Cost justification of a laboratory information system: an analysis of projected tangible and intangible benefits.
A pre- and postimplementation comparison of tangible and intangible benefits of the laboratory information system are presented. The key activities projected to save costs through work reduction were evaluated as a basis for procuring a laboratory information system. Following implementation and four years of LIS operation the individual activities used for justification were resurveyed. The tangible benefits which were measured prior to LIS justification totaled $153,471.84 per year based upon fiscal year 1985-86 dollars. The objective re-evaluation of these activities four years after implementation and operation resulted in a measured $115,326.93 per year savings. The loss of projected savings is directly related to over estimates in the original justification evaluation and personnel behavior. The intangible benefits projected were all realized including a number of intangible benefits which made a significant impact on several departmental and clinical services at our institution.
Markin
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RS
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-3135.
Hald
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DL
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000191:economics; D002201:Capital Expenditures; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems / Q000191:economics*; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D009329:Nebraska; D011682:Purchasing, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000191:economics; D016526:Workload / Q000191:economics