Quality Of Laboratory Services In Arua District,Uganda

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Uganda started implementing Structured Laboratory Quality Systems in 2011 in Three modes of External Quality Assurance, Laboratory Quality Management Systems and Strengthening Laboratory Management towards Accreditation. Like most African countries, Quality of Laboratory services in Uganda is at its infancy stage. This study will, therefore, document the quality of Laboratory services in Arua District. Methodology: A purposively sampled facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Public health facilities in Arua District in September 2017. The study population was 20 Laboratory Technical officers with a sample size of 20 health facilities. A tool adapted from PEPFAR SIMS facility master tool and SLIPTA was used, observations were done and Laboratory records assessed. Results: Overall, structurally 40% of the Laboratories assessed were ranked poor while 20% Were ranked very good. Process dimension showed that 30% ranked good while 25% ranked poor. From the outcome perspective, 25% of the Laboratories ranked very good, 25% ranked very poor. Overall, 25% of the Laboratories were ranked good, 25% ranked moderate while 20% were ranked very good in delivering quality Laboratory services. Conclusion: The study concluded that the quality of Laboratory services in Arua District is generally good. Recommendations: The District needs to provide adequate staffing to cater for the available workload All Laboratories be enrolled on LQMS and or SLMTA program and be audited