A new web-based resource for improving use of lab tests: example of drug safety monitoring

摘要

Failure to use or interpret laboratory tests correctly is a relatively uncommon cause of direct patient harm in National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) listings although can have disastrous results in some patients. Evidence-based laboratory medicine does not follow the same criteria as many clinical interventional situations because of the absence and unfeasibility of randomized controlled trials in many situations. Much good practice is therefore based on level 4 evidence or consensus expert opinion. Much of this opinion is scattered throughout the medical literature and not readily available to medical practitioners. This paper describes the development of a web-based resource to provide rapid access to ‘heuristics’ to guide appropriate use and interpretation of laboratory tests, using the specific example of drug safety monitoring.