Behind every unnecessary lab test is time, cost, and effort. Using a tool from the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), labs can now measure that impact and identify opportunities to reduce waste based on Choosing Wisely recommendations. This initiative was supported by Choosing Wisely Canada’s society grants, which provide funding of up to $10,000 to medical societies for projects focused on meaningful improvements in health care.

Research Manager of CSMLS, Dr. Brandon Djukic has long valued the role of data in improving lab utilization. Recognizing medical laboratory technologist (MLT) and medical laboratory assistant (MLA) burnout is a significant issue, Brandon and the team are always looking for creative solutions to alleviate workload burden. Through its work with Choosing Wisely on two sets of recommendations, CSMLS recognized that reducing low-value testing eases unnecessary workload and the funding opportunity could support the development of an online calculator to advance this goal. To build the case for reduction, they focused on three key metrics: cost, blood volume, and time saved.

“Asking practice to change can be incredibly difficult, especially without data and evidence,” shares Christine Nielsen, CEO of CSMLS. “The genesis of this widget was to provide an accessible way to find that data and use it to drive change, so we can focus on the tests that add value to patients.”

To create this tool, the society worked with partners at the University of Alberta and Ontario Tech University to conduct a literature review. The goal was to create a comprehensive list of low-value tests, along with quantitative data on resource utilization. Brandon then used this data to create the calculation formulas that are the foundation of the widget.

Although this tool was initially driven by a need to address technician burnout, it is not limited to laboratory science recommendations. With more than 40 per cent of all Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations involving laboratory testing, the tool’s ability to calculate the potential savings from testing can support multiple disciplines.

“We wanted to make the widget not just to be confined to our members,” shares Christine. “We have 14 recommendations on our list but there are about 200 more that involve lab, so why would this tool not be available to everyone?”

Implementing a tool within hospitals requires active engagement and awareness. The team leveraged Using Labs Wisely, a program of hospitals reducing low-value labs, to launch the tool and gain traction. At the same time, the tool was made publicly available online in both official languages as an additional resource of the CSMLS Lab Wisely website. The site receives about 20,000 users annually, significantly greater than their membership of 14,500 and since soft launching in 2024, the calculator has received an additional 6,500 visits.

For Brandon, the growing interest is a sign that the tool is having a positive impact. “I often hear from MLTs that they feel their voices aren’t heard,” he shares. “It’s rewarding that we can help them raise their voice and share this data with other medical professionals.”

The tool is just the beginning for the CSMLS team, who are already exploring ways to better integrate and systematize the widget. Early feedback has been encouraging, with one hospital reporting that they used the tool to unbundle lab tests that were creating unnecessary duplication. This provided more dedicated staff time to handle high testing demand. With the tool already leading to changes in practice, CSMLS believes that as it grows, so too will the conversation around low-value lab testing across Canada’s health system.