Assessment of Laboratory Information System (LIS) Satisfaction among Medical Laboratory Professionals: A Mixed-methods Multi-site Study
Résumé
Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) are pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of medical laboratory operations, yet satisfaction among medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) remains underexplored. This study assessed LIS satisfaction among MLPs, identified key determinants, and provided recommendations for system optimization. Despite LIS’s critical role in sample tracking, data management, and result reporting, previous research has largely overlooked MLPs’ unique experiences, focusing instead on broader healthcare staff or electronic health records. This gap is significant given the precision-driven, data-centric nature of laboratory work, where dissatisfaction may compromise workflow and diagnostic quality. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected via structured surveys and semi-structured interviews from 250 MLPs across hospital laboratories, independent diagnostic centers, and academic facilities in a cross-sectional study conducted in Delta State, Nigeria. The survey assessed satisfaction using validated scales, while interviews explored contextual factors such as usability, technical support, and training adequacy. Findings revealed moderate satisfaction (M = 3.4, SD = 0.8 on a 5-point scale), with system reliability (β = 0.42, p < .001) and ease of use (β = 0.35, p < .01) as significant predictors. Qualitative data highlighted inadequate training and poor technical support as key barriers in resource-limited settings. Satisfaction differed significantly across laboratory types (F(2, 247) = 6.78, p < .01), with hospital-based MLPs reporting lower scores. These results underscore the need for tailored LIS design and improved support structures. This study fills a critical research gap by centering MLPs’ perspectives and offering actionable insights to improve LIS implementation.