An Evaluation of Quality Aspects of Primary Health Centre (PHCs) Laboratory Using National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) Tool in Hassan District, Karnataka

Abstract

The Primary Health Centre (PHC) is the nearest point of contact that should be accessible to the public for availing health care services. The ability of a PHC to provide quality healthcare is determined by the laboratory support along with the infrastructure attached to them. Objectives: To determine various shortcomings in the PHCs laboratory services utilizing National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) tool. Method: For the same, National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) tool is used in this study. 24 PHCs laboratory (from 134) in Hassan district were selected from 8 taluk as which formed a study population. Various quality factors among 7 domains were subjected to reliability testing and principal component analysis (PCA). Results: The dengue serology was not done in more than 45% of laboratories. Referral pattern was inadequate in more than 90%. Only 37.5% followed SOPs. With reference to testing procedure and charts for biological reference range (0.723) and reporting of tests within given duration was (0.677). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy value was 0.417 (P<0.001.). Also, for support service component, three factors yields Cronbach’s alpha=0.712 Conclusion: Recruitment of qualified laboratory technician and training them to quality work is very important. Not only that, financial input with maintenance of equipment and work ethics towards quality in diagnostics is imperative for case management in primary health care.