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Supporting the commercialization of pathology servicesHealthcare News | October 23, 2009
The pace of change in pathology remains unabated. After many laboratories adopted automation and process integration to meet Pathology Modernization initiatives and cope with increasing workloads, another challenge has come around the corner for laboratories in the UK: The publication of the Carter and Darzi reports and the drive to add commercial competence to the pathology sector.
External influences
The second Carter report remains a key factor in driving the thought processes that will contribute to changes in pathology. Carter estimates that potential savings of between £250 and £500 million could be realised by consolidating pathology services. The report also set out three main aims: Improving quality and patient safety; improving efficiency; and, identifying the mechanisms for change.
Commissioner led focus
At the Siemens Academy meeting held in London, Dr. Ian Fry, Director of Partnership Pathology Services in Surrey stated, “Change is now unavoidable. To survive and thrive, it is time for pathology to look outside the walls of the laboratory. There is a need for pathology to have a commissioner-led focus with appropriate regulatory control and transactional processes. The service should be planned, commissioned, and delivered as part of an integrated healthcare system.”
Investing for quality and excellence
Investing for quality and excellence will avoid the all-too-familiar National Health Service cost cutting spiral where budget problems lead to cost cutting reactions that harm service delivery, thus affecting patient confidence. “With patient choice now at the heart of the modern NHS, we have to take a consumer, commercially-orientated approach,” says Colin Carr, Associate Director of Operations, Investigative Sciences, at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Grounding commercial focus on a firm business footing
For effective business management and in preparation for future tariff structures, understanding costs is key. Activity Based Costing (ABC) tools from Siemens help define specific test costs by incorporating analytical equipment, staff, and overheads. Simply, it quantifies an activity in terms of time, the appropriate utilization of staff, and all associated costs.
With NHS Pathology Plus, Siemens spearheads a partnership program that helps leading NHS services to better respond to the evolving marketplace. NHS Pathology Plus achieves superior service delivery and long-term care management programs that deliver patient-centric care.
Key Benefits
- Improved quality and patient safety
- Improved workflow efficiency
- Better response to the evolving marketplace
