title: The laboratory efficiencies initiative: partnership for building a sustainable national public health laboratory system.
abstract: Beginning in early 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association of Public Health Laboratories launched the Laboratory Efficiencies Initiative (LEI) to help public health laboratories (PHLs) and the nation's entire PHL system achieve and maintain sustainability to continue to conduct vital services in the face of unprecedented financial and other pressures. The LEI focuses on stimulating substantial gains in laboratories' operating efficiency and cost efficiency through the adoption of proven and promising management practices. In its first year, the LEI generated a strategic plan and a number of resources that PHL directors can use toward achieving LEI goals. Additionally, the first year saw the formation of a dynamic community of practitioners committed to implementing the LEI strategic plan in coordination with state and local public health executives, program officials, foundations, and other key partners.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Laboratory Science, Policy and Practice Program Office, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ridderhof
authors.forename: Anthony D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Moulton
authors.forename: Renée M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Ned
authors.forename: Janet K A
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: May C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Scott J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Eric C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Blank
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Breckenridge
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Waddell
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brokopp
mesh_terms: D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006285:Health Planning; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007753:Laboratories / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011634:Public Health / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011635:Public Health Administration; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce