February 2, 2007

Dear IQLM Subscriber:

Sometimes it's difficult to believe that a concept discussed only three
years ago became a reality. Not all of us were sold on the need for yet
another organization, nor on one devoted to quality, but it happened
nonetheless. The Institute for Quality in Laboratory Medicine is based upon
three principles:

(1) Embrace all stakeholders. It will take the combined efforts of all
stakeholders - from users to providers to payers - to truly effect change
and improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of laboratory tests and
services.
(2) Treat all stakeholders equally. Make a place where all voices may be
heard and all advice may be rendered regardless of ability to pay.
(3) Pursue an educational and scientific mission. Forge ahead with an
agenda that offers progress.

Since the establishment of the IQLM, we have achieved many successes:
Over 70 major associations, corporations and government agencies
representing users, payers and providers of laboratory services became part
of the IQLM Professional or Technology partnership advisory councils. These
organizations collectively represent over 350,000 physicians, approximately
200,000 laboratory professionals, 1200 health care manufacturing companies,
major accrediting bodies, all state public health laboratories, three
million volunteers dedicated to improving the health of mothers and
children, federal government agencies, and a significant share of the
nation's hospitals. The IQLM is the first and only organization bringing
together this diversity of stakeholders to work on advancing substantial
improvements in quality, effectiveness, safety and appropriateness for the
broad universe of laboratory testing.
In an IQLM survey conducted to help define quality for laboratory testing
and services, 95% of the respondents noted that laboratory medicine is
"important" or "essential" in addressing patient safety and information
technology.
A website was created to serve as a resource center for information on
laboratory service improvements, patient safety, quality incentives,
information technology, and clinical improvements pertaining to laboratory
medicine.
Over two hundred volunteers offer their services and expertise to the
Institute.
A complimentary monthly electronic newsletter on laboratory quality and
safety is produced and distributed to thousands of subscribers.
A series is published in Medscape General Medicine on controversies in
laboratory medicine.
Data to develop evidence-based indicators that will help reduce errors and
improve safety and quality was collected.
Work commenced to develop ultimately a meta-network for all laboratories to
obtain and share information about quality practices.
An extensive, long-term research agenda was produced.

The Institute charges no dues, but instead relies on support from major
gifts, research grants and cooperative agreements to fund its research and
educational programs. Unfortunately, funding has not been sufficient to
support the needs of the Institute. It is for this reason that the IQLM
Board of Directors has decided to close IQLM operations.

The development of the Institute for Quality in Laboratory Medicine has been
an exciting journey. Unfortunately, it must come to an end. Great
appreciation must be expressed to the prestigious members of the IQLM Board
of Directors. They have spent significant time and resources in the
development of the Institute and deserve our thanks.

If you have questions or comments to share, please contact us at
iqlm@.... We will keep you informed as to when operations cease.
Again, thank you for your interest in the Institute.