Assessment of information systems effectiveness in private and hospital pathology

This research investigates the role of laboratory information systems on business outcomes in medical pathology in Australia. Pathology information systems are inherently large-scale systems handling large numbers of data daily to service not only the pathology laboratory itself, but also referring medical practitioners. Patient results are often required in a 'mission critical' time frame.<br><br>This research confirms, through a survey and three focus groups, that pathology laboratories are unable to undertake strategic information systems planning (SISP). This research has also found that the factors that are critical to strategic planning in pathology laboratories in Australia are (a) laboratory information system capability (b) business-IT alignment (c) strategic spending (d) research and education (e) end-user involvement and (f) information system effectiveness.<br><br>In both a survey analysis and focus groups, the impact of the laboratory information systems on business outcomes in pathology in Australia was visible from the pre-planning phase. The key findings from the research are that the laboratory information system is regarded by multiple departments of the health industry as a commodity and therefore is regarded as having no strategic value. This long held view has created a situation whereby pathology as a whole is regarded with little or no priority for funding in hospitals in Australia. Spending in private laboratories is functional and not strategic. There is a clear distinction between the functionality and the capability of the laboratory information system. The laboratory information system lacks the capability for integration with, and the use of, modern technology. There is no possibility for the laboratory information system to complement and enhance the strategic components of such activities as international expansion of private pathology in Australia. There is a lack of pressure within the private pathology industry in particular to take steps to develop the capability of the laboratory information system in Australia. A lack of active research and a lack of formal education into management and SISP in the medical and pathology industries is also a contributing factor to the acceptance of the existing status of laboratory information system capability.<br><br>The lack of capability of the laboratory information system prevents it from fulfilling any strategic role. The ramifications of this are that contributors to successful SISP, such as business-IT alignment, are unable to occur. This then prevents effective SISP and hence the assessment of information system effectiveness to the detriment of business outcomes for pathology in Australia.<br><br>This research provides a clear picture of a number of issues contributing to a lack of ability of pathology laboratories in Australia to undertake SISP. The research has also highlighted, through the concepts of a hypothesised relationship between SISP and information system effectiveness measurement, a means and a mechanism for change. The adoption of the principles of this research would assist in the achievement of a more uniform approach to laboratory information systems in Australia that would be beneficial to patients and pathology business alike. <br>