Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences
Abstract Background Effective diagnostic capacity is crucial for clinical decision-making, with up to 70% of decisions in high-resource settings based on laboratory test results. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) access to diagnostic services is often limited due to the absence of...
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-024-02831-6 |
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| author | Tessa Oakley Juliao Vaz Fausto da Silva Raikos Allan Deonisia Almeida Karen Champlin Endang Soares da Silva Ari Jayanti Tilman Ian Marr Heidi Smith-Vaughan Jennifer Yan Joshua R. Francis |
| author_facet | Tessa Oakley Juliao Vaz Fausto da Silva Raikos Allan Deonisia Almeida Karen Champlin Endang Soares da Silva Ari Jayanti Tilman Ian Marr Heidi Smith-Vaughan Jennifer Yan Joshua R. Francis |
| author_sort | Tessa Oakley |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Effective diagnostic capacity is crucial for clinical decision-making, with up to 70% of decisions in high-resource settings based on laboratory test results. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) access to diagnostic services is often limited due to the absence of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). LIMS streamline laboratory operations by automating sample handling, analysis, and reporting, leading to improved quality and faster results. Despite these benefits, sustainably implementing LIMS in LMIC is challenging due to high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical expertise. Methods This study evaluated the implementation of a customised microbiology LIMS at the National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Timor-Leste. The LIMS was deployed in November 2020, with an accompanying online results portal introduced in early 2021. The implementation was assessed via a checklist based on key challenges and requirements for LIMS in LMIC, alongside a post-implementation survey of scientists and clinicians. Results The assessment revealed significant improvements in laboratory processes, including enhanced sample throughput, data management, and result reporting. The LIMS reduced transcription errors and standardised reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), improving data quality and accessibility. However, challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity and the need for ongoing funding and technical support persist. The user satisfaction survey, with responses from 19 laboratory scientists and 15 clinicians, revealed positive feedback on workflow improvements and result accessibility, although concerns about internet speed, sustainability, and the need for further training were noted. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of careful planning, customisation, and stakeholder engagement in LIMS implementation in LMIC. The success in Timor-Leste demonstrates the potential for improved laboratory quality and patient outcomes, but also underscores the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure, technical expertise, and sustainability planning. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-02983a03a4504da894821eedbe4303f0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6947 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making |
| spelling | doaj-art-02983a03a4504da894821eedbe4303f02025-01-19T12:25:59ZengBMCBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making1472-69472025-01-0125111010.1186/s12911-024-02831-6Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiencesTessa Oakley0Juliao Vaz1Fausto da Silva2Raikos Allan3Deonisia Almeida4Karen Champlin5Endang Soares da Silva6Ari Jayanti Tilman7Ian Marr8Heidi Smith-Vaughan9Jennifer Yan10Joshua R. Francis11Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityPartnership for Human DevelopmentGlobal and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityGlobal and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityU.S. Agency for International DevelopmentGlobal and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityPartnership for Human DevelopmentLaboratório da Saúde do INSP-TLGlobal and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityGlobal and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityGlobal and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityGlobal and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityAbstract Background Effective diagnostic capacity is crucial for clinical decision-making, with up to 70% of decisions in high-resource settings based on laboratory test results. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) access to diagnostic services is often limited due to the absence of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). LIMS streamline laboratory operations by automating sample handling, analysis, and reporting, leading to improved quality and faster results. Despite these benefits, sustainably implementing LIMS in LMIC is challenging due to high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical expertise. Methods This study evaluated the implementation of a customised microbiology LIMS at the National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Timor-Leste. The LIMS was deployed in November 2020, with an accompanying online results portal introduced in early 2021. The implementation was assessed via a checklist based on key challenges and requirements for LIMS in LMIC, alongside a post-implementation survey of scientists and clinicians. Results The assessment revealed significant improvements in laboratory processes, including enhanced sample throughput, data management, and result reporting. The LIMS reduced transcription errors and standardised reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), improving data quality and accessibility. However, challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity and the need for ongoing funding and technical support persist. The user satisfaction survey, with responses from 19 laboratory scientists and 15 clinicians, revealed positive feedback on workflow improvements and result accessibility, although concerns about internet speed, sustainability, and the need for further training were noted. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of careful planning, customisation, and stakeholder engagement in LIMS implementation in LMIC. The success in Timor-Leste demonstrates the potential for improved laboratory quality and patient outcomes, but also underscores the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure, technical expertise, and sustainability planning.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-024-02831-6Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)MicrobiologyImplementationTimor-LesteHealth infrastructure |
| spellingShingle | Tessa Oakley Juliao Vaz Fausto da Silva Raikos Allan Deonisia Almeida Karen Champlin Endang Soares da Silva Ari Jayanti Tilman Ian Marr Heidi Smith-Vaughan Jennifer Yan Joshua R. Francis Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) Microbiology Implementation Timor-Leste Health infrastructure |
| title | Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences |
| title_full | Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences |
| title_fullStr | Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences |
| title_full_unstemmed | Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences |
| title_short | Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences |
| title_sort | implementation of a laboratory information management system lims for microbiology in timor leste challenges mitigation strategies and end user experiences |
| topic | Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) Microbiology Implementation Timor-Leste Health infrastructure |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-024-02831-6 |
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