Optimizing Laboratory Investigations through Process Innovation: A Quality Improvement Initiative at District General Hospital Nawalapitiya – Sri Lanka

Abstract: Delays in receiving laboratory investigation reports and inappropriate utilization of on-call laboratory services can compromise patient care, increase institutional costs, and burden healthcare systems. Efficient laboratory workflows are essential for timely diagnosis, treatment decisions, and overall service quality. To optimize laboratory investigation processes by improving workflow efficiency, ensuring appropriate prioritization of investigations, reducing unnecessary on-call testing, and enhancing timely report delivery. A quality improvement initiative was conducted at District General Hospital Nawalapitiya beginning in early 2024, following problem identification in late 2023. Retrospective audits, registry data analysis, and key informant interviews were used to assess workflow inefficiencies. A color-coded investigation system (routine–white, urgent–red, on-call–yellow), separate registries, and staff awareness programs were implemented. A re-audit was conducted regularly up until three months to evaluate outcomes. Post-intervention analysis demonstrated significant improvement in workflow efficiency. Routine investigations were consistently processed within standard working hours, while on-call investigations were appropriately restricted to after-hours. Urgent investigations received prioritization. [Insert numerical data: % improvement, turnaround times, cost reduction]. A simple, low-cost, process-driven intervention significantly improved laboratory efficiency, reduced unnecessary expenditure, and enhanced patient care. This model demonstrates a scalable and sustainable approach to healthcare quality improvement in resource-limited settings. Keywords: Laboratory optimization, Quality improvement, Workflow efficiency, Healthcare management, Diagnostic services. Title: Optimizing Laboratory Investigations through Process Innovation: A Quality Improvement Initiative at District General Hospital Nawalapitiya – Sri Lanka Author: Somaratne CJK, Weraduwage K, Raqeeb A, Pathiranage KPWC International Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM) ISSN 2349-7807 Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026 Page No: 8-14 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 10-April-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19498169 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Optimizing%20Laboratory%20Investigations-10042026-8.pdf