A Framework for Assessing the Value of Laboratory Diagnostics

Abstract

Ministries of Health as well as hospital chief executive officers, department heads, and medical directors from a wide range of hospital types consistently rate quality care and value-for-money as key priorities. The role of the laboratory is changing across the healthcare continuum and new laboratory diagnostics are coming to market at an ever-increasing rate. There is a need to better define, measure, and evaluate the value of laboratory diagnostics. This paper provides perspectives on the current challenges associated with the evaluation of laboratory diagnostics, and provides a framework of key dimensions that should be included when assessing their value to hospitals and healthcare systems.