Redefining and capturing pre-analytic deficiencies in an anatomical pathology laboratory: a quality improvement initiative.

Pre-analytical deficiencies (PADs) are a major source of errors in anatomical pathology, accounting for about 70% of laboratory deficiencies. These can lead to incorrect diagnoses, delayed treatments, and increased healthcare costs. As part of a quality improvement initiative, we retrospectively identified and characterized 237 PADs documented over a 1-year period in a tertiary care academic center.

The role of the Professional Doctorate in developing professional practice.

Aims: The present study aims to reflect on, and analyse, one particular approach to the award of a Professional Doctorate.

Background: The concept of the 'Professional' Doctorate offers opportunities for the development of work-based skills which transcend professional boundaries. There is now an established basis for Professional Doctorates with many Universities offering a qualification of this nature.

Creating a code of conduct to enable organizational change.

This article provides an overview of the elements that were involved in developing a comprehensive change management strategy at a large, multi-site laboratory as it readied for a major environmental change in the clinical laboratory. A multi-year strategic and tactical plan was created based on an organization-wide employee satisfaction survey, an environmental survey, business needs, and internal/external pressures. The goal was to build a collaborative, team-oriented, and respectful place to work, and to ensure that the workplace became a vibrant environment focused on both individual growth and business improvement and efficiency.