There are now several commercial workload/work flow management systems
available, if you are bar coded for your blocks and slides (Ventana, Thermo,
Leica and Dako). These "automated " processes can simplify the capture of
metrics for individuals, but not many have robust report functions. You could
also use a manual system for capturing metrics, but this approach will require
some additional effort over and above what is required for the automated
systems. Both approaches will provide you a detailed look at what can be done,
what is being done and what should be done at each step of your process and by
whom. Productivity is a key management tool and with all the economy and
industry pressures being applied, now being looked at closely for the Histology
lab.
I have been manually capturing workload metrics for accessioning, grossing,
embedding and microtomy for 7+ years. It can be very useful when working with
management to develop the correct staffing needs for the manual tasks in
Histology. Workload recording allows you to better manage your process and
employees. The data collected can be sliced and diced in many ways and I
strongly suggest you collect on a daily basis. Each employee should know
exactly what is expected of them for productivity and quality and you can only
provide that direction when you have useful data. Once you have the data and
create your reports, make sure you communicate with all employees regularly and
continually.
All that said, what are you trying to accomplish with creating workload metrics
and/or what does your boss want to accomplish? It is important to understand
that just capturing the workload metrics mean nothing without coupling quality
standards. I believe that since we are very manual in our unit
(case/specimen/block/slide) production, you must not just look at the
production factor, you must apply a quality factor/standard, before setting any
production standards. Quality must come first. last and always in your process
development. Of course, that will mean you will need to take the next step and
develop a process for capturing, trending and correcting all Mislabel,
Procedural and Technical errors produced at each step of the process and ensure
that the production metric and quality metric, when combined will lead and
direct you to improved quality and measurable standards.
I find that having the workload and quality metrics available provides valuable
information for development of staff, training/competency documentation, SOP's
and justifying equipment, consumables and reagent purchases. I learned from my
CEO that "You cannot manage what you do not measure". I would be more than
happy to discuss this process with you off line, just send me an e-mail to
start the process.
William DeSalvo, B.S., HTL(ASCP)
wdesalvo....@hotmail.com
> Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 16:09:36 -0600
> From: allison_sc...@hchd.tmc.edu
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Workload Recording
>
> Hello to all in histoland. Does anyone keep a log of how many blocks
> that their techs cut. My boss asked me do I keep this type of
> information. Anyone doing workload recording?
>
> Allison Scott HT(ASCP)
> Histology Supervisor
> LBJ Hospital
> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
> If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the
> sender by return e-mail and delete this e-mail and any attachments from
> your computer system.
>
> To the extent the information in this e-mail and any attachments contain
> protected health information as defined by the Health Insurance Portability
> and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), PL 104-191; 45 CFR Parts 160 and
> 164; or Chapter 181, Texas Health and Safety Code, it is confidential and/or
> privileged. This e-mail may also be confidential and/or privileged under
> Texas law. The e-mail is for the use of only the individual or entity named
> above. If you are not the intended recipient, or any authorized
> representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
> review, dissemination or copying of this e-mail and its attachments is
> strictly prohibited.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
