Improving Quality Management Systems of Laboratories in Developing Countries

Abstract

The Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) program was developed to promote immediate, measurable improvement in laboratories of developing countries. The laboratory management framework, a tool that prescribes managerial job tasks, forms the basis of the hands-on, activity-based curriculum. SLMTA is implemented through multiple workshops with intervening site visits to support improvement projects. To evaluate the effectiveness of SLMTA, the laboratory accreditation checklist was developed and subsequently adopted by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO). The SLMTA program and the implementation model were validated through a pilot in Uganda. SLMTA yielded observable, measurable results in the laboratories and improved patient flow and turnaround time in a laboratory simulation. The laboratory staff members were empowered to improve their own laboratories by using existing resources, communicate with clinicians and hospital administrators, and advocate for system strengthening. The SLMTA program supports laboratories by improving management and building preparedness for accreditation.

A new matrix for scoring the functionality of national laboratory networks in Africa: introducing the LABNET scorecard

“…This momentum is illustrated by the numerous landmark meetings on laboratory policy that took place between 2008 and 2012, 10,11 and which provided a framework for laboratory system strengthening and development in sub-Saharan Africa. Other key accomplishments are the creation of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa based Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA), 10 the development of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) 12 training programme, and the launch of the African Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), three important initiatives for the improvement of laboratory systems in Africa. 11 …”

“…The success story of the SLIPTA/SLMTA programmes 11,12 illustrates how tailored laboratory improvement plans based on outcomes from rounds of standardised assessments, can lead to measurable advancement toward laboratory (quality) standards. Similar to the approach described in the WHO ‘Better Lab for Better Health’ initiative in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 44 the data collected during the LABNET scorecard assessment will inform the development or revision of the national laboratory policy and/or strategic plan.…”

Recommendations on Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Cervical Cytology

“…The standards are a quality/proficiency indicator accompanied by a reference value or threshold. Professional accreditation standards are usually regarded as optimal and achievable, and implementing accreditation is critical in all settings, including in developing countries [8,9]. Accreditation provides a visible commitment by an organization to improve the quality of care of patients, to ensure a safe environment and to continually work to reduce risks to patients and staff [7].…”

ISO 15189:2012: What changes for African laboratories?

“…Launched by the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and partners, the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) and Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programmes have emerged in recent years in Africa to support laboratories in the implementation of quality processes. 2,3,4,5 …”