Challenges and enablers of laboratory accreditation of hubs in central Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Reliable laboratory services are vital to a high-quality health care system since they play a crucial role in detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease in patients. The accreditation of laboratory improves facilitation of accurate and rapid diagnostics, efficiency of treatment and reduction of errors in the laboratory process. The exercise is not about who the best is, but who has a system of standard procedures with aim to improve the quality and patient safety. However, in most of the developing countries, despite the continuous efforts provided in terms of trainings, mentorship visits to the sites and availing standard requirements to the laboratory staff, the quality of laboratory service delivery has remained suboptimal which forestalls accreditation. Objectives: The study aimed at investigating the challenges and enablers of laboratory accreditation of hubs in central Uganda, and identified respondents’ recommendations required to enhance laboratory accreditation of these hubs. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study that used qualitative methods for data collection. A key informant interview guide was used to collect the data from respondents who included 22 laboratory managers in the hubs enrolled on the accreditation program. Data analysis: The audio data was transcribed verbatim and manually analyzed to identify themes. Codes based on the study objectives were developed to capture thematic patterns. The identified codes were then summarized capturing key themes related to perceptions of respondents towards laboratory accreditation of hubs in central Uganda. Results: The results showed that the challenges impacting laboratory accreditation of hubs in central Uganda included; laboratory personnel knowledge gap, low staff qualification, turnover, and negative attitude of laboratory staff. The enablers of laboratory accreditation of hubs were; key role given to a person, adequate number of staff, standard infrastructure and laboratory space, and management support. The respondents’ recommendations to enhance laboratory accreditation of hubs included; continuous SLMTA trainings, CMEs, mentorships, Audits, support by implementing partners, and financial stability. Conclusion: According to the challenges and enablers mentioned in the results section, focus should be on educating all the stakeholders. Policies like The Accreditation Service Act, 2021 should be taught to all stakeholders for the smooth sustainability of the program.