EPHI provides ToT on Laboratory Quality Management System
July 14, 2014
The Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) provides a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Laboratory Quality Management System.According to the training coordinators, the training attracted 46 participants from Regional Laboratories, Federal Hospitals, Partner organizations and Universities. After having the training, participant universities are expected to inculcate the Laboratory Quality Management System in their respective curriculum and the training is also planed to be cascaded at all regions and universities
During the training, all the 12 quality system essentials were explained and detailed discussions on the national quality system program and accreditation process were held. In addition to that, interpretation of EQA result feedback from international EQA providers were presented and discussed.
It is known that, Laboratory services plays an important role in supporting clinical management of patients, as well as early detection and management of disease outbreaks and scientific researches. At the same time, Accreditation provides a visible commitment by an organization to improve the quality of patient care and services, ensure a safe environment and continually work to reduce risks to patients and staff.
Accreditation has gained worldwide attention as an effective quality evaluation and management tool. Due to this, the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) has started the WHO-AFRO Stepwise Laboratory Accreditation Process. The program is designed to allow public health laboratories to make incremental progress from 1 to 5 star accreditation based on a WHO assessment using 12 elements of Quality Management System Essentials. These elements include: organization and personnel, equipment, information management, process control, internal & external quality assessment, as well as facilities and safety. The institute has already started the initiative for 39 selected laboratories and conducted the first phase of training on Strengthening Laboratory Management towards Accreditation (SLMTA) to hasten the process.
It is known that, Laboratory services plays an important role in supporting clinical management of patients, as well as early detection and management of disease outbreaks and scientific researches. At the same time, Accreditation provides a visible commitment by an organization to improve the quality of patient care and services, ensure a safe environment and continually work to reduce risks to patients and staff.
Accreditation has gained worldwide attention as an effective quality evaluation and management tool. Due to this, the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) has started the WHO-AFRO Stepwise Laboratory Accreditation Process. The program is designed to allow public health laboratories to make incremental progress from 1 to 5 star accreditation based on a WHO assessment using 12 elements of Quality Management System Essentials. These elements include: organization and personnel, equipment, information management, process control, internal & external quality assessment, as well as facilities and safety. The institute has already started the initiative for 39 selected laboratories and conducted the first phase of training on Strengthening Laboratory Management towards Accreditation (SLMTA) to hasten the process.
In addition to the selected laboratories for the first round accreditation initiative, all other laboratories in the country are expected be aware of the initiative and be ready for the implementation of the Quality Management System towards the provision of quality assured laboratory services.