[Histonet] Information Systems: Specimen Tracking & MiddleWare

Thu Mar 26 18:14:21 CDT 2009

People are always at the forefront.  Someone has to build that new tool, or
come up with some new process or whatever.  That's why before we do any
installation of our software, we spend what probably amounts to 100 to 200
hours interviewing and watching each clerk, PA, histotech, secretary,
cytotech, and pathologist and THEN we propose how we would install and
tailor our software.  By the way, at the end of that analysis, people are
usually pretty tired of hearing me ask 'why do you do that', but guess what
-- you are way, way more likely to get 'buy in' from the staff.  That tech
you spoke to at 3 a.m. remembers that some computer geek took the time and
effort and asked them how they would do things better.

...but let me address a real world issue.  I am not versed in the
technologies of many aspects of the AP/Cytology department (you'll never
hear me speak on subjects of which stainer is better for instance), but I do
know a few things about work flow and computerization.  I like to illustrate
via example, so let's try this one:

In the real world, a histotechnologist may have only worked in let's say 3
or 4different labs in their life, and perhaps only 1 or 2 different computer
systems.  With that background, how are they supposed to know what's
possible or not possible to do with computer technology.  Personally, I
think it's the job of the LIS vendor to work TOGETHER with the
histotechnologist and other department personnel to come up with better
solutions.  In this example, each side has knowledge and experience that
needs to be conveyed to the other.  When that communication occurs, magic
happens.  Barcodes are not the magic.  It's how you use those barcodes in
your work flow.

It's always about the people.

Michael Mihalik
PathView Systems | cell: 214.733.7688 | 800.798.3540 | fax: 270.423.0968

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle
weaver
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 4:53 PM
To: jellin <@t> yumaregional.org; Histonet
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Information Systems: Specimen Tracking & MiddleWare

Well, I can't speak for everyone of course, but I know in the program that I
am affiliate with that we stress, if not require, thinking beyond the manual
methods. In fact, I really see an in depth understanding of basic manual
histology methods as only a beginning point to how I want the future
histologists to think and apply their technical knowledge.I encourage this
at every opportunity myself, in every course. Crtical thinking skills,
process thinking and the ability to see how our function fits into total
laboratory and diagnostic patient services is stressed. I see it as
imperative that this is incorporated into training in formal programs and
within the lab. We cannot afford to not further this trend. I really don't
see any other alternative really.

If you look at newer instrumentation, it really is little more than a
computer with software and application interfaces connected to the mechanics
that perform the tasks of histology. Technology is really just another tool
at our disposal to perform our jobs better. We in histology, are due to
begin to merge and become cohesive with the totality of healthcare delivery
and to begin to operate in such a parallel manner. I believe that the
emerging histologist will be better armed with a broader educational
background that provides this insight,due to more structured training
program requirments. I for one, certainly hope that this is the "next wave"
of evolution in our practice! 

Joelle Weaver HTL(ASCP)

> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Information Systems: Specimen Tracking &
MiddleWare
> Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:10:14 -0700
> From: JEllin <@t> yumaregional.org
> To: joelleweaver <@t> hotmail.com
> 
> I want to throw this notion out there as well,, how are we training our
> techs to think? I would say that the majority of the histology programs
> still teach to manual methodology rather than to think out of the box
> and provide a total solution to the problem (with work flow and
> technology). In my experience I see that people tend to take technology
> and imitate their current manual process's rather than looking at
> improving the current one. I like to hear what other people think on
> this matter? It seems to me that there is a hunger for this technology
> within the histology community but a lack of knowledge on how to
> implement a viable solution to our current manual problems.. 
> 
> We are starting to see the coming of age again, an evolution within our
> field were a technology similar to IHC, FISH, etc, will change the
> course on how we tend to do things in the future. But we are not
> educating our selves or our replacements, on how to handle these issues.
> We cannot continue to solve a problem at the same level of thinking as
> the previous solution. We need to begin to have a culture and
> environmental shift in order for this technology to be adapted by the
> industry. But people we are not looking at the downstream affect of
> what our actions are, for example transcription, pathologist, send out
> etc.. I am also very passionate about this..
> 
> The University of Washington has done some excellent work on this
> solution from a histology level and as for Path view, I have heard good
> things, but you all mention barcode, incorporation, and technology. But
> what I have not heard is that it is the people that drive this to the
> fore front. This would create a "Anatomic Histo/Pathology Improvement
> System" were technology, methodology improvement, and people come
> together to create an efficient way to handle our issues.
> 
> Sorry for the long winded remark but I am also passionate about this
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Jesus A Ellin HT/PA ASCP
> 
> Department of Pathology/Histology
> 
> Yuma Regional Medical Center
> 
> 2400 South Ave A
> 
> Yuma, AZ 85364 - 7170
> 
> ( Office: (928) 336-1743
> 
> ( Fax: (928) 336-7319
> 
> * Email: jellin <@t> yumaregional.org 
> 
> 
> 
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