title: Achieving continuous improvement in laboratory organization through performance measurements: a seven-year experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laboratory performance can be measured using a set of model key performance indicators (KPIs). The design and implementation of KPIs are important issues. KPI results from 7 years are reported and their implementation, monitoring, objectives, interventions, result reporting and delivery are analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The KPIs of the entire laboratory process were obtained using Laboratory Information System (LIS) registers. These were collected automatically using a data warehouse application, spreadsheets and external quality program reports. Customer satisfaction was assessed using surveys. Nine model laboratory KPIs were proposed and measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of some examples of KPIs used in our laboratory are reported. Their corrective measurements or the implementation of objectives led to improvement in the associated KPIs results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Measurement of laboratory performance using KPIs and a data warehouse application that continuously collects registers and calculates KPIs confirmed the reliability of indicators, indicator acceptability and usability for users, and continuous process improvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, University Hospital of San Juan, Alicante, Spain.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: Maite
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López-Garrigós
authors.forename: Mercedes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lugo
authors.forename: Jose Vicente
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Sirvent
authors.forename: Joaquin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Uris
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care