Integration of Automation and Clinical Decision Support Systems

Abstract

As the world of pathology and laboratory medicine has increasingly headed in the direction of automation, implementation of Clinical Decision Support Systems are becoming a vital part of the process. The advances in technology and costs of human resources are factors pushing for automation. This chapter addresses the advantages and issues encountered during the installation of the new automated system Roche Cobas 8000 and Middleware IT3000 for the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of one of the major teaching hospitals in Australia. The input and cooperation of Laboratory staff, Clinicians, Roche Diagnostics and LEAN processes has resulted in a fine example of how automation and clinical decision support systems play a major role in Improving Health Management.