WISCONSIN LABORATORY NETWORK: Our Evolution

1
WISCONSIN LABORATORY NETWORKOur Evolution
Carol Kirk Laboratory Network Coordinator Wisconsi
n State Laboratory of Hygiene April 2008
2
In the Beginning..

• Focused entirely on emergency response
• Developed and distributed statewide laboratory
  response plan
• Assessed laboratory capabilities
• Developed statewide laboratory messaging system
• Provided audioconference training sessions
• Conducted first regional meetings
• Conducted first on-site laboratory visits

3
As We Progressed..
WISCONSIN LABORATORY RESPONSE NETWORK

• Needs were identified that impact emergency
  response, but were not limited to emergency
  response, e.g.,
• Training and education
• Communication
• Access to information resources

4
Now..

• We have established the framework for emergency
  laboratory response
• Need to maintain and update capabilities
• Need to ensure capabilities are not lost due to
  staff turnover, funding decreases, etc.
• We can now turn to additional needs that also
  impact emergency response
• We need to establish a shared view of the
  laboratory network and its role

So..
5
Who Changed the Name?

• The name change was agreed on by the Wisconsin
  State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) and the
  Wisconsin Clinical Laboratory Technical Advisory
  Group (LabTAG) during our October, 2007 meeting.

6
Why Change the Name?

• Yes, but

7
Why Change the Name?

• The name change was intended to make it clear
  that the Wisconsin Laboratory Network
• Was composed of clinical laboratories
• Deals with more than emergency response issues
• But ..

8

• Emergency laboratory preparedness and response is
  still part of the purpose of the
• Wisconsin Clinical Laboratory Network.

9
Purpose of the Wisconsin Clinical Laboratory
Network (WCLN)
The purpose of the Wisconsin Clinical Laboratory
Network (WCLN) is to provide communications and
support to clinical laboratories. The WCLN will
ensure a timely and effective response to
clinical laboratory and public health needs,
including emergency preparedness, disease
surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, training
and education, and communications.
10
Expectations of WCLN Member Laboratories

• WCLN member laboratories will
• Share communications with colleagues and clients
  within and beyond their institutions
• Support registration of representative staff
  members on the Wisconsin Health Alert Network
  (HAN)
• Maintain current points of contact for laboratory
  network communications
• Actively participate in WLRN regional meetings,
  teleconferences, workshops, and other activities

11
Expectations of WCLN Member Laboratories

• WCLN member laboratories will
• Participate in laboratory-based surveillance
  (e.g., reporting data, providing isolates)
• Provide feedback and actively communicate needs
  (e.g., training needs) to laboratory network
  representatives
• Respond to the needs of other WCLN members (share
  resources, technical, etc.)

12
Expectations of the Wisconsin State Laboratory
of Hygiene

• The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene will
• Coordinate laboratory network activities
• Provide or identify resources (written materials,
  shipping manuals, workshops, etc.) to clinical
  laboratories (depending on availability of
  funding)
• Provide the communications mechanism for the
  Laboratory Messaging System
• Encourage HAN registration of laboratory network
  members
• Identify and respond to the needs of laboratory
  network members (depending on availability of
  funding)
• Verify laboratory member contact information and
  HAN registrations annually

13
What Else?

• We also defined LabTAG further
• Purpose (see your folder)
• Protocol to define its membership
• Move to tiered membership of 3-year terms
• Take applications and nominations for replacement
  members
• Ensures that the group does not become
  exclusionary or stagnant
• Expectations of members and WSLH

14
What Does This Mean?

• The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH)
  will maintain the 24/7 emergency contact
  capability
• WSLH will maintain laboratory messaging system
• WSLH will update Wisconsin Emergency Response
  Guide for Clinical Laboratories as needed

15
What Does This Mean?

• WSLH ? WCLN
• It was time to begin establishing some guidelines
  for the network and network participants
  (including the WSLH) and make everyones role
  clear.
• We recognize that the network will continue to
  evolve as laboratory (and public health needs)
  evolve.

16
What Can We Expect in the Future?

• Opportunities for more involvement in network
  planning and activities
• More coordinated planning for the long-term,
  e.g., training and education needs
• More outreach to partners to respond to
  identified needs

17
You have a role in this network and its future.