Quality Assurance Indicators Research Articles

Quality Assurance Indicators and Sustainable Assessment Integrity in Universities in Nigeria

Quality Assurance Indicators and Sustainable Assessment Integrity in Universities in Nigeria

An alternative method for assessing the agreement between test results

The paper proposes a new way of assessing the agreement between measurement results during test quality assurance procedures in the laboratory. The decision-making rule is based on the measurement uncertainty. The probability, with which mathematical expectations of the measured data lie within the uncertainty of the indicator measurements, is proposed as a quantitative indicator. Such a quantitative indicator of the impact of methodological errors is proposed as the ratio of the difference between mathematical expectations of the measurement results obtained in different series of measurements to the average uncertainty of their determination, taking into account the applied decision-making rule. This indicator is based on the assumption that the measurement results are normally distributed. To simplify the process of calculating quality assurance indicators and reduce the risk of making mistakes in calculations, the “Agreement” module was created on the basis of a virtual test laboratory. The input data for the calculation of the agreement in the module are: measuring equipment, measurement results themselves (at least three for each tester), the coverage coefficient, full names of the people performing the measurements, and the coefficient of the decision-making rule.

Thoraco-dorsal artery perforator flap for totally autologous primary breast reconstruction. Assessment of feasibility with standard reporting scales

This study reports on feasibility and applicability of totally autologous primary breast reconstructions based on TDAP flaps using a standard set of internationally approved reporting scales. We reviewed 15 cases in patients with a good donor area in the back not suitable for implant or free flaps reconstructions. Complications according to Clavien Dindo were: 1 Grade 1 (seroma in the back). The ABS-BAPRAS quality assurance indicators 10, 11, and 12 were entirely fulfilled. No pedicled flap loss occurred; no unplanned return to theatre and no unplanned readmission within 3 months. Breast-related quality of life values are reported at 3 months and one year in four domains of the BREAST Q v. 2.0 (breast reconstruction post-op questionnaire). At 1 year the mean Q-score for satisfaction with breast was 70.5, for psychosocial well-being was 72.3; for sexual well-being was 58.8; for physical well-being (chest wall) was 70.60. The TDAP based totally autologous breast reconstruction reported to be a feasible and safe alternative to implant based or free flaps reconstructions according to consolidate international outcome reporting measures.

Exploring Student Perspectives on Quality Assurance in Independent Curriculum Services within Educational Institutions

This study examines students' perceptions of quality assurance of independent curriculum services implemented by SMA Nurul Jadid. Using a descriptive quantitative approach. With a proportional random sampling technique, as many as 100 students. The type of data collected is quantitative, using a closed questionnaire. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability with a significance of 0.05 with the SPSS 16 application. A Likert scale of 1-4 was used to measure student perceptions with positive and negative categories. The following are tangible, reliability, and assurance indicators as indicators of quality assurance for the independent curriculum service. The percent interval is used as a measuring tool to determine the categories of strongly agree/very good, agree/good, disagree/good enough, and strongly disagree/strongly disagree with implementing quality assurance services for the independent curriculum. The research results prove that 58% of students perceive positively and 42% negatively. However, no students rated it as very bad at 0%; in fact, the good category was the most percentage, namely 59%, and even perfect at 7%; there were also those who rated it quite well, as much as 34%. The assessment of the most significant percentage being good is due to the socialization process evenly distributed to all components of the school; staff, teachers, students, and parents. This is done to process the quality assurance of the independent curriculum services provided by schools to run effectively and efficiently.

Cost-free education as a new variable of mixed financing policies in Chilean higher education and its impact on student trajectory and social mobility

This research aimed to analyze the effects of mixed financing policies from the incorporation of cost-free education in Chilean higher education in the processes of student access and retention (trajectory) and social mobility.Two methods were applied to achieve this aim: monographic research and longitudinal comparative statistical analysis between 2016 and 2021. Different databases were analyzed to evaluate coverage, retention, and social mobility rates. The research used multivariate techniques and the Gini index to measure social mobility.The results showed the transformations that Chilean higher education has experienced in increasing financing, demand, and coverage rates, especially in vulnerable quintiles. The current financing system has positively impacted social mobility and the trajectory of students from the poorest quintiles.This study seeks to contribute to the reflection on the urgency of implementing effective public policies for social progress, safeguarding quality assurance indicators in education as an accurate way of developing a country.

Exodontia skills acquisition: Focusing on clinical teaching and training.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the traditional exodontia block course. The objectives were to explore the experiences and views of students, clinical teachers and dental practitioners of the various elements of the course curriculum. The study was a qualitative, participatory action research study using descriptive analysis. The study was conducted at a Dental Faculty in South Africa. A purposive sample of students, clinical teachers and dental practitioners were invited to participate. Focus group discussions were used to collect data which was analysed by an external coder. The study population consisted of 15 undergraduate dentistry students, 10 clinical teachers and seven dental practitioners. Four broad themes with sub-themes emerged from the study. The main themes identified strengths and deficiencies of the traditional course and made recommendations for its improvement. The themes identified were i) Integration of knowledge and skills, ii) Block course structure, iii) Challenges associated, and iv) Recommendations for improvement. Overall, the participants were satisfied that the course met its objectives. The results pertaining to clinical skills acquisition identified that teaching the use of elevators and luxators in the course, and standardisation of terminology among all clinical teachers as areas requiring attention. Teaching and learning strategies such as community-based learning, peer learning, case reviews, feedback and visual technology were viewed by the student, as well as clinical teacher samples, as strategies most beneficial to clinical learning. The review of the curriculum for exodontia skills acquisition and development, provided several benefits. Firstly, this research served as a quality assurance indicator. It further highlighted many teaching and learning strategies that would improve clinical skills development, reduce stress and anxiety, and support student learning. To a large extent, pertinent information was obtained that served to inform the subsequent redesigning of the course. The findings of the study augment the literature currently available on the best practice for exodontia skills acquisition and development and provide baseline information for the planning and redesign of related courses.

Impact of government evaluation and accreditation processes on the research output of universities in developing countries: an X-ray of the young Ecuadorian academia

Ecuador is a unique case study, where strict evaluation and accreditation processes have been recently established (i.e., early-2010s) mainly based on the experience of their peers and that of developed countries. Interestingly, the development of quality assurance indicators for research output received special attention. The current study systematically explored the research output of the Ecuadorian higher education institutions (HEIs) after only one decade of being subjected to multiple rigorous evaluation and accreditation processes. Peer-reviewed documents in the Scopus Database from 2006 to 2021 were statistically analyzed in terms of the number of documents produced (i.e., books, book chapters, journals, and conference proceedings), citations, H-index, quartiles, and impact factors (i.e., SRJ, SNIP, and Cite Score), at both country and single-university levels. The influence of the multiple evaluation processes and external factors (e.g., relaxation of regulations, COVID) on the research output trends were comprehensively and chronologically discussed. Accordingly, a statistical answer to the following research questions was attempted: where is the Ecuadorian research output currently standing after these evaluation and accreditation measures? Furthermore, where is it heading? This investigation would assist in creating and adjusting policies targeting sustainable research in HEIs in Ecuador and other countries in similar early research development.

SAMPLE PREPARATION METHODS USED AT THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY RADIOCARBON FACILITY

ABSTRACTThe Single Stage AMS radiocarbon facility at the Australian National University has operated for the past 14 years. This paper presents the pretreatment methods used for the major sample types dated and reflects on whether quality assurance protocols can adequately detect altered materials. The majority of fossil samples dated by the facility are from tropical and arid environments where diagenesis of both organic samples and carbonates is often severe. A large proportion of the samples submitted cannot be dated, and screening and quality assurance methods are crucial. Based on analysis of 250 measurements on bone collagen, quality assurance indicators for bone are revised. From May 2021, the laboratory has accepted dates on collagen where yield >0.5%, %C is in the range of 39.7–46.9, and the C:N ratio is between 3.00 and 3.30.

Influence of local ECEC policy on the quality of ECEC centers in the Netherlands

This study investigated the influence of local governance at the level of municipalities on the process quality of ECEC centers for 2- to 4-year-olds in the context of a privatized, marketized and decentralized ECEC system with both for-profit and not-for-profit providers. We studied the relation between local policy and ECEC-quality in a sample of 157 ECEC centers nested in 36 municipalities, with a total of 299 observations of process quality at two measurement waves. The results showed significant differences between municipalities in the observed emotional and behavioral support and engaged support for learning of the ECEC centers: 23% of the variance in emotional and behavioral support and 14% of the variance in engaged support for learning could be attributed to the municipal level. Contrary to our expectations, differences between municipalities in ECEC quality were not related to formal indicators of compliance with national legal requirements nor with formal indicators of coordination and quality assurance. However, exploratory analyses revealed that ‘soft’ horizontal governance of local networks of collaborating services was significantly associated with the engaged support for learning provided at ECEC centers. The local network governance measure included indicators of a mission-driven focus on reaching out to children and families with less financial resources, low educated parents or a migration background, collaboration of ECEC with other local social services to provide support for children and families with additional needs, and coordination of professional development and quality monitoring. Therefore, a more pronounced focus in ECEC policy on encouraging and monitoring local network governance is recommendable in hybrid, decentralized systems.

The Time is Now for Mental Health Care: Evaluating the Impact of a Clinical Pharmacist on an Acute Mental Health Unit.

Clinical pharmacists have a significant role in optimizing pharmacotherapy for patients admitted to acute care settings. Patients with mental health disorders are especially vulnerable to polypharmacy, adverse drug effects, medication nonadherence, and misconceptions about medication use. The Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, currently lacks resources to provide optimal clinical pharmacy coverage for mental health inpatients. To determine the optimal clinical role for a pharmacist providing specialized care to mental health inpatients and to evaluate the potential impact of the pharmacist on medication use and patient care. A pharmacist with 5 years of mental health-related pharmacy practice experience was temporarily assigned to the Mental Health Short Stay Unit as a practical component of a Master's program in pharmacy. Clinical activities to be completed by the pharmacist were defined on the basis of available evidence, existing performance and quality assurance indicators, and prior experience. The pharmacist's activities and recommendations during each shift were tracked and reported. The pharmacist saw 94 patients over a total of 88 hours. The pharmacist made a total of 61 recommendations, of which 55 (90%) were accepted by the psychiatrist, and initiated 42 medication changes. Forty-one patients (44%) received a thorough medication assessment, and individualized, often specialized, education was provided to patients 39 times. The pharmacist was consulted by the psychiatrist 19 times. Pharmacists have an important role in medication management and patient education for psychiatric inpatients, and the health care team values pharmacists' unique expertise. Additional resources dedicated to defining and expanding clinical pharmacy services on inpatient psychiatry units could further optimize patient care.

Quality assurance indicators for environmental citizen science. Development of indicators for volunteer-based biodiversity monitoring.

Volunteer-based biodiversity monitoring schemes are currently developed and tested for feasibility in and for agricultural landscapes in Germany. For the assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of volunteer-based biodiversity monitoring schemes, indicators are required but so far, such indicators have neither been developed nor tested. Here, sets of indicators are developed and presented based on evidence from scientific literature and from the volunteers’ perspectives. As a starting point of the development of indicators, challenges for volunteers need to be identified that may hinder them from taking part in the schemes and from achieving project goals. On the basis of formulated actions to overcome these challenges, three sets of indicators are derived, covering the areas of i) capacity building for volunteer-based engagement, (ii) appreciation and valuing of volunteer commitment, and (iii) education and learning in volunteer-based approaches. Indicators are developed to potentially serve internal and external communication and act as project quality assurance measures. At the same time, the presented indicators may potentially also be applied by decision-makers in policy as well as by funding agencies. In a next step, indicators are co-developed using participatory evaluation approaches to combine conventionally developed indicators with indicators developed with members of the community of practitioners. Implementing indicators in practice as well as regular reflections and revisions will ensure an adaptive quality assurance system for volunteer-based biodiversity monitoring and beyond.

Quality Indicators and Models for Online Learning Quality Assurance in Higher Education

In the present scenario of COVID-19, the online learning capacity has been increased much more. Due to increased capacity of online learning in higher education, the quality of online learning has serious concerns. To achieve the minimum requirements of quality in online learning for sustainable development, it is important to review the quality assurance principles and strategies. A brief review of literature was conducted to define the quality, to present some quality assurance indicators for online learning and to discuss some online learning models by selecting 27 published articles through inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review showed that learner-teacher interaction, learner’s prompt feedback, learner’s support service, applying appropriate media, tools for online learning and planned documented technology application for the assurance of quality in online learning are important quality indicators. Some quality assurance models for online learning are also presented in this study.

Pengaruh Kualitas Layanan Terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM) Sumber Pocong Kabupaten Bangkalan

Clean water is a vital community need that needs special attention. The government needs to provide it adequately as a form of the mandate of the 1945 Constitution. Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM), as a representation of the government, becomes an institution that takes on a role in meeting the needs of clean water. The increasing demand for clean water with a rising population needs to be balanced with good service. This research uses a case study in PDAM Sumber Pocong Bangkalan. PDAM Sumber Pocong serves various community needs, including registration, checking water bills, to payment. The assessment of service quality at PDAM Sumber Pocong is expected to be an input to improve the company's performance in the context of service. Customer satisfaction is a measure of service quality performance. This study aims to measure service quality and customer satisfaction of PDAM Sumber Pocong Bangkalan clean water and determine the effect of service quality and customer satisfaction. Three indicators of service quality (reliability, assurance, and facilities) and four customer satisfaction indicators (product quality, price or cost, service, and emotion) proved to be appropriate and relevant measures. Meanwhile, from the path analysis test, the service quality variable has a significant effect on the customer satisfaction variable.

Six Sigma Metrics: An Evolving Indicator of Quality Assurance for Clinical Biochemistry

Introduction: The analytical phase of the total testing process is the one in which the clinical biochemist can directly intervene to improve the quality of tests reporting. The sigma metrics and Operational Process Specification (OPSpec) chart can specify to which category the laboratory belongs. Aim: To apply sigma metrics to analytical process of testing, do the root cause analysis and apply the corrective measures according to Westgard Rules to improve laboratory performance towards the quality assurances. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective-prospective study carried out in a clinical laboratory of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India, from July 2020 to March 2021. A retrospective secondary data analysis of six months duration was carried out in a clinical chemistry laboratory with a follow-up prospective study for three months. During this period, 16 analytes were tabulated to analyse the Internal Quality Control (IQC). External Quality Control (EQC) for the same analytes were obtained on monthly basis and the sigma metrics was calculated for each analytes. For analytes with sigma value <3, appropriate measures were taken according to Westgard rules to improvise the quality of laboratory investigations. The statistical analysis of sigma metrics was performed in “R” v-3.6.3. Results: Out of total 16 analytes, three analytes at level 1 and two analytes at level 2 Quality control (QC) showed a world class performance whereas four analytes showed a poor performance at both the QC levels with sigma metrics value <3. From Quality Goal Index (QGI) and root cause analysis, the source of error was detected and corrected. Conclusion: The inaccuracy and imprecision of different parameters in the analytical phase of the testing process can be addressed by calculating the sigma metrics and do the root cause analysis. Application of corrective measures according to Westgard rule can improve the laboratory performance towards the quality assurance.

НАУКОВО-МЕТОДИЧНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ОЦІНЮВАННЯ АДАПТИВНОЇ МАРКЕТИНГОВОЇ СТРАТЕГІЇ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ГОТЕЛЬНОЇ ІНДУСТРІЇ

The article has been considered the approaches to the interpretation of the concept of «strategy» and «marketing strategy». The necessity of adaptability of the marketing strategy of enterprises of hotel industry in modern conditions on the basis of statistical data and research of Association of hotels and resorts of Ukraine has been argued. The sequence of formation of the adaptive marketing strategy of the hotel industry has been substantiated. Various methods of analysis that can be used in the process of forming an adaptive marketing strategy have been analyzed, in particular, methods of analysis of the external environment, methods of analysis of the internal environment, and methods of complex analysis. Quantitative indicators of evaluation of the effectiveness of adaptive marketing strategy have been substantiated, in particular: efficiency of expenses for the development of adaptive marketing strategy; the effectiveness of marketing processes associated with the implementation of adaptive marketing strategy, and the overall effectiveness of adaptive marketing strategy. Quantitative indicators to assess the effectiveness of an adaptive marketing strategy have been shown to show how the volume of goods or services sold will increase compared to the costs associated with the development and implementation of an adaptive marketing strategy. An integrated indicator of the effectiveness of the adaptive marketing strategy of hotel enterprises has been proposed, which is based on three groups of indicators: the results of financial and economic activities, the efficiency of resource use of the enterprise, and indicators of quality assurance of hotel enterprises. It has been substantiated that the sequence of evaluation of the adaptive marketing strategy of the hotel industry should include the following stages: selection of a system of evaluation indicators; division of indicators into groups (stimulants and stimulants); standardization of indicators; justification of the weight of each group of indicators; calculation of the integrated indicator and interpretation of the obtained results. The proposed algorithm for quantifying the effectiveness of the adaptive marketing strategy of hotel enterprises can serve as an effective indicator of determining the impact of a factor on its formation and implementation and justify a number of measures to improve it.

The Gallbladder and Vermiform Appendix as Quality Assurance Indicators in Autopsy Pathology.

We investigate the number of autopsy reports that did or did not document the presence or absence of the gallbladder or appendix or document abdominal scars in patients following cholecystectomy or appendectomy. We also report gallbladder and appendix pathology at autopsy. Autopsy reports from patients 18 years or older autopsied at a community teaching hospital between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018 were reviewed. Nonabdominal autopsies were excluded. Histopathologic examination of the gallbladder and appendix was only performed if gross pathology was seen. Of the 385 autopsies studied, 48 (12.5%) had cholecystectomies, of which 6 (12.5%) did not document abdominal scars. Sixty-two (16.1%) had appendectomies, of which 12 (19.4%) did not document abdominal scars. The presence or absence of the gallbladder and appendix was not documented in 6 (1.6%) and 16 (4.2%) of reports, respectively. Pathology was seen in 87 (25.8%) gallbladders and 4 (1.2%) appendixes. Absence of the gallbladder or appendix is a relatively common autopsy finding. Auditing autopsy reports for documentation of their presence or absence, along with associated abdominal scars, are potential quality assurance indicators of autopsy reports. Documentation of these elements could be improved by changing the autopsy template or using synoptic reporting.

Evaluation of Quality Assurance Indicators and Contamination Rate in Blood Culture

Objective: Blood culture are of vital importance in patient follow-up, as they enable the identification and production of sepsis causative microorganisms, initiate antibiotic treatment in a timely manner and reduce mortality and morbidity. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the microorganisms grown in the automated blood culture in the microbiology laboratory of the hospital in terms of quality indicators.
 Method: In this study, microorganisms grown from automated blood culture BACTEC-9120 (Becton Dickinson, USA) system from the blood culture samples sent to XXX University Medical Microbiology Laboratory were evaluated retrospectively. For this purpose, the rejection and contamination rate of the samples for which blood culture was requested, the result of Gram staining-final identification compliance, the number of samples sent from a single bottle, and the growth times of microorganisms after incubation were determined. 
 Result: 5037 blood culture samples were sent to the laboratory from various clinics. 1.7% of these samples were rejected as inappropriate samples. Gram stain-final identification compatibility of blood cultures was investigated and it was determined as 97.8%. The single bottle number of the samples sent was found to be 511. For the 5037 samples included in the study, growth was detected in 20.7%, of which 10.2% were considered as contaminants. In our study, the average breeding time of the factors examined for breeding time was determined to be 30.29 hours.
 Conclusion: As conclusion, there is no gold standard to distinguish true pathogens from contaminant agents in blood cultures.

THE QUALITY INDICATORS TO ASSESS THE PROSTATE CANCER RADIOTHERAPY PERFORMANCE (BRIEF REVIEW)

The radiation therapy (RT) plays a tremendous role in the consistent treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). The research ideas underpinning the wide implementation of innovative digitalized continuous (nonstop) dynamic auditing are coming true. Simultaneously, there are increasing challenges in selection of RT quality indicators. to study the pivotal indicators for RT quality assurance in treatment of PCa and to highlight the breaking through developments securing the delivery of top-quality cancer care in radiation oncology units. The literature search was performed in the PubMed database and the Google system. The inquiries included such terms as: "quality of care", "quality assessment criteria", "indicators", "prostate cancer" and "radiation therapy". A logical and semantic approaches were applicated to select the relevant scientific resources. In most relevant studies, the variations of the Delphi technique are used to choose the quality assessment criteria. The targeted research papers describe the development of QIs for assessing the quality of radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced PCa; a hierarchical list of QIs has been generated. The adequate registration of information has huge impact on quality assessment to draw the definitive thorough conclusions. The further improvement of Delphi technique may form one of pillars for the development of valuable RT quality measures. Considering the math aspects and the physical nature of RT, it seems being important to include the key opinion leaders in the field of clinical oncoinformatics, radiation informatics, and specialists from technical industries in the expert committees for the selection of RT QIs.

Value-Based Payments: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Quality Indicators Associated With Billing Expenditures.

Although managed care is expanding into the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) service system, there is little agreement about measurable and meaningful outcomes for people with IDD, including for use in value-based payments (VBP). In this study, we examined potential VBP metrics for people with IDD-relationships between quality and costs. We analyzed Basic Assurances data and long-term services and supports billing data from 68 human service organizations that supported 6,608 people with IDD. Our final hierarchical regression model predicted 66.40% of the variance of annual long-term services and supports (LTSS) billing per person. Our findings suggest quality assurance indicators can account for a significant portion of cost variance-quality metrics represent a potential for cost savings and efficient service delivery.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT APPROACHES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING RESULTS IN EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES

Work based learning (WBL), introduced in Vocational education and training (VET) system, promises to increase economic competitiveness and development of the knowledge-based economy in Latvia. WBL aims to provide knowledge and understanding regarding types of work in a chosen occupation, build specific competencies needed for work and motivate young people to acquire 21st Century skills for smoother transition from education to sustainable employment and development of their professional career. WBL is closely linked to life-long guidance at all stages of decision making: future occupation or workplace, upskilling or reskilling, acquisition of transferable skills or career management skills. Ensuring effective integration of life-long guidance with WBL three elements are essential: engagement before entering WBL programmes; achievement within WBL to encourage participation and successful completion; transition to work after graduating VET supported by personalised follow-up and on-going career support.WBL is a new approach for most European Union Member States (EU MS), ensuring a positive impact on employment perspectives for students by providing skills demanded by employers and an acceptable level of VET quality, allowing the VET graduate to find a job quickly or obtain a well-paid job. The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for VET (EQAVET) is an EU instrument to improve the systems of Quality Assurance (QA) in VET, based on a quality cycle and on using performance indicators and self-assessment. EQAVET proposes indicators that could be utilized to monitor VET provision and for peer reviews between EU MS. Most indicators serve as VET performance indicators, however some characterize VET impact on the graduate’s transition to work. Analysis of the positive and negative aspects of VET QA indicators could be the basis for development of WBL and support life-long learning strategies.