RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To quantify the workload and cost overload that the COVID-19 pandemic has meant for a Clinical Microbiology laboratory in a real-life scenario. METHODS: We compared the number of samples received, their distribution, the human resources, and the budget of a Microbiology laboratory in the COVID pandemic (March-December 2020) with the same months of the previous year. RESULTS: the total number of samples processed in the Clinical Microbiology laboratory in March to December 2020 increased 96.70% with respect to 2019 (from 246,060 to 483,993 samples), reflecting an increment of 127.50% when expressed as samples/1000 admissions (from 6057 to 13,780). The increase in workload was mainly at the expense of the virology (+2058%) and serology (+86%) areas. Despite additional personnel hiring, the samples processed per technician increased 12.5%. The extra cost attributed to Microbiology amounts to 6,616,511 euros (114.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide quantitative figures about workload and cost increase caused by the COVID-19 in a Microbiology laboratory.
Assuntos
COVID-19/epidemiologia , Laboratórios Hospitalares/estatística & dados numéricos , COVID-19/diagnóstico , COVID-19/economia , Teste para COVID-19/economia , Teste para COVID-19/estatística & dados numéricos , Serviços de Laboratório Clínico/economia , Serviços de Laboratório Clínico/estatística & dados numéricos , Custos e Análise de Custo , Hospitalização/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Laboratórios Hospitalares/economia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , SARS-CoV-2/isolamento & purificação , Espanha/epidemiologia , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Carga de Trabalho/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Determine the industries with the highest proportion of accepted COVID-19 related workers' compensation (WC) claims. METHODS: Study included 21,336 WC claims (1898 COVID-19 and 19,438 other claims) that were filed between January 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020 from 11 states in the Midwest United States. RESULT: The overwhelming proportion of all COVID-19 related WC claims submitted and accepted were from healthcare workers (83.77%). Healthcare was the only industrial classification that was at significantly higher COVID-19 WC claim submission risk (odds ratio [OR]: 4.00; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.77 to 5.79) controlling for type of employment, sex, age, and presumption of COVID-19 work-relatedness. Within healthcare employment, WC claims submitted by workers in medical laboratories had the highest risk (crude rate ratio of 8.78). CONCLUSION: Healthcare employment is associated with an increased risk of developing COVID-19 infections and submitting a workers' compensation claim.
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COVID-19/economia , Pessoal de Saúde/classificação , Indústrias/classificação , Doenças Profissionais/economia , Indenização aos Trabalhadores/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Pessoal de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Indústrias/estatística & dados numéricos , Masculino , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Meio-Oeste dos Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , Razão de Chances , SARS-CoV-2Assuntos
Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por Coronavirus/diagnóstico , Pneumonia Viral/diagnóstico , COVID-19 , Teste para COVID-19 , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/normas , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/tendências , Atenção à Saúde/organização & administração , Humanos , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/legislação & jurisprudência , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/normas , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Pandemias , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Clinical laboratories are identified as one of the most important and expensive units of the health system. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to these units' cost efficiency. This study purpose was to evaluate the economic efficiency of hospitals' laboratory units affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences (UMSU), in order to assess their performance. METHODS: This research was a descriptive-analytic study that was accomplished in 2017. The statistical population of the study included all of the hospitals' clinical laboratories affiliated to UMSU. Moreover, DEA method and Deap2.1 software were used to analyze data. In this study, technical and allocative efficiencies of the studied laboratory units were also calculated in addition to the determination of the economic efficiency of the laboratories. RESULTS: The average economic efficiency of clinical laboratories calculated by DEA in 2017 was 0.676. This value was lower than the allocative and technical efficiency scores, which indicates that these units could attain full efficiency by reducing their costs without having any effect on output values. Moreover, about 14 percent of the clinical laboratory units were economically efficient. In addition, it is noteworthy to state that, from total of university hospital laboratories, only three hospitals had no economic excess or deficiency values of inputs. CONCLUSION: Considering that 76% of laboratory units have not been economically efficient, it is necessary for the laboratory managers to consider optimum allocating of resources, with respect to the cost of laboratory equipment and inputs in order to increase their units' economic efficiency.
Assuntos
Serviços de Laboratório Clínico/economia , Hospitais Públicos/economia , Custos e Análise de Custo , Estudos Transversais , Hospitais Públicos/organização & administração , Humanos , Irã (Geográfico) , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: A quality medical laboratory service is an important part of the health care system. In developing countries like Ethiopia, the laboratory quality system remains weak due to several factors. Therefore, assessing the factors affecting quality of medical laboratory service is highly important in order to improve service quality. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of factors affecting the quality of medical laboratory service in Gondar town public health facilities, Amhara regional state, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018. METHODS: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at Gondar town governmental health facilities from March to April 2018. A pretested, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and checklist was used to collect the socio-demographic information of the study participants and to assess factors affecting the provision of quality medical laboratory services. Data were checked for completeness, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Data were reported in tables and figures. The strength of association between the dependent and independent variables was assessed by the chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 103 medical laboratory professionals participated in the study. Of these, 62 (60.2%) were males. The majority of the study participants, 63 (61.2%), were laboratory technologists. Of these participants, 72 (69.9%) did not attend laboratory refresher training and 93 (90.3%) of participants were not satisfied with their salary. Sixty-three (61.2%) of the participants reported that their laboratory did not provide quality laboratory service. Lack of quality and adequate equipment, non-adherence to standard operating procedures, no continuing professional development, unavailability of adequate supplies and reagents, no customer service management, no regular internal and external quality assessment activity, no diagnostic service for all requested tests, no result verification, and laboratory safety were the major factors significantly associated with poor quality laboratory service (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of the study participants reported that their laboratory did not provide quality laboratory services. The shortage of adequate equipment, reagents, and lack of motivation and employees' recognitions are the major factors that affect the quality of laboratory services.
Assuntos
Serviços de Laboratório Clínico/normas , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/normas , Instalações de Saúde/normas , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/normas , Saúde Pública/normas , Adulto , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/métodos , Estudos Transversais , Atenção à Saúde/normas , Atenção à Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Etiópia , Feminino , Instalações de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde Pública/métodos , Saúde Pública/estatística & dados numéricos , Controle de Qualidade , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Importance: Financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and physicians can bias the conduct, findings, and reporting of clinical trials. In Japan, the valsartan scandal was a significant event: all 5 key articles on the valsartan clinical trials were retracted after the revelation of data falsification. Consequently, the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association issued transparency guidelines, and pharmaceutical payments have been publicly disclosed since 2013. However, the distribution of payments from pharmaceutical companies among authors involved in the valsartan scandal after its revelation has not been studied to date. Objective: To identify the characteristics and distribution of payments from pharmaceutical companies to researchers involved in the valsartan scandal in Japan by using a comprehensive payment database. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted from January 1, 2016, through September 30, 2017, used information on payments from 78 pharmaceutical companies to 50 authors of 5 articles retracted after the valsartan scandal: the Kyoto Heart Study, Jikei Heart Study, SMART (Shiga Microalbuminuria Reduction Trial), VART (Valsartan Amlodipine Randomized Trial), and Nagoya Heart Study. Payments from companies to physicians were analyzed during the period from January 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were the amount and proportion of payments made by pharmaceutical companies to authors, and the forms of these payments. Results: Of 50 eligible authors, 30 (60%) received payments from pharmaceutical companies in 2016. The payments in the Japanese yen totaled ¥67.15 million (US $590â¯896) and the mean (SD) payment was more than ¥1.34 million (¥3.01 million) (US $11â¯817 [$27 292]). Five authors (10%) received more than ¥5 million (US $44â¯000) and 3 authors (6%) received more than ¥10 million (US $88â¯000). The total payments to the corresponding author of each article was ¥29 million (US $255â¯307), accounting for 43.2% of the total payments. Regarding forms of the payments, lecture fees accounted for 81.3% of the total payment (¥54.56 million). Conclusions and Relevance: Many authors involved in the valsartan scandal received payments from the pharmaceutical industry. Although whether such payments to these authors have decreased since the scandal is unclear, the findings appear to demonstrate that their financial relationships with the industry are still prominent. The findings of the study appear to support the need to encourage more transparency in such relationships because misconduct can occur within unclear relationships.
Assuntos
Autoria , Conflito de Interesses/economia , Indústria Farmacêutica/economia , Indústria Farmacêutica/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Médicos/economia , Valsartana , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Apoio Financeiro , Humanos , Japão , Masculino , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Médicos/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent and distribution of workforce shortages within the nation's medical laboratories. METHODS: The 2016-2017 Vacancy Survey was conducted through collaboration between the American Society for Clinical Pathology's Institute of Science, Technology, & Policy in Washington, DC, and the Evaluation, Measurement, and Assessment division and Board of Certification in Chicago, Illinois. Data were collected via an internet survey that was distributed to individuals who were able to report on staffing and certifications for their laboratories. RESULTS: Results of the 2016-2017 Vacancy Survey shows decreased vacancy rates for laboratory positions across all departments surveyed compared with 2014. While overall, the data show that vacancy rates are decreasing, overall retirement rates and certification requirements are higher. CONCLUSIONS: Focus on the qualifications and certification status of laboratory professionals would be crucial factors in addressing the needs of the laboratory workforce. The field needs to intensify its efforts on recruiting the next generation of laboratory personnel.
Assuntos
Certificação/métodos , Mão de Obra em Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoal de Laboratório/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Patologia Clínica , American Medical Association , Coleta de Dados , Humanos , Laboratórios , Inquéritos e Questionários , Estados UnidosAssuntos
Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Salários e Benefícios/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Idoso , Certificação , Escolaridade , Feminino , Humanos , Satisfação no Emprego , Masculino , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/educação , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Admissão e Escalonamento de Pessoal , Salários e Benefícios/tendências , Carga de TrabalhoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Nepal has one of the highest cervical cancer rates in South Asia. Only a few studies in populations from urban areas have investigated type specific distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in Nepali women. Data on high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) types are not currently available for rural populations in Nepal. We aimed to assess the distribution of HR- HPV among rural Nepali women while assessing self-collected and clinician-collected cervico-vaginal specimens as sample collection methods for HPV screening. METHODS: Study participants were recruited during a health camp conducted by Nepal Fertility Care Center in Achham District of rural far western Nepal. Women of reproductive age completed a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, and provided two specimens; one cervical-vaginal specimen using a self-collection method and another cervical specimen collected by health camp auxiliary nurse midwives during a pelvic examination. All samples were tested for 14 different HR-HPV mRNA and also specific for HPV16/18/45 mRNA. RESULTS: Of 261 women with both clinician- and self-collected cervical samples, 25 tested positive for HR-HPV, resulting in an overall HR-HPV prevalence of 9.6% (95% confidence Interval [CI]: 6.3-13.8). The overall Kappa value assessing agreement between clinician- and self-collected tests was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.43-0.81), indicating a "good" level of agreement. Abnormal cytology was reported for 8 women. One woman identified with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 7 women with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Seven of the 8 women tested positive for HR-HPV (87.5%) in clinician-collected samples and 6 in self-collected samples (75.0%). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to assess HR-HPV among rural Nepali women. Self-collected sampling methods should be the subject of additional research in Nepal for screening HR-HPV, associated with pre-cancer lesions and cancer, in women in rural areas with limited access to health services.
Assuntos
Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Papillomaviridae/fisiologia , Infecções por Papillomavirus/epidemiologia , Medição de Risco , População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Manejo de Espécimes/métodos , Esfregaço Vaginal/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Comportamento , Demografia , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Nepal/epidemiologia , Papillomaviridae/genética , Infecções por Papillomavirus/virologia , Prevalência , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Tamanho da Amostra , Adulto JovemRESUMO
CONTEXT: The role of pathologists' assistants (PAs) in terms of surgical and autopsy prosection has been well established; however, the role of PAs in areas beyond surgical and autopsy pathology, such as laboratory administration and management, education, and research, is not so well understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the scope and extent of ancillary duties (value-added benefits) performed by PAs. DESIGN: A self-administered, electronic survey was disseminated to all members of the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants with fellowship status to analyze the ancillary duties PAs provide in laboratory administration and management, education, and research. RESULTS: Respondents were from 44 states and most had 6 or more years of experience in various work settings: community hospitals (50%), academic hospitals (30%), private pathology laboratories (15%), and "other" settings (5%). Most were involved in quality assurance programs (64.0%), laboratory accreditation inspections (56.2%), and a large percentage (44.4%) also had direct supervisory experience. Roughly 36% of respondents reported training residents in prosection skills in a clinical setting, while a small percentage reported teaching for-credit courses in a classroom setting (4.9%). The primary research responsibility was fresh tissue procurement for tumor banking (52.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Pathologists' assistants currently are involved in ancillary duties beyond surgical and autopsy prosection. Our findings indicate that PAs have a desire to become more involved in these duties, and there is opportunity for pathologists to benefit further by using PAs to the full extent of their knowledge, skills, and interests.
Assuntos
Redução de Custos , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Patologia Clínica/economia , Centros Médicos Acadêmicos , Autopsia/economia , Autopsia/métodos , Biópsia , Custos de Cuidados de Saúde , Pesquisas sobre Atenção à Saúde , Instituições Privadas de Saúde , Administração de Serviços de Saúde , Hospitais Comunitários , Humanos , Internet , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/educação , Patologia Clínica/educação , Patologia Clínica/métodos , Projetos Piloto , Papel Profissional , Escalas de Valor Relativo , Sociedades Científicas , Manejo de Espécimes/economia , Manejo de Espécimes/métodos , Estados Unidos , Recursos HumanosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The Shared Resource Laboratory (SRL) model recently described for research activities would also appear to be highly suitable for diagnostic services. Using modern SRL design criteria and benchmarks, the aim of our study was to verify whether the consolidation of a diagnostic cytofluorimetric activity could improve the overall service. METHODS: Outcome indicators such as impact on analytical quality, clinical satisfaction, team work involvement, and economic performance were evaluated in the planning and setting up of a new central laboratory. Comparison with preconsolidation status allowed us to investigate possible indicators of improvement. RESULTS: A total of 30 140 cytofluorimetric analyses performed before and after consolidation at the Central Laboratory in Pievesestina in north-central Italy were evaluated. The overall score of the clinical satisfaction questionnaire (range, between 1 and 5) increased from 4.3 to 4.9. Full-time equivalent (FTE) operators were reduced from 9 to 4.5 and cytofluorimeters from 6 to 2; economic indicator analyses showed a 17.75% reduction in unitary test costs. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of new benchmarks and design criteria increased the quality of cytofluorimetric analysis, thus improving specialized diagnostic services and promoting the shared resource clinical laboratory.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/estatística & dados numéricos , Serviços de Diagnóstico/estatística & dados numéricos , Citometria de Fluxo/estatística & dados numéricos , Recursos em Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Benchmarking/economia , Benchmarking/normas , Benchmarking/estatística & dados numéricos , Coleta de Amostras Sanguíneas/economia , Coleta de Amostras Sanguíneas/normas , Coleta de Amostras Sanguíneas/estatística & dados numéricos , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/economia , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/normas , Análise Custo-Benefício , Serviços de Diagnóstico/economia , Serviços de Diagnóstico/normas , Citometria de Fluxo/economia , Citometria de Fluxo/normas , Recursos em Saúde/economia , Recursos em Saúde/normas , Humanos , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/normas , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
The aim of this study was to determine the rationale, methodology, and progress of risk perceptions of laboratory workers in relation to existing prion disease infection control policies in Canadian medical laboratories. This study developed a Web survey that investigated the knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of laboratory staff in order to (1) identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of current prion infection prevention and control guidelines and (2) inform the development of national medical lab specific guidelines. The use of qualitative methods to develop a relevant survey is described and future research activities are outlined. Preliminary, qualitative data indicate that, among laboratory staff, there is a high degree of perceived susceptibility toward prion transmission in medical laboratories. Significant barriers to following existing prion infection control guidelines are reported with few benefits of following these guidelines. As a result, laboratories take precautions above those that are required when processing suspect prion-infected specimens, which may result in testing delays. A focused survey for laboratory staff that addresses these issues will provide insight on the necessary steps that will ensure safe and efficient diagnostic testing for suspect prion specimens.
Assuntos
Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Laboratórios/normas , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/psicologia , Doenças Priônicas/prevenção & controle , Animais , Canadá , Grupos Focais , Política de Saúde , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Percepção , Doenças Priônicas/psicologia , Medição de Risco , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To identify factors contributing to retention of clinical laboratory practitioners. DESIGN: A paper survey addressing retention was distributed to a potential of 4000 clinical laboratory professionals. SETTING: The survey was distributed to subjects by their laboratory manager to be completed at the worksite or home. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: 599 usable surveys were received from non-supervisory individuals employed in clinical laboratory science (CLS) for five years or more. INTERVENTIONS: Surveys were mailed to laboratory managers in March 2003 with directions to distribute to practitioners with five or more years of work experience. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentages of respondents agreeing and disagreeing with Lickert-type opinion items were determined. The means, ranges, and standard deviations were calculated for the number of hours of continuing education, years of experience, percentage of time spent on tasks, and years in the current job. The means for job satisfaction were calculated and compared statistically based on respondents' job function, satisfaction with salary, job independence, sense of appreciation, and responsibility for continuing education. Open-ended responses were tabulated and categorized. RESULTS: Committed practitioners believe their work is important and find it challenging. Those who are most satisfied with their jobs believe they make a good salary (p = 0.000), have work independence (p = 0.000), and feel that their work is appreciated (p = 0.000). Job satisfaction does not differ for CLTs vs. CLSs. Salaries comparable to nurses and appreciation from physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators are cited by respondents as the most important factors to retaining laboratory staff. CONCLUSION: Committed practitioners believe that salaries comparable to nurses are needed to improve retention of staff. Respondents said that being appreciated by hospital administrators, nurses, and physicians would also contribute to improved retention.
Assuntos
Pessoal de Laboratório Médico , Escolha da Profissão , Coleta de Dados , Satisfação no Emprego , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/psicologia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Gestão de Recursos Humanos , Salários e Benefícios/estatística & dados numéricos , Estados UnidosRESUMO
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Professions contracted with the University of California at San Francisco Center for the Health Professions to conduct a study of the clinical laboratory workforce. The study utilized existing and new survey data, in collaboration with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), as well as interviews with experts in the field. This paper will describe the demographic characteristics, roles, and scope of practice of this workforce, as well as identify factors that influence the current and future demand for and supply of workers. There is ample evidence of a shortage of workers over the past few years, indicated by double-digit vacancy rates, increasing salaries, and the use of other incentives to fill positions. Recent data show a reduction in vacancy rates, although an increase in per diem and contract workers may mask a continuing shortage. There is recent growing interest in the profession, as evidenced by an increase of applicants to educational programs. Several factors make it difficult to predict the future need for and role of clinical laboratory workers, including an aging population and the demand for increased services, the possible retirement of many current workers, automation, new technology and tests, and public health challenges.
Assuntos
Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Avaliação das Necessidades/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Coleta de Dados , Escolaridade , Emprego , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/provisão & distribuição , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/tendências , Avaliação das Necessidades/tendências , Salários e Benefícios , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Four stand-alone analyzers in a centralized laboratory were replaced by two modular analytical systems processing 45 methods of the general chemistry and specific protein segment. This consolidation led to a reduction of the daily workflow and operational costs. The cost saving with 1.3 million reported results per year was 53,000 Euro, which can be assessed as an important contribution to cost reduction in the health care system.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/economia , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/instrumentação , Custos e Análise de Custo , Humanos , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
Shortages of qualified medical laboratory personnel have not been a problem in Canada since the early 1960s, when the profession experienced a growth that far exceeded training capacities. Massive immigration, primarily from the United Kingdom, provided a temporary patch for the urgent human resources (HR) supply. Medical laboratory technologist training program enrollments were increased rapidly, and, by the early 1970s, more than 1,200 new graduates were generated each year. In the late-1980s, a trend evolved in Canada that raised concern about the ability to attract suitable applicants to careers in medical laboratory technology. However, that issue quickly faded as a priority when the health reform of the 1990s struck Canada.
Assuntos
Laboratórios , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/provisão & distribuição , Ciência de Laboratório Médico/educação , Admissão e Escalonamento de Pessoal , Canadá , Escolha da Profissão , Educação Baseada em Competências , Pessoal Profissional Estrangeiro , Reforma dos Serviços de Saúde , Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Mão de Obra em Saúde , Humanos , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/educação , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricosAssuntos
Comunismo , Educação Profissionalizante , História do Século XX , Preconceito , Universidades , Mulheres Trabalhadoras , Mulheres , Comunismo/história , Educação Profissionalizante/economia , Educação Profissionalizante/história , Educação Profissionalizante/legislação & jurisprudência , Educação Profissionalizante/estatística & dados numéricos , Hungria/etnologia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/economia , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/história , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Universidades/história , Medicina Veterinária/economia , Medicina Veterinária/história , Medicina Veterinária/estatística & dados numéricos , Mulheres/educação , Mulheres/história , Mulheres Trabalhadoras/educação , Mulheres Trabalhadoras/históriaRESUMO
The introduction of automated chemical analyzers in the laboratory service has the potential of adversely affecting professionalism in laboratory practice. The present study assesses the quality of medical laboratory technicians in Trinidad and Tobago using structured questionnaires. Some of the critical questions included job status, years of experience, training, qualification(s) and knowledge of quality assurance and its application. About 82% of laboratory technicians responded to the study. The majority of technicians (62%) had diploma certificates while only one (1.2%) had a postgraduate degree. Although the majority (91.7%) of technicians knew about quality assurance, 36% learnt on the job and 59% knew they were not professionally trained. The results showed that there is paucity of highly trained laboratory technicians in Trinidad and Tobago and this has significant implications on the technical initiative and quality of medical laboratory practice in this country. We recommend the establishment of appropriate professional institutions for training medical laboratory technologists and regular expert inspection and accreditation of all medical laboratories in the country.
Assuntos
Laboratórios/normas , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/estatística & dados numéricos , Competência Profissional/estatística & dados numéricos , Garantia da Qualidade dos Cuidados de Saúde , Adulto , Etnicidade , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/educação , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico/normas , Garantia da Qualidade dos Cuidados de Saúde/métodos , Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde , Inquéritos e Questionários , Trinidad e TobagoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To survey employee competence assessment practices in departments of pathology and laboratory medicine and provide suggestions for improvement. DESIGN: A 3-part study consisting of a questionnaire about current competence assessment practices, an evaluation of compliance with stated competence assessment practices using personnel records of 30 employees, and a written appraisal of competence of 5 specimen-processing staff members per institution. SETTING: A total of 522 institutions participating in the College of American Pathologists 1996 Q-Probes program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Institutional competence assessment practices, compliance of each institution with their own practices, and determination of competence of specimen-processing personnel. RESULTS: Of the participating institutions, 89.8% had a written competence plan and 98.1% reported reviewing employee competence at least yearly. General competence was reviewed by direct observations (87.5%), review of test or quality control results (77.4%), review of instrument preventive maintenance (60.0%), written testing (52.2%), and/or other methods (20.8%). In 8.6% of institutions, employees who failed competence assessment were not allowed to continue their usual work. On review of records of 14 029 employees for adherence to the laboratory's general competence plan, adherence was 89.7% for direct observations, 85.8% for review of quality control and test results, 78.0% for review of instrument records, and 74.0% for written testing. Employee failure rate ranged from 0.9% to 6.4%, depending on the competence evaluated. Adherence to an institution's plan was 90.4% for new employees, 93.1% for computer skills, 95.8% for laboratory safety, and 92.1% for continuing education. When a written competence assessment was given to 2853 specimen-processing staff members, 90.0% responded satisfactorily. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities for improvement in employee competence assessment are numerous, and we provide several specific suggestions.