Laboratory Information System – Successfully Find, Vet, Negotiate, and Implement LIS

At the end of the 15-hour course attendees will:

• Gain a basic understanding of the hardware, middleware, application software, and database management systems that go into the creation of an LIS as well as how these components add value or limit operational utility
• Understand the strengths and limitations of various LIS offerings regarding connectivity, database design, configurability, integration with Electronic Health Record Systems as well as user interface design and how all these factors impact the approach to obtaining, implementing, and using an LIS effectively
• Gain the management skills to develop and carry out an effective plan that includes but is not limited to:

1. Determining the state of the art in the LIS space
2. Designing and populating a comprehensive process map that leads to an effective User Requirements Specification [URS] and Request for Proposal [RFP]
3. Gain knowledge of the pitfalls surrounding negotiating with LIS providers, and the unique perspective required to assure a contract maximally beneficial to the laboratory
4. Oversee the installation and qualification of the LIS chosen, and
5. Successfully train users to run the LIS during routine laboratory operations

• Learn how to avoid major hidden traps and errors that commonly plague laboratories implementing Laboratory Information Systems 

DAY ONE: An Introduction to Laboratory Information Systems 

• The History and Technology of Laboratory Information Systems [LIS]
• The Purpose of the LIS in Laboratory, Clinical, Regulatory, and Administrative Operations
• The Goals of the LIS related to Laboratory, Clinical, Regulatory, and Administrative Operations
• Determining and Prioritizing Laboratory, Client, and Administrative Needs
• Evaluating the Current State of the LIS Market Regarding Interoperability with EHR’s and Legacy Systems

 DAY TWO: How to Choose an LIS and Negotiate a Contract with the Vendor 

• Systems Analysis of Laboratory and Client Operations to Determine Critical Decision Points
• Process Mapping of Laboratory and Client Operations to Determine Critical Tasks for Automation
• Defining User Specifications to Meet User Needs and Support Laboratory Systems and Processes
• Exploring Offerings using Vendor Documents, Demos, and Visits to Facilities Running Vendor LIS’s
• Investigation of Vendor Reliability and Negotiating an Ironclad Contract

 DAY THREE: How to Prepare for, Implement, and Manage the LIS 

• Putting Together the Laboratory LIS Task Force and Assigning Authority and Responsibility
• Coordination with Vendor Client Services and Technical Support with LIS Documentation
• Interfacing the LIS with Laboratory Instrumentation and Dealing with Legacy Systems
• Preparing for Implementation of the LIS From Facilities to Training to Documentation
• Validation of the LIS, Establishment of Quality Systems, and Verification into Routine Operations