Is Diagnostic Testing the Hidden Gem of Healthcare?
Diverse Health Hub and its Pro Hub members are proud to have participated in the COLA Laboratory Enrichment Forum this year in Florida. We believe that our involvement in these events is critical to raising awareness around healthcare inequities and their solutions through education.
What Is COLA?
COLA Inc. accredits more than 7,400 medical laboratories and provides the clinical laboratory with a program of education and accreditation. The organization is an independent, non-profit accreditor whose education-based program and standards enable clinical laboratories to meet U.S. CLIA 88 and other regulatory requirements.
Mission Alignment
COLA is a physician-directed organization whose mission is to promote health and safety through accreditation and educational programs. In order to better serve patients, COLA programs help ensure accurate lab test results, the running of laboratories in accordance with quality systems, and for labs to meet CLIA accreditation requirements.
In similar alignment, Diverse Health Hub recognizes that diagnostic testing is at the epicenter of health outcomes. Our mission is to amplify awareness of the inequities in diagnostic testing and to reduce disparities in health outcomes for all people. Equity in diagnostic testing ensures equal access to accurate and timely test results regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, or geographical location.
“I am writing to express my appreciation for your attendance at the 2024 Laboratory Enrichment Forum hosted by COLA. It was a pleasure to meet you. Your team’s presence at the Laboratory Enrichment Forum enhanced the quality of our event, and I sincerely hope that you were able to establish meaningful connections with our attendees and the other exhibitors.”
Talks at the Enrichment Forum
Deandre White
Deandre is a member of Diverse Health Hub’s think tank, the Health Equity Emissary Team. She is also a clinical research professional with a focus on sarcomas and lung cancers. Her presentation, titled Addressing Assumptions in Medical Laboratory Environments, focused on the commonplace yet critical moments in the patient-provider exchange. Communication between the medical professional and the patient is crucial. Patients may not ask about lab result values they are less familiar with, and they may not ask at all if the physician does not educate the patient to understand each value. Her presentation set forth three key objectives:
Identify biases and assumptions made about the patient experience.
Explain best practices to educate patients on lab results and testing procedures.
Understand the role communication plays in patient education and trust.
Deandre also spoke on how to amplify the voice of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) and Healthcare Professionals (HCPs). HCPs can consult with laboratory specialists to learn more about incomplete or outdated tests, and the interpretation of test values. Fostering collaboration between MLS and HCPs can mitigate risks and empower patients, and it can develop a more comprehensive understanding of diagnostic processes and results.
Using multiple patient interviews and scenarios, Deandre emphasizes the importance of communication and education to ensure the best possible health outcomes.
“Deandre brought valuable insights to light in her presentation on Addressing Assumptions in Medical Laboratory Environments. While this session explored the crucial realm of medical laboratory science, the attendees gained a deeper understanding of its significance through real-world patient perspectives. With actionable takeaways, Deandre underscored the pivotal role of medical laboratory professionals in delivering quality healthcare. ”
Dr. Kyle Riding
Dr. Riding is a member of the DHH Pro Hub, where he contributes his expertise in Medical Laboratory Science. Speaking on Addison’s disease at the COLA conference, Dr. Riding has used the Pro Hub to spread awareness of diagnostic inequities in diabetes, essential diagnostic tests for lupus, and anemia.
As more than just his profession, Dr. Riding is an early participant in the unique Heart Behind the White Coat program.
Find more from Dr. Riding in the diagnostic hubs on the DHH website:
“Kyle Riding, PhD, illuminated the realm of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics in Addison’s Disease during a captivating presentation! Attendees dove into the causes, pathogenic processes and clinical manifestations of this condition. Dr. Riding’s overview of the diagnostic testing methods shed light on the intricate process of diagnosing Addison’s Disease.”
Dr. Rodney Rohde
Dr. Rohde is a member of the DHH Pro Hub, where he contributes his expertise in pathogens and epidemiology. At the Forum, Dr. Rohde updated the audience on emerging viruses and discussed prevention strategies. For the Pro Hub, Dr. Rohde has helped readers understand how viruses change to create outbreaks, and what contributes to the emergence of new infectious diseases.
“Rodney E. Rohde, PhD gave an enlightening presentation on Emerging Pathogens: An Update. From discussing epidemiology to prevention strategies, Dr. Rohde covered it all. Ready to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of infectious diseases with a clear perspective.”
Involvement and Impact
At the 2024 COLA Laboratory Enrichment Forum, it is clear from the caliber and passion of the presenters that laboratory science and diagnostic testing is more than just the “hidden gem” of healthcare. It is the cornerstone of medical decision-making. Involvement from healthcare stakeholders at events like these fosters a type of cross-pollination of ideas. For healthcare professionals, continuing education requires knowing the advancements in fields adjacent to one’s own practice. Patients are on the receiving end of these advancements, and they experience better health outcomes when the professionals in their care team are not siloed.
Diverse Health Hub is there to amplify the voices in the room, and to connect both healthcare professionals and patients. It is our goal to ensure that the research and work that healthcare professionals perform reaches as many listeners as possible. Members of the Pro Hub can share their knowledge and find an audience with other healthcare professionals, as well as with patients seeking information related to their needs. Events like these are crucial, and so DHH works to create an ongoing platform for exchange between healthcare professionals and other members of the healthcare industry, as well as with patients.
Education for both providers and patients reduces disparities in health outcomes. DHH is committed to eliminating inequities, beginning with the precious “hidden gem” of diagnostic testing.
Learn more about our HCP-focused resources here.
Learn more about our patient-focused resources here.
Hidden No More
The landscape of healthcare is always changing, and being aware of what the terrain looks like is necessary for both healthcare professionals and patients to traverse effectively. Diagnostic testing should not be tucked away and hidden. Rather, the role of testing and the methodologies used must be in plain sight so as to be acknowledged as the integral part of medical decision-making that it truly is. Through continuous efforts and discovery, what was considered this year to be “hidden” shall be revealed as the epicenter of healthcare as we recognize all along. The best possible health outcomes begin with open and equitable diagnostic testing.
Interested in helping unearth the “hidden gem”? We want both Healthcare Professionals and patients to share your stories.
HCP? Learn more about joining the Pro Hub, where we can amplify the reach of your publications.
Patient/Health Consumer? Contact us, let us know your patient experience so that we can help others in similar situations.
In retaining editorial control, the information produced by Diverse Health Hub does not encapsulate the views of our sponsors, contributors, or collaborators.
Importantly, this information is not a substitute for, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.
