Review Article

A comprehensive review of the SLMTA literature part 2: Measuring success

Elizabeth T. Luman, Katy Yao, John N. Nkengasong
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 3, No 2 | a276 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v3i2.276 | © 2014 Elizabeth T. Luman, Katy Yao, John N. Nkengasong | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 24 October 2014 | Published: 03 November 2014

About the author(s)

Elizabeth T. Luman, International Laboratory Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Katy Yao, International Laboratory Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
John N. Nkengasong, International Laboratory Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Abstract

Background: Since its introduction in 2009, the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme has been implemented in 671 laboratories in 47 countries.

Objective: We completed a systematic review of the published literature on SLMTA. The review consists of two companion papers; this article examines quantitative evidence presented in the publications along with a meta-analysis of selected results.

Methods: We identified 28 published articles with data from SLMTA implementation. The SLMTA programme was evaluated through audits based on a standard checklist, which is divided into 12 sections corresponding to the 12 Quality System Essentials (QSEs). Several basic service delivery indicators reported by programmes were also examined. Results for various components of the programme were reviewed and summarised; a meta-analysis of QSE results grouped by the three stages of the quality cycle was conducted for 126 laboratories in 12 countries.

Results: Global programme data show improved quality in SLMTA laboratories in every country, with average improvements on audit scores of 25 percentage points. Meta-analysis identified Improvement Management as the weakest stage, with internal audits (8%) and occurrence management (16%) showing the lowest scores. Studies documented 19% – 95% reductions in turn-around times, 69% – 93% reductions in specimen rejection rates, 76% – 81% increases in clinician satisfaction rates, 67% – 85% improvements in external quality assessment results, 50% – 66% decreases in nonconformities and 67% increases in staff punctuality.

Conclusions: The wide array of results reported provides a comprehensive picture of the SLMTA programme overall, suggesting a substantive impact on provision of quality laboratory services and patient care. These comprehensive results establish a solid data-driven foundation for program improvement and further expansion.


Keywords

No related keywords in the metadata.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 6367
Total article views: 9338

 

Crossref Citations

1. Implementation research: a mentoring programme to improve laboratory quality in Cambodia
Lucy A Perrone, Vireak Voeurng, Sophat Sek, Sophanna Song, Nora Vong, Chansamrach Tous, Jean-Frederic Flandin, Deborah Confer, Alexandre Costa, Robert Martin
Bulletin of the World Health Organization  vol: 94  issue: 10  first page: 743  year: 2016  
doi: 10.2471/BLT.15.163824