The pilot project includes microbiology indicators to enhance efficiency and safety in clinical laboratories
SBPC/ML and Controllab, partners in the laboratory module of indicators, are once again at the forefront of data management that continuously enhances patient safety, with the launch of the pilot project on laboratory microbiology indicators. This initiative, which began in June, stems from the 1st Forum on Laboratory Microbiology Indicators held in November 2023, consolidating the institutions’ ongoing commitment to quality and efficiency in the healthcare sector.
The forum brought together renowned experts, industry and technology companies to develop a comprehensive proposal of indicators. During the event, a group of microbiologists working in reference laboratory services in Brazil volunteered to develop this proposal, demonstrating the importance and impact of this work on laboratory medicine.
Laboratory microbiology indicators
Microbiology plays an extremely important role in the clinical setting by providing essential information for medical conduct and patient treatments. Its efficiency impacts satisfaction among all stakeholders, contributing to the reputation and sustainability of laboratories.
The proposal of these new indicators aims to strengthen microbiology management in clinical laboratories, providing data that assist in detailed monitoring of strategies, processes, and resources, thereby supporting decision-making and promoting excellence in the field.
Launch of the pilot project
Based on the forum’s deliberations and suggestions from the SBPC/ML Technical Committee on Microbiology, 15 new indicators were prioritized for this initial pilot phase and are available on Metricare. Platform users in Brazil are invited to submit data for these indicators and contribute to this important initiative, thereby enhancing their microbiology management as well. Indicator categories include management of financial, human, customer resources, pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes, demographic indicators, and equipment management.
A highlight of this pilot project is the epidemiological indicators, representing an innovative approach for the healthcare sector. These include indicators addressing resistance in blood cultures and surveillance culture, as well as blood culture positivity in hospitalized patients. These indicators have the potential to support not only laboratories but the entire healthcare ecosystem by providing valuable insights for infection prevention and control.
Expected benefits and next steps
The new microbiology indicators aim to improve operational efficiency in laboratories and ensure more precise and reliable results for patients. After the pilot phase, results will be evaluated by the SBPC/ML Microbiology and Indicators Technical Committees. Findings will be shared with all initiative participants, supporting decision-making in laboratory microbiology and promoting sustainability in the healthcare sector.
The initiative received support from companies BD, Sarstedt, and Plastlabor, which sponsored the project’s discussion forum, highlighting their commitment to innovation and quality improvement in laboratory microbiology. Technology companies like Karyon Consultoria, HTS High Tech Systems, Matrix Sistemas, and TCM Informática also participated in the forum, adding discussions on automatic data capture in the area to enhance efficiency and information security.
Want to learn more about the initiative and participate in these and other indicators that promote patient safety and organizational sustainability in healthcare? Contact one of our specialists now via WhatsApp: +55 21 98258 0074.
