A reliable pathology information system optimizes operations
The pathology information system must be user-friendly, reliable and secure. In addition, communication with the patient information system must be flexible.
Background
The customers of the Department of Pathology of the Finnish Oulu University Hospital (OYS) include the regional central hospital, the Oulu University and the City of Oulu. The unit’s area of particular responsibility consists of the Oulu and Lapland provinces.
The unit receives more than 40,000 referrals for tissue samples and cell analysis each year. Nearly 150,000 tissue section analyses are carried out at the laboratory annually. Well over 40,000 documents are written each year to report the results of these.
Challenges
Processing digitally the patient information is a key factor in the smooth operation of the pathology department. The old information system and equipment had reached the end of its lifecycle, and a modern solution was required.
Solution
Tieto delivered a new pathology information system, Qpati, to OYS in early 2008. The extensive user base of the software as well as Tieto’s expertise on the needs and operation of pathology units convinced the professionals of the OYS pathology unit.
Benefits
Timo Väisänen, who works as a cell biologist at the Oulu University Hospital, says that the Tieto’s pathology system is reliable and easy to use. “I particularly like the digital analysis request and the versatile search function. Office workers have been happy with the electronic invoicing – a reliable invoicing process has reduced their workload considerably and made the work easier," Väisänen says, listing the benefits.
According to Väisänen, further objectives for the near future include implementation of the digital dictation and digital image transfer from the personal microscope cameras of the pathologists. “When all dictations and visual information can be digitally received in the patient records, the information and patient security will be greatly improved.”
Published on 16 May 2009.
