Benchmarking in laboratory medicine: are we measuring the right outcomes?

Abstract

Purpose

To review the application of the principles of benchmarking to the field of laboratory medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of the literature on performance management techniques employed in healthcare provision, and specifically in laboratory medicine, including benchmarking.

Findings

The review identifies the main performance indicators employed in quality assurance and benchmarking programmes that have been developed in laboratory medicine. Some of these have a clear benefit in improving laboratory performance, whilst others are used for more general management purposes. The emphasis of these programmes is on improving analytical performance, together with pre‐ and post‐analytical performance. The review highlights the fact that benchmarking in laboratory medicine is undertaken largely in isolation from the clinical setting in which it is applied. The benchmarking activities are, therefore, concerned with the process (dealing predominantly with efficiency and productivity) of producing laboratory results and do not probe into the way in which the laboratory services are employed in the care of patients (dealing with outcomes and value). Some examples of health outcomes studies are discussed, which demonstrate the value of the laboratory medicine service. They highlight the complexity of developing a more outcomes orientated approach to benchmarking of laboratory medicine services. These studies would show how the laboratory was used; they give a more holistic view of the role of laboratory medicine in healthcare provision.

Originality/value

The review shows how a more comprehensive and integrated approach to benchmarking of laboratory medicine service would provide valuable information on the effectiveness of the laboratory services.

Citation

Price, C.P. (2005), "Benchmarking in laboratory medicine: are we measuring the right outcomes?", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 12 No. 5, pp. 449-466. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635770510619375