The WCA Laboratory ushers in a new era in health care technology with the recent installation of Soft Computer Consultants (SCC) - a powerful laboratory information systems suite that optimizes the clinical lab's overall operation.

"Information technology is changing the way we care for our patients," said Betsy T. Wright, Hospital President/CEO. "Our consumers look to WCA to be a leader in health care initiatives. Better information leads to better care and our new lab installation meets both the clinical and management performance needs of today's laboratory, as well as continually improving the service and care we provide to our patients."

Jon Sundholm, BS, MT (ASCP), WCA's Clinical Lab Manager, states the new computerized system addresses the laboratory's needs in ways that they could have never realized in the past.

"It enables people, processes and technology to all work together for the benefit of our patients," he said. "The cutting-edge system positions laboratory services at WCA to meet future healthcare needs."

Soft Computer Consultants System includes:

n SoftWeb, which securely delivers real-time patient results via the Internet. Fast, efficient, and user-friendly, SoftWeb enables physicians to view lab results from their offices and other remote locations. As soon as the tests are completed at the Medical Technologist's workstation, test results are instantaneously available to physicians. The savings in time and the greater accuracy of a direct linkage between the laboratory and health care providers makes this software module a very valuable component of SCC.

n SoftID, an electronic positive patient identification solution that provides phlebotomists with an efficient, mobile, and dependable means of verifying patient information prior to blood collection. "In the eyes of the patient, they will see technology used right at the bedside," said Keith Robison, WCA Hospital Chief Information Officer. "This feature improves the quality of care by electronically verifying patient identification."

n SoftBank, which offers a wide range of exceptional features designed to streamline many of the routine, manual, time-consuming tasks associated with blood transfusions, processes and procedures. "SoftBank improves patient safety because the computerized module completely removes the possibility of human error," Sundholm said.

n SoftMic, a powerful microbiology information solution that enables the completely computerized, paperless operation of the Bacteriology Lab. Real-time culture results are readily available, improving the quality and delivery time for patient care.

n SoftLab, the core product of this premier laboratory information system that helps Medical Technologists reach top productivity in the laboratory environment. "SoftLab contains decision-making tools that approach artificial intelligence," Sundholm said. "It aids our medical technologists in making the right decisions all the time."

n SoftMPI, another great feature of Soft Computer that works as an umbrella crossing many hospital departments to generate a unique Master Patient Index (MPI) identification number for each patient. This in turn becomes a reference point for the system to pull together all of a patient's historic information. Patients may have numerous hospital visits and SoftMPI ties all the information together.

n SoftBill, which assists in managing laboratory economics. "The lab is a very complex place when it comes to charging and billing," Sundholm said. "We believe this dynamic solution will help guarantee accurate test coding and ensure conformity in billing practices while reducing the possibility of lost revenues."

"The new information system suite is a quantum leap in health care information technology that advances the overall operation, costs, efficiency and quality of care in an ever-changing, technologically progressive, health care environment," Robison said.

"Our goal is to focus on the continuous improvement of lab services," Sundholm said. "Our new technology and, most importantly, our highly trained and qualified Lab and IS staff, ensure the continuation of unprecedented patient care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction in laboratory services."