RACS suggested the creation of a Governance Group to design a service delivery model that:
• delivers at a minimum equity for patients, regardless of who they are, where they live, and who orders their tests
• ensures test results are available in a timely manner, noting delays for histology
• recognises clinicians as the critical interface between patients and the health system
• anticipates changing demographics and disease, patient and workforce needs, digital and technology, integration of Artificial Intelligence
• is sustainable in terms of future workforce, efficiency and environmental impact
• reviews audits from laboratories to make sure that equity and sustainability, as well as quality and safety, are being delivered
• reviews, consults and publicises “choosing wisely” with the aim of education of clinicians to reduce necessary and unuseful tests or test frequency
• ensures key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined and consistently met.
RACS suggested the Governance Group take a Clinical Governance approach to designing a nationwide model for laboratory and pathology/histology services.
• Clinicians should be involved at all stages of designing, implementing, and monitoring the system. Some critical decisions require clinical expertise and professional attention.
• Contractual processes must include mandatory quality and safety standards and be designed to ensure sustained quality of care.
• Design and implementation require particular attention to the patient experience and journey within the system – from clinician to laboratory to receipt of results from the clinician.