On Friday, March 21, 2025, the first meeting of the newly founded Laboratory Excellence working group took place at the PULS Technology Center (TZ) in Dingolfing. Representatives of Bavarian clinical laboratories, experts from research and science – including from Landshut University of Applied Sciences – as well as experts in process optimization, AI and structural design were invited.

The focus was on interdisciplinary exchange for the continuous improvement of laboratory processes. Managing Director Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sven Roeren, who is also Dean of the Faculty of Health, Communication and Human-Technology Interaction at Landshut University of Applied Sciences, gave a keynote speech. His focus was on the tension between the role and performance of laboratories: an area that is influenced by cost pressure, medical necessity and the growing demand for efficiency.

Impulses from practice and science

“Excellence is created when people from practice and science work together on clear goals. This is precisely what makes this working group so valuable,” emphasized Sven Roeren, referring to the deliberately chosen interdisciplinary nature of the format.

Laboratories are the structures that ensure quality and efficiency in patient care and must meet the highest standards. The discussion made it clear that these structures and the associated processes must be equipped for future challenges. One of these challenges clearly identified during the discussion was the merging of clinics as part of the KHVVG reform (Hospital Care Improvement Act).

Benchmark study provides an objective basis for comparison

Another item on the agenda was the presentation of Andrea Wagensoner’s upcoming benchmark study. The expert for process excellence at roeren is being scientifically supported by Prof. Dr. Johann Jaud (Landshut University of Applied Sciences) in her final thesis on the analysis of laboratory processes in clinics. In future, her study will provide the starting point for a structured assessment and objective comparison of laboratory structures and their processes.

“Laboratory processes are like the nervous system of the clinic – highly efficient, but often invisible. With the working group, we are creating visibility and offering a space in which real laboratory reality meets innovative solutions,” says Dr. Thorsten Pflamm-Jonas, Head of the Healthcare division at roeren, summarizing the initiative’s claim.

Working together on solutions

This first meeting marked the start of the existing “Laboratory Excellence Working Group” format. Further meetings are planned and new clinical laboratories will be invited to exchange expertise and network. The aim is to learn from each other, make best practices visible and jointly develop new standards.