Chair's Message
November 2024 - Quality & Lab Stewardship Update
Advancing Quality and Stewardship Across Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
As we look back on Fiscal Year 2024, it’s exciting to reflect on the synergy between our Quality Improvement and Laboratory Stewardship programs. Both initiatives have been instrumental in driving enhancements in patient care, operational efficiency, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the department.
We are pleased to announce that Maria Estrada, MHA, PMP, has joined our team as the new Program manager for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Laboratory Stewardship, and Quality Improvement programs. Maria will be working alongside Monique Trinh and the program leads to lead these efforts and further expand our impact across the department. Her expertise in project management and dedication to quality improvement will be instrumental as we continue to drive forward key initiatives and streamline processes to enhance laboratory efficiency and patient care outcomes.
Laboratory Stewardship Updates
The Laboratory Stewardship Task Force (LSTF), led by Co-Chairs Dr. Allison Chambliss, Dr. Josh Deignan, and Alexander Martin, PA (ASCP), MHA, and Dr. Omai Garner, Vice Chair of Clinical Laboratory Affairs, continues its mission to improve the appropriateness, value, and efficiency of lab testing throughout the health system. From policy revisions that streamline workflows to new clinical decision support tools that reduce unnecessary testing, we are setting the standard for excellence and stewardship.
We are excited to launch our new Laboratory Stewardship Program webpage, which provides an overview of the program and its structure, recent accomplishments, and resources for clinicians. Please visit the webpage for the latest updates and information on how you can get involved.
Key Lab Stewardship Ongoing Projects and Accomplishments
THANK YOU to the members of LSTF and other collaborators both within and outside of the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine for their time and efforts that have contributed to the success of these initiatives!
Highlights
Two abstracts presented at the PLUGS Summit held in Seattle, WA in June 2024:
- Chambliss A, Deignan J, Isip C, Martin A, Trinh M, Visico M, Were W, Ziman. Reducing “Miscellaneous” Referral Test Orders at an Academic Medical Center. (Best Abstract Award)
- Deignan J, Chambliss A, Rapoport S, Cheng E. An Automated EMR Workflow to Facilitate Genetic Consultation and Review of Inpatient Genetic Test Requests at UCLA.
Two articles published in ADLM’s Clinical Laboratory News:
- “How a Program Manager Aligns Quality Improvement, Laboratory Stewardship, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine” (Monique Trinh and Dr. Allison Chambliss)
- "Implementation of an automated EMR workflow to facilitate genetic consultation and review of inpatient genetic test requests" (Dr. Josh Deignan)
Quality Improvement Updates
As we continue to build a culture of quality within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, our Quality Improvement (QI) Program stands at the forefront of driving impactful, sustainable changes. This past year, we have not only expanded our QI efforts but also fostered critical interdisciplinary collaborations that transcend departmental silos, enhancing our ability to deliver superior patient care and operational excellence.
The QI Co-Chairs and program managers are leading the charge in building a robust QI infrastructure and ensuring that projects are aligned with both our strategic objectives and the department’s long-term vision. We are excited to welcome the Point of Care Testing Optimization project to the roster of QLC projects:
Key QI Program Accomplishments:
- Project Portfolio Growth: We now manage multiple projects across various stages, with 8 QLC projects, 8+ Q-CEP projects, and 5 QUIC projects in active development. This expansion showcases the department’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Collaborative Successes: Our QI program has fostered 8 active partnerships with external stakeholders in the UCLA Health organization, allowing us to tackle complex, cross-departmental challenges through a unified approach.
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Quality Improvement Toolkit: We are developing a comprehensive toolkit to provide clinicians and staff with resources to apply QI science methods effectively, supporting the testing of interventions and enhancing data analysis capabilities.
On October 2, 2024, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Informatics, Laboratory Stewardship, Quality Improvement, and Wellness leaders met for their inaugural Strategic Alignment Meeting. Together, they identified mutual challenges and cocreated solutions by identifying cross-program collaboration opportunities to do what’s right, make things better, and be kind. They look forward to cultivating a cohesive, collaborative, and functional environment where all the programs work synergistically to improve patient care, advance health equity, and enhance the quality of outcomes across UCLA and beyond.
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our reach even further. In FY25, our focus will be on refining processes, scaling successful projects, and integrating new initiatives to ensure sustained progress. The foundation we’ve built positions us to continue leading in laboratory stewardship and quality improvement across UCLA Health.
Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to thank our Department veterans and active duty military/reserve members! We appreciate your service to our country and to our patients by providing leading-edge patient care, research, and education. It is an honor to feature our department veterans.
Sarah M. Dry, MD
Chair, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine