Table 1.

Lessons learned

Histotechnologist status board	Nonstandard reporting functions can be customized to display information in an efficient, workflow-oriented manner. This status board is used continuously by staff.
Slide volume, compensation and resident tracking	Resident training and policy can be developed through the utilization of histology block and slide volume data. Conclusions from these data are now part of resident training.
Subspecialty specific TAT	Careful slicing of data with visualization can unveil TAT problems. Specialty specific reports are utilized as a part of monthly QC and are part of any TAT related investigation in the lab.
Delayed slide delivery	Not all steps between initial lab processing of tissue and delivery to pathologist are captured by routine TAT reports. Lab to Pathologist TAT visualizations are part of any TAT related investigation in the lab.
Same day IHC volume surge detection	Surges in volume related to a specific lab area can be visualized with good informatics practices. This report is used during meetings with administration regarding acquisition of new instruments or personnel as well as staff scheduling.
Specimen packing and paperwork deviation	Creative use of LIS features can provide an extra layer of patient safety. These alerts have reduced the incidence of the type of error described to near zero.