September 28, 2015
New Pathology Initiatives to Improve Patient Care for Manitoba Families
Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM) has implemented a number of initiatives to continue to lead the way in pathology quality with a commitment to improving patient care through ongoing collaboration and learning.
“With the support of the Manitoba government and Manitoba’s health partners, DSM has been able to introduce leading-edge technology and process changes that support quality patient care,” Health Minister Sharon Blady said. “These initiatives and hard work are making a real difference for Manitobans and I encourage DSM to continue their efforts to further strengthen diagnostic testing in Manitoba.”
Key patient care improvements for improved sample quality, expanded in-province testing and faster result turnaround times include:
- an in-house testing platform that provides HER2 (genetic makeup of breast cancer) test results up to five weeks sooner leading to more timely and targeted treatment;
- comprehensive testing for Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of developing certain cancers now provides potentially life-saving cancer screening for those with a positive diagnosis;
- in-province testing for the presence of the ALK gene arrangement for lung cancer patients has led to a quicker classification of malignancies and quicker and more efficient physician-prescribed treatment;
- the implementation of digital pathology, a platform that improves consultation, as well as teaching and quality activities, by allowing pathologists to digitally share slides across centres;
- 95 per cent of breast tissue pathology results consistently meet a new one week target turnaround time, as established by the Cancer Patient Journey initiative; and
- suspected and confirmed breast cancer patients are supported by diagnostic patient monitors, who co-ordinate and proactively track diagnostic intervention through the breast cancer journey, ensuring that results meet the clinically appropriate target timelines.
As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to improvement, the third successful ‘Shaping the Future of Quality Improvements in Pathology’ conference was held in Winnipeg Sept. 25 and 26, bringing together international experts to engage in discussions with Manitoba’s pathology team.
“Manitoba’s provincial laboratory and pathology program structure is unique and DSM has an opportunity and a responsibility to lead a national pathology quality conversation, not only to ensure continual growth and service improvements within our own province, but to share our successes and demonstrate our leadership as a province in improving patient care,” said Jim Slater, chief executive officer, DSM.
DSM held its first pathology conference in November of 2012 to share the province’s vision of a pathology quality assurance program, recognizing that there were no existing programs to model.
Over the past five years, Slater noted DSM’s pathology quality model has been strengthened to what is now regarded as one of the most robust in Canada. This includes the highest standard of laboratory accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Manitoba is the only provincial pathology service that is CAP accredited as a complete system.
“Pathology is a complex science that is rapidly evolving for the betterment of patient care. DSM continues work to keep pace with today’s pathology demands as well as plan for the clinical and patient care needs of tomorrow,” said Slater.
Diagnostic Services Manitoba is the organization responsible for Manitoba’s public laboratory and rural diagnostic imaging services.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the government of Manitoba and Diagnostic Services of Manitoba.