Impact of accreditation on performance of healthcare organizations

Evaluation of Work Quality Indicators in Medical Biochemical Laboratories

Background

A laboratory professional concerned with the quality of work in medical-biochemical laboratories ensures the accuracy and precision of laboratory analyses through the implementation of international and European guidelines for working with hazardous substances, through the availability and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Laboratory hazards that affect the concentration and safety of workers arise from laboratory deficiencies such as: lack of preventive measures, knowledge and skills implemented through SOPs and good laboratory practice. Biophysical hazards in medical laboratories are manifested by needles and sharp objects, infectious materials, noise, vibration, radiation, poor air quality, temperature inversions.

Objective

Aim of the research was to raise awareness of the quality of work in medical-biochemical laboratories in order to ensure the safety of workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 100 laboratory proffesionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. The research was conducted over a period of three months.

Results

A higher percentage of exposure to infectious agents and needles and sharp objects was found among respondents from BiH compared to CRO (p=0.018 and p=0.001, respectively).We found that respondents employed in accredited laboratories are aware of exposure to hazards in a high percentage related to infectious agents, toxins (p=0.0012 and p=0.0046, respectively). A significant statistical difference was found between respondents with BiH and respondents with CRO in terms of knowledge of accreditation standards of medical-biochemical laboratories (p=0.0155). Respondents who have standard operating procedures available are aware of the hazards of infectious agents (p=0.0001), toxins (p=0.0466), needles and sharp objects (p=0.0052), noise (p=0.0030), vibration (p=0.0007) and extreme temperatures (p=0.0014).

Conclusion

Efficient implementation and continuous compliance with the ISO 15189:2018 standard requires constant commitment and active participation of laboratory staff. Laboratories must have standard operating procedures in place and actively monitor their use.

Association Between Risk Factors and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Laboratory Professionals-an European Perspective

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a large group of diseases that severely affect work productivity and quality of life.

Objective

To examine the differences in the prevalence of MSDs among laboratory professionals (LP) and to assess their association with individual, psychosocial, and occupational risk factors.

Methods

In a multicenter, cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was distributed online through professional association networks. Participants were divided into two groups based on their territorial affiliation-European Union (EU) and non-EU member states. Descriptive and inferential statistics were included in the analysis, and statistical significance was set at ≤0.05.

Results

A total of 640 LPs from 20 European countries participated in the study, predominantly females (78.4%) with university degree (59.4%) and mean age of 41.2 ± 10.1 years. Statistically significant differences between groups were confirmed for several variables studied: neck flexion > 15o (p = 0.008), hands at chest level (p = 0.000), longer screen time, and sitting (p = 0.000). One-third of participants reported wrist (35.6%), shoulder (32.7%), and elbow (31.6%) pain, while low back pain was more common (48.9%). A statistically significant association was confirmed between the incidence of MSDs and stress at work, repetitive movements, and prolonged standing (p = 0.000). Several variables showed significant correlations with MSDs in different body parts (p <0.05).

Conclusion

Our results show a higher prevalence of MSDs in LPs and recommend the development of targeted prevention programs and additional measures to modify the work environment and organizational activities.

The impact of hospital accreditation in selected Middle East countries: a scoping review

PURPOSE

There is conflicting evidence concerning the impact of hospital accreditation programmes, including across the Middle East Region, where such programmes have been most recently implemented in Iran, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. This paper maps available evidence regarding the impact of hospital accreditation in these three countries and draws attention to knowledge gaps for consideration.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

This scoping review was conducted in 2020, using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Five research databases were searched, along with five government and accreditation agency websites. Searches were complemented by citation chaining. English and Arabic publications evaluating hospital accreditation in the selected countries were included. Commentaries and articles not based on primary data collection and reviews of existing registry data were excluded. There were no exclusions based on study design or methods. A descriptive numerical summary and thematic analysis were used to synthesise the literature.

FINDINGS

studies were included. The majority (n = 35) were published since 2014 and conducted in Saudi Arabia (n = 16). Four themes emerged: organisational impacts, patient safety, quality of care, and patient satisfaction and experience. The literature generally highlights positive impacts of accreditation, but most studies were based solely on health professionals' subjective perceptions. "Organisational impacts" had the largest, and strongest body of supporting evidence, while "patient safety" had the least and most variable evidence.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

Opportunities to strengthen the design and evaluation of hospital accreditation programmes in the selected countries are highlighted. Additional experimental, mixed-method research is recommended to strengthen the evidence base and inform practical enhancements to hospital accreditation programmes in the region.