Ian, NSH has some basic workload figures at their web site for what a
histotech "should" be able to do. But why not work this out with your staff?
You could make this a QA problem and go through the steps of setting up
standards, testing the standards and then revising as you go. Get your staff
together for a discussion of what is required, what is possible and what is
expected of people with various levels of experience. Involving the staff in
setting the standards is the best way of getting them to accept the
standards. No one likes to work under standards set by someone outside the
lab!

Tim Morken
Atlanta

-----Original Message-----
From: Clarke Ian [mailto:clarke.ian@virgin.net]
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2001 5:10 PM
To: histonet; Nick_Madary@hgsi.com
Subject: Re: Performance indicators.


Hi Nick,
I am just looking for the times from an average days work which involves a
range of tissues and types of block.We mount by hand in my lab.The reason
for me looking for this information is to find a measurement that can be
readily identified for new starts.The probationary period is too short here
to assess all histopath skills and screening/preparation in cytology in the
6 month time period for Biomedical scientist grade.We have MlA staff here
that do the mounting and filing and we would like to have a better
assessment of their role.
hope this helps
Ian
-----Original Message-----
From: Nick_Madary@hgsi.com 
To: Clarke Ian 
Cc: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu 
Date: 15 November 2001 20:22
Subject: Re: Performance indicators.


>
>Need more info.  You could perform time studies in your own lab, and take
>averages.  CAP used to have workload units that tried to "time" how long it
>takes to do something.  That was short-lived.  You may be going down a
>tough road if you try and implement this.  I have seen many valuable
>employees get mistreated because of time requirements.  Then again those
>time requirements can help you get rid of dead wood as well.  So why am I
>even writing this?
> THIS IS ONLY AN OPINION!!!!!!!
>
>Do the hundred blocks contain one specimen or are they 6 little g.i.
>biopsies?
>Is the mounting of slides done by hand or automated?
>Do the 30 blocks require levels?  Is it one of those blocks from hell or
>heaven to section?
>
>
>
>                    Clarke Ian
>                                        irgin.net>           
>                                         cc:
>                    11/15/01             Subject:     Performance
indicators.
>                    05:54 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>I am interested in trying to assess a performance level for some of the
>standard procedures in a Histology and Cytology laboratory.These include ,
>embedding,trimming,cutting and mounting of slides.I thus would like to
>survey what other people think is realistic and doing in practise.
>
>How long to:
>
>Embed 100 blocks
>
>Trim 50 blocks
>
>Cut 30 blocks
>
>Mount 60 PAP smears
>
>Mount 60 Histology slides
>
>File 100 Pap Smears
>
>and  File 100 Histology slides.
>
>I will post the results afterwards.
>
>Ian Clarke
>Histo/Cyto
>CAH
>
>
>
>
>
>