Original Research

Perceptions and attitudes toward SLMTA amongst laboratory and hospital professionals in Ethiopia

Adino D. Lulie, Tilahun M. Hiwotu, Achamyeleh Mulugeta, Adisu Kedebe, Habtamu Asrat, Abnet Abebe, Dereje Yenealem, Ebise Abose, Wondwossen Kassa, Amha Kebed, Mary K. Linde, Gonfa Ayana
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 3, No 2 | a233 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v3i2.233 | © 2014 Adino D. Lulie, Tilahun M. Hiwotu, Achamyeleh Mulugeta, Adisu Kedebe, Habtamu Asrat, Abnet Abebe, Dereje Yenealem, Ebise Abose, Wondwossen Kassa, Amha Kebed, Mary K. Linde, Gonfa Ayana | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 August 2014 | Published: 03 November 2014

About the author(s)

Adino D. Lulie, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Tilahun M. Hiwotu, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Achamyeleh Mulugeta, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Adisu Kedebe, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Habtamu Asrat, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Abnet Abebe, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Dereje Yenealem, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Ebise Abose, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Wondwossen Kassa, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Amha Kebed, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia
Mary K. Linde, Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), United States
Gonfa Ayana, Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) is a competency-based management training programme. Assessing health professionals’ views of SLMTA provides feedback to inform program planning, implementation and evaluation of SLMTA's training, communication and mentorship components.

Objectives: To assess laboratory professionals’ and hospital chief executive officers’ (CEOs) perceptions and attitudes toward the SLMTA programme in Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in March 2013 using a structured questionnaire to collect qualitative data from 72 laboratory professionals and hospital CEOs from 17 health facilities, representing all regions and two city administrations in Ethiopia. Focus groups were conducted with laboratory professionals and hospital administration to gain insight into the strengths and challenges of the SLMTA programme so as to guide future planning and implementation.

Results: Ethiopian laboratory professionals at all levels had a supportive attitude toward the SLMTA programme. They believed that SLMTA substantially improved laboratory services and acted as a catalyst for total healthcare reform and improvement. They also noted that the SLMTA programme achieved marked progress in laboratory supply chain, sample referral, instrument maintenance and data management systems. In contrast, nearly half of the participating hospital CEOs, especially those associated with low-scoring laboratories, were sceptical about the SLMTA programme, believing that the benefits of SLMTA were outweighed by the level of human resources and time commitment required. They also voiced concerns about the cost and sustainability of SLMTA.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for stronger engagement and advocacy with hospital administration and the importance of addressing concerns about the cost and sustainability of the SLMTA programme.


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