Choosing between competing technologies in the cytology laboratory.
Technological change often is internal to anatomic pathology services. When new technology requires collaborative development with clinical staff, it is important to systematically approach the rationale for the new technology, and be prepared to deal with its medical, financial, and, sometimes, even personal implications. Such a systematic approach involves sequentially evaluating the acceptability and the potential benefits of technologic alternatives among the laboratory leadership, with each potential vendor, the laboratory staff, and the clinical and institutional leadership, and must ultimately include effective communication with the entire clinical community. Among the benefits of such a systematic approach are resiliency of the process when challenged, and credibility of its leadership, within and outside of the laboratory.
Black-Schaffer
W Stephen
WS
Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. sblackschaffer@partners.org
D003585:Cell Biology / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*