Clinical lab reports have come a long way since their inception. In the past, lab reports were typically written for healthcare professionals. They often contained medical jargon and technical terms that were difficult for patients to understand. However, with the advent of new technology as well as the increasing importance of patient-centered healthcare, the trend towards more consumer-friendly lab reports has emerged.
One key factor triggering the trend towards consumer-friendly lab reports is the rise of digital healthcare encouraged by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. With the proliferation of computers, smartphones and other mobile devices into our daily lives, patients can more easily access their medical records including their lab results. These digital platforms provide an opportunity for clinical labs to provide reports in a more engaging format to help patients better understand their results.
Another driver of consumer-friendly lab reports is the shift towards more patient-centered care. Patients are increasingly taking a more active role in managing their own medical and dental decisions, and they want to be able to understand their lab results. Patient-friendly lab reports can also provide common ground for patient and healthcare provider communication. A consumer-friendly lab report can help patients better understand what their lab results mean, why they are important, and what their treatment options might be.
As a result of increased patient engagement, many clinical laboratories are now adopting new lab report formats that are more consumer friendly. These new reports often include visual aids such as graphs and charts to help patients understand their results at a glance. They are using plain language and avoiding technical terms whenever possible. Many labs now provide colorful and detailed result reports that are designed to be more appealing to the patient and have the added benefit of providing the healthcare professional with a nice visual tool for reviewing and interpreting lab reports with their patients.
The trend towards more consumer-friendly lab reports is an important development in the evolution of clinical lab results. Presenting information in a way that is accessible and understandable allows patients to take a more active role in managing their own health. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to lab reporting that not only meet the quality and standards expected by professionals, but further enhance patient engagement. OralDNA® Labs recognizes the importance of patient-friendly lab reports as we continuously strive to improve our part in your patient’s care. As of October 1st, 2023, you will see new reports from OralDNA Labs. We created a more robust report with a customized cover page to add value and personalized feel. The new curved graphics and imagery provide a softer and more caring feel, which is important to patients when receiving clinical results. The report information is now easier to digest with an increased font size to help with legibility, paired with patient friendly verbiage. Finally, we expanded the standard OralDNA two tone color palette to include six additional colors for a more modern look and feel. We hope you and your patients love the new reports as much as we do! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Client Success team at 855-ORALDNA (672-5362) or support@oraldna.com.
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