RACS suggested the creation of a Governance Group to design a service delivery model that:
delivers at a minimum equity for patients, regardless of who they are, where they live, and who orders their tests
ensures test results are available in a timely manner, noting delays for histology
recognises clinicians as the critical interface between patients and the health system
anticipates changing demographics and disease, patient and workforce needs, digital and technology, integration of Artificial Intelligence
is sustainable in terms of future workforce, efficiency and environmental impact 
reviews audits from laboratories to make sure that equity and sustainability, as well as quality and safety, are being delivered
reviews, consults and publicises “choosing wisely” with the aim of education of clinicians to reduce necessary and unuseful tests or test frequency 
ensures key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined and consistently met.

 

RACS suggested the Governance Group take a Clinical Governance approach to designing a nationwide model for laboratory and pathology/histology services.
Clinicians should be involved at all stages of designing, implementing, and monitoring the system. Some critical decisions require clinical expertise and professional attention.
Contractual processes must include mandatory quality and safety standards and be designed to ensure sustained quality of care.
Design and implementation require particular attention to the patient experience and journey within the system – from clinician to laboratory to receipt of results from the clinician.

 

Read the submission.