Impact of Achieving Hospital Accreditation on Assuring Quality in Clinical Laboratories: Experience of an Oncology Hospital in low middle income country

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Shefaa Al-Orman Oncology Hospital (SOH) is a leading cancer care facility in Upper Egypt dedicated to providing specialized treatment to cancer patients for free. The General Authority of Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR, accredited from the International Society for Quality in Health Care) is the regulatory and accreditation body that ensures that healthcare facilities in Egypt comply with the highest standards of quality and safety. Here, we aim to assess the impact of GAHAR accreditation process on: Streamlining workflow, contributing to staff professional development and knowledge, increasing loyalty, and creating a more productive and fair work environment. - Optimizing turnaround time (TAT). - Compliance with the minimum retesting interval (MRI) guidelines. - Healthcare providers' satisfaction with the laboratory services. - Patients’ satisfaction. Finally, we aim to emphasize the role of building an integrated lab quality management system that addresses different lab processes/procedures as a basis for la accreditation. Methods/Case Report laboratory personnel, healthcare providers and patients responses were measured using questionnaire method to assess the impact of accreditation on various aspects of laboratory services. Comparative lab statistics were collected from laboratory information system. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) As shown by questionnaires, 95% of lab staff reported positive impact on streamlining of workflow, 100% reported in professional development and improvement in knowledge, and increased loyalty and created a fair work environment (80% in each). Healthcare providers satisfaction reached 88%, and patient satisfaction reached 93%. TAT optimization increased from 84.1% to 98.1%. Prior to accreditation, the lab had an effective internal quality control program. GAHAR mandated enrollment in External Quality Assurance Services (EQAS) to ensure reliable results. In addition, GAHAR mandated a policy/procedure to enforce minimum retesting interval. Application of this policy led to better utilization. Finally, pre and post-analytical processes were streamlined, leading to improved overall laboratory performance. Conclusion Achieving GAHAR accreditation had positive impact on laboratory workflow, staff professional development, compliance with guidelines, ensure reliable laboratory results, and overall laboratory performance. Laboratories should consider accreditation and implementing quality assurance measures to enhance the delivery of high-quality laboratory services and patient safety.