Is the Fear of Failing a Problem at Your Laboratory?

If you’re a laboratorian who has worked at a pathology practice or clinical laboratory, there’s a good chance that you’ve witnessed the following scenario. 

The management at Laboratory X convenes a meeting with all department heads to discuss a growing problem: the performance and reliability issues created by its homegrown or legacy laboratory information system (LIS in healthcare). 

Management wants to grow the business, but those plans have stalled as the lab struggles to retain its existing customer base. Inefficient workflows and labor-intensive manual processes have led to errors (such as lost or mislabeled specimens), causing unacceptable turnaround times and harming the lab’s reputation. Frustration is widespread across all departments, and something needs to change, fast. 

Following the meeting, management makes a clear decision: it’s time to move forward and engage laboratory information system vendors to identify the best LIS platform and support the lab’s growth objectives.

The outcome energizes department leaders, who quickly share the news with their teams. Momentum builds across the organization as staff rally around the long-overdue change, fully aware that implementing a new LIS system will be a significant undertaking.

Shortly thereafter, a selection committee is formed to evaluate available laboratory software solutions, compile a shortlist of LIS vendors, and schedule demonstrations to explore the best-fit options.

Discover More: How to Set Up a Committee to Select a Laboratory Information System

When Lab Information System Selection Momentum Suddenly Stalls

After multiple rounds of demonstrations with leading LIS software vendors, the committee identifies the best platforms for the lab’s current state and future growth plans and presents its recommendations to management.

At that point, leadership steps in, requesting additional demos and detailed proposals from the shortlisted LIS lab vendors. Then, unexpectedly, the process comes to a halt. Management withdraws from the planned transition altogether, leaving vendors and internal teams questioning what went wrong.

What caused the shift? Was it hesitation and a retreat to the status quo? Did the LIS software vendors fail to demonstrate enough value? Or is the LIS system initiative simply paused, waiting to be revived?

White Paper: Transitioning from CoPath to LigoLab - A Seamless Path to LIS System Modernization

Finding the Best Laboratory Information System Software Half the Battle

As noted earlier, this scenario is all too common: a “no-decision” decision driven by a tendency to default to the status quo. Fear of failure plays a significant role, as individuals often prefer to tolerate a known problem rather than risk being accountable for a wrong choice because they are generally more inclined to avoid mistakes than to pursue potential gains.

Get Insight: Why “The Safe Move” to a New Version of Legacy LIS Software Is the Wrong Move for Medical Labs

Overcoming Resistance to Change: How Lab Leadership Can Confidently Move Forward with a New LIS System

Resistance to change and the fear of failure can be overcome, and the best LIS software vendors can help extinguish resistance.

First, let’s discuss what lab leadership can do. 

• Recognize that fear is a factor - Accept and acknowledge that this fear of failure is not only expected but also a valuable opportunity to learn and grow from the experience.

• Set realistic goals and expectations - Modern clinical laboratory management and pathology lab software systems can make a huge difference in the long-term success of a laboratory, but that doesn’t happen overnight or with the flip of a switch. Lab leadership should set and communicate realistic expectations and celebrate even minor progress as it’s achieved. 

• Take action - Move forward despite the fear and break down organizational tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. 

To help overcome resistance, here are questions that should be asked of LIS software vendors, all to reassure leadership that their medical laboratory solutions are aligned with business goals and that it’s in the lab’s best interest to move forward with a laboratory information system LIS partnership. 

• Does the LIS company have industry experience and a proven track record of success with independent clinical labs and pathology groups? 

• Does the LIS company offer a static solution, or does it possess the knowledge to understand our unique hurdles and tailor the LIS system accordingly? 

• Is it a comprehensive laboratory information system that will scale with us? 

• Is the LIS company committed to technological innovation? 

• What type of lab information system support does the LIS company offer, and will that support consider our current operational state and future aspirations? 

• Has the LIS company been fully transparent with its pricing, including potential hidden costs such as adding new seats, new modules, and upgrades?
• Is it willing to align with our lab on the licensing of the LIS software by offering a low start-up cost rather than a large upfront capital investment?

Discover More: LigoLab Informatics Platform - Uniquely Designed Pricing to Deliver Maximum Value

Shift the Focus from Risk to Reward in LIS System Adoption

Another way to overcome this fear and resistance to an LIS system change is for the laboratory to shift its focus from concentrating on the potential risks to the rewards it will soon realize after implementing a modern laboratory information system software. For example, check out the case studies below. They highlight how medical laboratory profit and growth goals were achieved after upgrading to a new LIS system. 

ECPC Defines Clear Objectives for Adopting Modern Anatomic Pathology Software

In the first case study, discover how Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants (ECPC) established and accomplished three main objectives by adding a modern anatomic pathology LIS software as a centerpiece of its operations. 

Case Study #1: How ECPC's Laboratory Information System Partnership Led to an Enhancement of Lab Operations and Business Growth

Avero Diagnostics Transforms Operations and Financial Performance with Integrated LIS System and Lab Billing Modules

In the second case study, Avero Diagnostics (formerly Northwest Pathology) is featured. The study reveals how implementing LIS software with fully integrated laboratory billing solutions radically improved the operational and financial performance of the business. 

Case Study 2: Leveraging LIS & RCM Integration to Improve the Laboratory Billing Process

Modernize Your Laboratory with LigoLab’s Scalable Informatics Platform

Is your pathology group or clinical/reference laboratory ready to move forward with a significant LIS system software upgrade? If yes, be sure to check out what LigoLab has to offer. 

Dating back to 2006, LigoLab has been partnering with independent labs to develop and engineer a future-ready informatics platform specifically built to overcome their common hurdles. With the LigoLab Informatics Platform, medical labs can scale efficiently and leverage a comprehensive and agile laboratory information system to navigate industry challenges and seize growth opportunities.

Transform Your Laboratory Operations with LigoLab 

See how LigoLab’s comprehensive and flexible platform can digitally transform your organization. Contact a product specialist today and start a conversation.

Don’t Wait: Speak with a LigoLab Product Specialist!

FAQs: LIS Systems & Overcoming Fear of Change

Why do laboratories hesitate to replace their LIS system?

Many laboratories postpone LIS system upgrades due to concerns about disruption, uncertainty, and the risk of making the wrong choice. As a result, they default to inaction, continuing to rely on inefficient legacy LIS systems despite persistent operational and financial challenges.

What are the risks of staying with a legacy LIS system?

Remaining with a legacy LIS system can result in:

• Inefficient workflows and manual processes
• Increased errors, including lost or mislabeled specimens
• Slow turnaround times
• Higher denial rates and billing inefficiencies
• Difficulty scaling operations and retaining clients

Over time, these issues can damage a lab’s reputation and financial performance.

How can laboratories overcome fear when switching LIS systems?

Laboratories can overcome fear of change by:

• Acknowledging that fear is natural and part of growth
• Setting realistic expectations for implementation timelines
• Breaking the transition into manageable steps
• Focusing on long-term benefits instead of short-term disruption
• Partnering with experienced LIS vendors who provide guidance and support

What should labs look for in a modern LIS system?

Key features to evaluate include:

• Scalability to support future growth
• Configurability to match unique workflows
• Integrated laboratory billing and lab revenue cycle management
• Automation to reduce manual tasks
• Real-time data visibility and reporting
• Strong customer support and ongoing innovation

How do modern LIS systems improve lab operations?

Modern LIS lab platforms streamline workflows by automating data entry, tracking specimens in real time, reducing errors, and accelerating turnaround times. This leads to enhanced efficiency, better patient outcomes, and enhanced client satisfaction.

What role does leadership play in successful LIS adoption?

Leadership plays a large role by setting clear goals, communicating expectations, and maintaining momentum throughout the selection and implementation process. Strong leadership helps teams stay aligned and confident during periods of change.

How can LIS vendors help reduce resistance to change?

Experienced LIS vendors help reduce resistance by:

• Demonstrating proven success with similar laboratories
• Offering tailored solutions that align with business goals
• Providing transparent pricing and implementation plans
• Delivering training, onboarding, and ongoing support

Why is focusing on rewards more effective than focusing on risks?

Focusing on rewards helps shift the mindset from fear to opportunity. Modern LIS systems enable faster turnaround times, improved billing accuracy, increased revenue, and scalable growth, benefits that far outweigh the temporary challenges of implementation.

What results can labs expect after implementing a modern LIS system?

Laboratories that adopt modern LIS lab platforms often experience:

• Improved workflow efficiency and reduced manual errors
• Faster test processing and reporting times
• Stronger financial performance and cash flow
• Better data visibility and decision-making
• Increased ability to scale and grow

Is switching to a new LIS system worth the effort?

Yes. While implementation requires planning and effort, the long-term benefits, including operational efficiency, financial stability, and competitive advantage, make transitioning to a modern LIS system a strategic investment for forward-thinking laboratories.