Optilab Laboratory Network: Urgent Calls for Improvement in Patient Care

Over the past few years, medical experts, along with other health professionals, have repeatedly expressed their concerns about the effectiveness of the Optilab laboratory network.

Faced with these visits again, the Ministry of Health and Social Services organized a consultation day on April 28, 2023. Unfortunately the concerns from a year later were well founded, despite the fact that submitted more than 50 proposals, without substantial change. seen on earth.

Delays are reaching alarming levels, staffing shortages are affecting our laboratories, risks of sample loss are as high as ever, and caregivers continue to encounter obstacles Optilab computer system. It is the patients who pay the price. Regarding this perspective, we would like to once again request immediate concrete actions that could improve things.

Laboratories at the heart of the care continuum

There is a clear link between laboratory efficiency and health network performance. Therefore, we are very concerned about Optilab’s shortcomings as they have a direct impact on the quality of care offered to the public. For example, a delay in sample analysis could cause a delay, or even delay an operation for a patient. This situation is unsustainable and affects, for example, already overloaded surgery waiting lists.

Another factor that greatly affects the performance of our laboratories is the current shortage of medical technicians. Their contribution is essential to diagnose and treat our patients. Without a solid strategy to resolve the issue, the critical shortage of work and the impact it will have on the network will not grow.

The situation is real and urgent changes are needed, otherwise patients will continue to suffer. When a sample is not analyzed on time, has to be returned because of a quota, or is simply lost or thrown away, diagnosis is postponed, treatment is postponed, and ultimately, treatment is which can be delayed.

Collaborate with caregivers for the benefit of patients

The proposals submitted more than a year ago, as a result of ideas and concerns shared by all stakeholders on the ground, were aimed at improving the situation. However, the latter remained unanswered, which is a symbol of the general approach chosen by the ministry since the establishment of Optilab.

Too often, directions are taken without consultation, leaving carers to deal with their consequences. The way in which the call for a moratorium on the construction of the Montérégie server laboratory, which was widely approved, was completely ignored by the ministry represents another example. On the ground, this project raises many concerns about the ability of future doctors to fully fulfill their mission.

So here it is our duty, once again, to sound the alarm and demand answers. Since the Optilab project was officially established in 2017, 7 years ago now, do Quebecers have better access to laboratory services? Are labs more efficient? Without a balanced presentation of concrete and measurable effects, a positive answer is impossible. Where are the tips shared a year ago now? What investigation does the ministry do and what methods does it recommend to solve the situation? Without swift change, the situation will continue to worsen.

That is why we are asking the ministry to provide the necessary resources for the proper operation of public laboratories and to review the way it does things. Collaboration is not a one-way street. We are sure that inevitable solutions require knowledge, commitment and detailed knowledge of the field reality of laboratory professionals. By working together, we will be able to identify and implement the urgent solutions that the current situation requires.

Signatories

Dagain Badia Issa-Chergui, president of the Quebec Association of Pathologists

Dr François Corbin, president of the Association of Medical Biochemists of Quebec

Dr Karl Weiss, president of the Quebec Association of Microbiologists and Infectious Disease Doctors

Dr Normand Blais, president of the Association of Hematologists and Oncologists of Quebec

Dagain Valérie Désilets, president of the Quebec Association of Genetic Doctors

Dr Vincent Oliva, president of the Quebec Federation of Specialist Physicians