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R&D & Future Features

R&D & Future Features

R&D & Future Features

This page contains features that are in active research and development or are planned for future releases but not yet scheduled.

🤖 Catalyst - AI-Powered Lab Data Assistant

Status: 🔬 In R&D (Not scheduled for v3.2)

Catalyst is OpenELIS Global's most ambitious initiative - an AI-powered assistant that enables natural language reporting and data extraction for laboratory users. This represents a fundamental shift in how lab staff interact with their data.

Vision

Imagine a lab manager asking: "Show me the turnaround time trends for CBC tests over the last quarter, broken down by shift" - and getting an instant, accurate response without writing a single query or navigating complex report builders.

Privacy-First Architecture

Critical Design Principle: The AI receives only the database schema - never patient data. All queries are generated by the AI, but executed locally against the lab's database. Patient information never leaves the facility.

Planned Capabilities

Natural Language Reporting

  • LLM-powered sidebar assistant for creating reports using plain language

  • Ask questions in conversational language, get structured reports

  • No SQL knowledge required for complex data extraction

Visual Query Builder

  • Fallback interface when AI is unavailable

  • Drag-and-drop query construction

  • Useful for offline environments or when precise control is needed

Personal Dashboards

  • Customizable widgets (KPIs, charts, tables)

  • Role-based default dashboards

  • Pin frequently-used queries and reports

Report Management

  • Report scheduling and automated delivery

  • Sharing with colleagues and external stakeholders

  • Export formats: CSV, Excel, PDF, JSON, HL7/FHIR

Legacy Report Migration

  • Migration of existing Jasper reports to new Catalyst preset format

  • Preserve institutional knowledge in modern, maintainable format

Flexible AI Configuration

  • Admin configuration for LLM connections

  • Options: local models, central organizational models, or cloud providers

  • Support for air-gapped deployments with local models

Related Documentation

📋 Future Release Goals (Unscheduled)

These features are on our radar but not yet scheduled for a specific release. Items in bold are expected to be funded; others are looking for sponsors.

Sample & Specimen Management

Support Sample Aliquoting

  • Add custom label configurations in test catalog management

  • Include labels for aliquot, freezer, incubator workflows

  • Move control on number/type of labels to the test catalog

  • Example: Test A prints 1 order label, 2 sample labels, and a freezer label

  • Add safety and preservation information to labels

Ability to "Use" Some of a Sample

  • Track partial sample consumption

  • Support for samples used across multiple tests over time

Patient Management

Patient ID Deduplication

  • Merge duplicate patient records

  • Consolidate test history across merged records

  • Audit trail for merge operations

Add Symptoms to Order Entry

  • Capture clinical symptoms at time of order

  • Support clinical decision-making and epidemiological reporting

Add Insurance Information

  • Insurance provider and policy capture

  • Integration with billing workflows

Reporting

Turn Around Time Report

  • Feature lead: CI design group

  • Measure time from sample collection to result validation

Lab Activity Report

  • Feature lead: CI design group

  • Comprehensive view of laboratory throughput and workload

New Non-Conformity Reports

  • Enhanced reporting on rejected samples and QC failures

System Administration

Add Wards to GUI Management

  • Visual management of hospital wards/units

  • Assignment of wards to facilities

Automatic Updates for Software

  • On first sign-on, users can view release notes

  • Release notes integrated into overhauled help menu

  • Streamlined update process for deployments

External Integrations

Links to SORMAS Disease Outbreak Management System

  • Export positive results for notifiable diseases

  • Support outbreak investigation workflows

Want to Sponsor a Feature?

If your organization is interested in sponsoring development of any unscheduled feature, please contact us at digit@uw.edu. Sponsorship helps prioritize features and ensures they meet your specific needs.