDEM model of quality improvement.<bold>Methods: </bold>We applied the EPIDEM model, which emphasizes understanding local context, culture, and resources, to explore inappropriate BCR-ABL1 ordering, promote and implement a new reflexive testing strategy in-house, document and evaluate effectiveness, and make stepwise modifications.<bold>Results: </bold>Multiple quality improvement interventions correlated with cost savings and decreased total errors and incorrect orders for both BCR-ABL1 major and minor positive patients. Furthermore, our laboratory built stronger collaborative relationships with colleagues within and outside of pathology.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Our molecular pathology laboratory successfully used the EPIDEM model of quality improvement to improve the ordering of BCR-ABL1 tests and promote better patient care by focusing on educational efforts and modification of laboratory workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]