[Histonet] Information Systems: Specimen Tracking & MiddleWare

Fri Mar 27 04:47:48 CDT 2009

Yes, I do agree, that is why I call it a "tool" for people to use. I think that it is a stereotype to think that histologists are not experienced or knowledgable about computers. There are some histologists who have had a fairly good introduction to computer systems, how computers work, what they can and cannot do, software, applications, interfaces, databases, and have worked with 5 or more LIS systems, barcodes etc. Though admittedly, in my experience this is a rarity. Most of what I have learned about computers, I have gotten from formal classes, but I also have used this knowledge in other arenas, and wish I could use it more in my job. I am just not fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to have much influence on the processes, or the computer systems. I think that many who have been promoted into management simply also accept this stereotype that histologists know only technical information, and so we are not consulted, though we do the work everyday.I wish that you could come to our lab and educate those who have been given this authority! I would love to have a "computer geek" come to our lab and inform us of what is available to help us to our jobs better.

Joelle Weaver HTL (ASCP)

> From: mike <@t> pathview.com
> To: joelleweaver <@t> hotmail.com; jellin <@t> yumaregional.org; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Information Systems: Specimen Tracking & MiddleWare
> Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:14:21 -0500
> 
> 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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