Re-Purposing the Ordering of Routine laboratory Tests (RePORT) Study: Part 1 with Anni Rychtera and Dr. Anshula Ambasta

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Episode Introduction
In this episode, we talk about the Re-Purposing the Ordering of Routine laboratory Tests (RePORT) study, which is being conducted and implemented in Alberta and British Columbia. Hospitals frequently conduct routine blood tests, which not only cause patient discomfort but also significantly contribute to healthcare waste. Choosing Wisely Canada highlights that repetitive, “routine” blood tests are linked to increased mortality risks, advising against their repetitive testing in hospitalized patients.
The RePORT study adopts an innovative approach by involving individuals with lived experiences as active and equal partners throughout the research study. This collaborative effort is crucial in gaining insights into patient perspectives and experiences as well as enhancing engagement with in-hospital laboratory testing.
Guest Bios
Dr. Anshula Ambasta, is a general internal medicine physician, an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesia, Pharmacology and Therapeutics at UBCs faculty of medicine. Her research focuses on improving the value of healthcare services using evidence-based implementation strategies. Dr. Ambasta is the Principal Applicant for the CIHR funded research study on Re-Purpose the Ordering of Routine laboratory Tests in hospitalized medical patients.

Anni Rycthera, is a Health Sciences College Educator and former Nurse Practitioner with a background in Holistic Health. As an immigrant and mother of two, her personal health challenges include respiratory illness, nerve pain from sports injury, and as a cancer survivor. These experiences have shaped her advocacy for informed patient care and equal health partnerships. She has volunteered extensively with UVIC’s self-management programs and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Over a decade ago, she started collaborating with CIHR SPOR and the BC SUPPORT Unit on patient-oriented research activities. She has co-chaired the SPOR Patient Engagement National Community of Practice (SPENCoP) and is a Co-Chair for the RePORT Patient Advisory Council.

Publications
Re-Purposing the Ordering of Routine Laboratory Tests in Hospitalized Medical Patients (RePORT): protocol for a multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial to evaluate the impact of a multicomponent intervention bundle to reduce laboratory test over-utilization (July 2024)

Operationalizing the principles of patient engagement through a Patient Advisory Council: Lessons and recommendations (November 2023)
Patient perceptions of in‐hospital laboratory blood testing: A patient‐oriented and patient co‐designed qualitative study (September 2023)
Working together in health research: a mixed-methods patient engagement evaluation (August 2023)