Tracer Methodology 101: Laboratory Integration Tracer

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ISSN： 1542-8672

Source： Joint Commission: The Source, Vol.11, Iss.12, 2013-12, pp. : 8-10

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Abstract

For hospitals to provide consistent, high-quality care, the clear exchange of accurate, timely information is critical. This is particularly true when considering the role that laboratories play in diagnosis and patient care. While the way in which a hospital organizes and interacts with its laboratory services may differ from hospital to hospital, not effectively integrating the laboratory into the hospital's overall function can cause delays in treatment, adverse events, or even patient harm. This mock tracer scenario examines laboratory integration within a hospital. Through a laboratory integration tracer during an on-site accreditation survey, surveyors can ascertain how well the laboratory services work within the hospital's overall processes.