Table 2 Comparison of test ordering behaviour before and after implementation of a computerised pathology order entry system.
| Before implementation | After implementation | Statistical test | p Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact of structured computerised order screen on test information provided | ||||
| Gentamicin specimens specified as peak or trough | 16%, n = 40 | 73%, n = 210 | χ2 = 175.8 (df 2) | <0.001 |
| Vancomycin specimens specified as peak or trough | 13%, n = 44 | 77%, n = 253 | χ2 = 271.0 (df 2) | <0.001 |
| Impact of changed liver function test order set on testing patterns | ||||
| Patients receiving ⩾1 albumin test | 39.6% n = 419 | 20.0%, n = 219 | χ2 = 100.96 (df 1) | <0.001 |
| Number of albumin assays per patient for those patientshaving an albumin test | Mean (SD), 3.1 (3.7) | Mean (SD), 2.0 (2.2) | t = 4.55 (df 624) | <0.001 |
| Patients receiving ⩾1 AST test | 34.0%, n = 360 | 23.0% n = 253 | χ2 = 32.53 (df 1) | <0.001 |
| Number of AST tests per patient for those patients havingan AST test | Mean (SD), 3.1 (3.1) | Mean (SD), 5.1 (9.5) | t = −3.73 (df 290) | <0.001 |
| Patients receiving ⩾1 protein test | 25.9%, n = 274 | 18.7%, n = 206 | χ2 = 16.21 (df 1) | <0.001 |
| Number protein test assays per patient for those patientshaving a protein test | Mean (SD), 2.15 (2.24) | Mean (SD), 5.9 (11.1) | t = −4.82 (df 218) | <0.001 |
AST, aspartate aminotransferase; df, degrees of freedom.