
Manikchandra R Tiwari
Tata Memorial Hospital, IndiaTitle: Quality evaluation of sample collection facilities (SCFs) of resource limited medical laboratories (RLMLs) in various states of India: a comparison between accredited and non-accredited laboratories.
Abstract
Majority of medical laboratory errors
occur at the pre-examination stage leading to poor patient outcomes. Very less information
is available on analysis of RLMLs following SCF checklist to improve their
sample collection and handling practices and thus reduce occurring of such
errors. The aim of this study is to find
out the percentage SCFs complying to checklist criteria and to evaluate importance
of accreditation as a tool of quality improvement. SCFs of both accredited and
non-accredited RLMLs was compared for compliance with criteria given in NABL112
SCF checklist. Among fifty SCFs, seven were from accredited and forty-three from
non-accredited RLMLs. Compliance was assessed for forty-three criteria.
Percentage SCFs complying to each criterion was evaluated; in addition,
Chi-square testing with p-value significant at p<0.005 was calculated for each
criterion.
All accredited
SCFs showed compliance to most of the criteria. Out of forty-three criteria
evaluated for both accredited and non-accredited SCFs, statistically
significant difference in compliance was seen in thirty criteria with p-value
<0.005, whereas thirteen criteria showed non-significant difference.
Non-accredited SCFs were found to be in
poor compliance as compared to accredited SCFs. There is scope of improvement for
deficiencies noted at multiple levels at such SCFs.
Pre-examination errors may be reduced by implementing criteria of related SCF
checklist.
Biography
Manikchandra R.
Tiwari is a research scholar seeking a doctorate in healthcare and hospital management
after completing a master's degree in science in quality management in hospital
services. He works in quality assurance and accreditation at the Tata Memorial
Hospital in Mumbai and the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education in Cancer
(ACTREC) in Navi Mumbai, both of which are located in India. His experience in
the field of medical laboratory services spans more than 25 years. He has
published more than 25 abstracts and papers in reputable national and
international journals, as well as two chapters in a reference book on ISO
15189. He has participated in numerous national CMEs as a faculty speaker. For
patient safety and to enhance their health advantages, he is interested in
improving the services provided by India's medical laboratories with limited
resources. His primary focus is on instructing and preparing laboratory experts
in the use of a quality management system and appropriate laboratory practices
in accordance with international standards.