Abstract
BackgroundPast efforts to improve laboratory quality systems and to achieve accreditation for better patient care in the Caribbean Region have been slow.ObjectiveTo describe the impact of the Strengthening of Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme and mentorship amongst five clinical laboratories in the Caribbean after 18 months.MethodFive national reference laboratories from four countries participated in the SLMTA programme that incorporated classroom teaching and implementation of improvement projects. Mentors were assigned to the laboratories to guide trainees on their improvement projects and to assist in the development of Quality Management Systems (QMS). Audits were conducted at baseline, six months, exit (at 12 months) and post-SLMTA (at 18 months) using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist to measure changes in implementation of the QMS during the period. At the end of each audit, a comprehensive implementation plan was developed in order to address gaps.ResultsBaseline audit scores ranged from 19% to 52%, corresponding to 0 stars on the SLIPTA five-star scale. After 18 months, one laboratory reached four stars, two reached three stars and two reached two stars. There was a corresponding decrease in nonconformities and development of over 100 management and technical standard operating procedures in each of the five laboratories.ConclusionThe tremendous improvement in these five Caribbean laboratories shows that SLMTA coupled with mentorship is an effective, user-friendly, flexible and customisable approach to the implementation of laboratory QMS. It is recommended that other laboratories in the region consider using the SLMTA training programme as they engage in quality systems improvement and preparation for accreditation.
Highlights
Improving laboratory quality systems and attaining accreditation are important benchmarks in National Health Laboratory practice, as accreditation is a process that gives formal recognition of the technical competence of a laboratory to perform specific tests.[1]
Available data report only three accredited government-owned or public clinical laboratories in the Caribbean as of 2011.4 Over the years, many Caribbean laboratory staff have been provided with information on Quality Management Systems (QMS) and accreditation in various forms, including training, conferences, meetings and printed material
One laboratory achieved accreditation through the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in September 2013; three others have applied for accreditation and are preparing for the assessment within the few months
Summary
Improving laboratory quality systems and attaining accreditation are important benchmarks in National Health Laboratory practice, as accreditation is a process that gives formal recognition of the technical competence of a laboratory to perform specific tests.[1]. Implementation of laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) and achievement of accreditation amongst laboratories in the Caribbean Region has been limited. Available data report only three accredited government-owned or public clinical laboratories in the Caribbean as of 2011.4 Over the years, many Caribbean laboratory staff have been provided with information on QMS and accreditation in various forms, including training, conferences, meetings and printed material. Using this knowledge collectively and developing a comprehensive plan in order to address quality gaps and begin the journey toward accreditation have been challenging. Past efforts to improve laboratory quality systems and to achieve accreditation for better patient care in the Caribbean Region have been slow
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