SLIPTA e-Tool improves laboratory audit process in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Thuong T Nguyen,Humberto M Carvalho,Sandeep Meharwal,Barbara Mckinney,Quynh T Hoang,Khue N Luong,Kim T Nguyen,Antoine Pierson,Cuong Q Nguyen,Kyle B Bond

doi:10.4102/ajlm.v3i2.219

Abstract

BackgroundThe Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist is used worldwide to drive quality improvement in laboratories in developing countries and to assess the effectiveness of interventions such as the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme. However, the paper-based format of the checklist makes administration cumbersome and limits timely analysis and communication of results.Development of e-ToolIn early 2012, the SLMTA team in Vietnam developed an electronic SLIPTA checklist tool. The e-Tool was pilot tested in Vietnam in mid-2012 and revised. It was used during SLMTA implementation in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2012 and 2013 and further revised based on auditors’ feedback about usability.OutcomesThe SLIPTA e-Tool enabled rapid turn-around of audit results, reduced workload and language barriers and facilitated analysis of national results. Benefits of the e-Tool will be magnified with in-country scale-up of laboratory quality improvement efforts and potential expansion to other countries.

Highlights

The Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist was established by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and partners to assess the level of a laboratory’s compliance with the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) 15189 standard.[1]. This checklist is the standardised tool used to assess the effectiveness of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme[2] through audits at the start and end of the programme
Development of the SLIPTA checklist electronic tool (e-Tool) began with analysis of the current audit workflow
During the development of the e-Tool, input was sought from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and CDC-Vietnam laboratorians working as SLMTA trainers and auditors in Vietnam

Summary

Introduction

The Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist was established by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and partners to assess the level of a laboratory’s compliance with the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) 15189 standard.[1] This checklist is the standardised tool used to assess the effectiveness of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme[2] through audits at the start (baseline) and end (exit) of the programme. The checklist has been used in 617 laboratories implementing SLMTA in 47 countries.[3] Data collected using the SLIPTA checklist reveal the current state of a laboratory’s quality management systems and identify gaps in the 12 Quality System Essential areas defined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.[4] Audit results are used to develop action plans and guide the selection of quality improvement activities for the SLMTA programme so as to help laboratories move toward national or international accreditation. Benefits of the e-Tool will be magnified with in-country scale-up of laboratory quality improvement efforts and potential expansion to other countries

Methods

Results

Conclusion