title: The laboratory's role in outcome assessment.
abstract: How does the laboratorian influence patient outcome, and how is this influence measured? The clinical laboratory gives vital support to decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and management. Outcome assessment must include a structured approach to performance improvement, proper test utilization, and defining best practices.
authors.affiliation: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Bissell
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D017046:Cost Savings; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D007324:Institutional Management Teams; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014481:United States