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How LIMS Can Solve Issues Of Paper-Based Lab Management System?
Technology has completely changed the way the healthcare industry operates. Regular activities that take hours are now carried out simply without investing too much time and energy. However, many labs still store and manage their data using manual file-based systems. File-based management is quite outdated and does not offer the treatment patients deserved. Not only this, several challenges are there with paper-based management which can be overcome using LIMS.
Issues With Paper-Based System
Paper-based lab management is time taking and comes with various limitations. Here are some of the issues given below:
Security Issues
Security is the first and foremost thing in the medical field. Data protection of patients is quite important which could be compromised with the paper-based lab management system. Printed papers are more likely to be destroyed, lost, stolen, or corrupted than electronic records. Only a few effective actions can be done to address this problem, and they all come at a great expense.
Storage Issues
Paper-based documents require a lot of papers, leading to wastage of papers daily. Also, the storage capacity of papers is limited. One has to continuously make use of newer ones and maintain various files to keep them intact. With the paper laboratory management system, this problem of limited storage capacity is never successfully controlled.
Inaccurate Reading
File-based systems are prone to incorrect instrument readings. Many laboratories insist on having a second person to validate instrument readings. This can compound the problem because uncalibrated equipment would produce substantial inaccuracies downstream and discredit findings that have already been created.
Difficult Information Analysis
A paper-based system is always more difficult to use than a computer-based system. The possibilities of making an error when processing patient information or financial data are substantial. Furthermore, examining the information and data in the records takes longer and is less accurate than using healthcare IT tools.
Difficulty in Editing Documents
When dealing with a paper management system, editing papers becomes a major challenge. When written on paper, the information is permanent, and you need to employ fixing pens or cuts to make it appear disorderly and also to dissimulate its efficacy.
Inefficient Operations
A paper management system can’t work with many kinds of equipment, systems, software, and hardware. This means that each process must be performed independently for each computer, making certain procedures redundant. This always causes plenty of inefficiencies in the system, since the time might be better spent delivering better patient care.
Poor Information Sharing
The exchange of information is an important part of modern healthcare. The systems were developed to allow every hospital department to obtain an updated report on any system. But you always need a devoted individual to transfer files from a department to another when you operate using traditional means. Furthermore, it’s never straightforward and time-consuming to find information from a stack of large files and papers.
A Costly Method
The accompanying expenses are one of the most significant disadvantages of paper-based document management systems. You’ll need extra printers, photocopiers, stationery, and other office supplies in addition to plenty of paper. These expenditures build up quickly and may quickly become a considerable burden for many businesses.
LIMS Features That Can Overcome These Challenges
LIMS is the perfect choice to improve the management of the lab. A LIMS ensures efficient workflow and allows better management. Here are some of the ways which could be effective to overcome the aforementioned challenges.
Easy To Update
A major advantage of adopting healthcare lab software for the administration is the absence of errors in paperwork. Humans are more vulnerable to failure than computers, and numerous mistakes may be made while manually inputting data. Furthermore, if you want to amend any information, updating is simple.
Better Invoice Management
Invoice matching errors are more prevalent than you may imagine. When using a manual method, an employee must double-check everything to guarantee that there are no problems. However, a number of difficulties remain. An automated lab information management system, on the other hand, runs the check and assures there are no invoice mismatches.
Optimized Operations
From billing to audit management, a laboratory information management system ensures that all of your processes are optimized. The procedure will be quicker, dependable, and offers high-end outcomes when the program performs activities.
Excellent Data Analysis
Data analysis is one of the major advantages of using a lab management system. A LIMS can extract critical insights from the data that may be used for the accurate treatment of the patient. Insights gleaned from patient data can also aid in providing them with better care.