[Histonet] Workload Recording

Tue Dec 7 07:45:46 CST 2010

Very well stated!  If you're going to count 'units processed', be it
specimen, blocks, or slides, those numbers lose their value if you're not
somehow measuring quality issues as well.  In addition to the 'middleware'
solutions provided by the vendors mentioned, you need to make sure that your
next LIS includes this functionality as well.  Quality and metrics are
important to the entire department and issues which occur in one area are
often affected by actions that have occurred prior to or after the histology
area.

Michael Mihalik
PathView Systems | cell: 214.733.7688 | 800.798.3540 | fax: 952.241.7369

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of WILLIAM
DESALVO
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 8:43 PM
To: allison_scott <@t> hchd.tmc.edu; histonet
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Workload Recording

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.cac <@t> hotmail.com

> Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 16:09:36 -0600
> From: Allison_Scott <@t> hchd.tmc.edu
> To: histonet <@t> 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
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