| 12/12/2017 - ISO 15189 accreditation: Navigation between quality management and patient safety In this 2017 paper by Plebani and Sciacovelli of the University Hospital of Padova, the duo offer their insights into the benefits and challenges of a clinical laboratory getting ISO 15189 accredited. Noting that in the European theater "major differences affect the approaches to accreditation promoted by the national bodies," the authors discuss the quality management approach that ISO 15189 prescribes and why its worth following. The conclude that while laboratories can realize "world-class quality and the need for a rigorous process of quality assurance," it still requires a high level of awareness among staff of the importance of ISO 15189 accreditation, an internal assessment plan, and well-defined, "suitable and user-friendly operating procedures."
11/27/2017 - A review of the role of public health informatics in healthcare This brief review article from early 2017 looks at the basic elements of public health informatics and addresses how they're implemented. Aziz compares paper-based surveillance systems with electronic systems, noting the various improvements and challenges that have come with transitioning to electronic surveillance. He also reviews how public health informatics is applied in the U.S. and other parts of the world, including Saudi Arabia. Aziz concludes that "[p]atients, healthcare professionals, and public health officials can all help in reshaping public health through the adoption of new information systems, the use of electronic methods for disease surveillance, and the reformation of outmoded processes." | 
