Quality management
Define what is meant by internal Quality Control (IQC), external Quality Assurance (EQA) and Total
Quality Management (TQM). How are IQC and EQA governed in your workplace?
Provide examples of the measures, and potential failures, of these 3 quality systems. In addition,
describe the protocol you would follow if the IQC was out of range. Describe the protocol you would
follow if the EQC was not acceptable. Describe the protocol you would follow if there was a failure
of Total quality management.
700 words.
Vancouver referencing
Discuss the importance of communication, in all forms, in the professional laboratory
setting. How are different types of information distributed to staff in your laboratory?
What is your role in maintaining a good working environment? Include how you take
instructions and advice (including constructive criticism), give advice as well as offer
your professional opinion. What difficulties may be encountered, give examples, and
how are they resolved?
What staff and departments have you (& do you need to) interact with as a
professional practice student? (leave this question)
When verbally reporting results to a doctor or another healthcare professional, how do
you ensure they have correctly understood what you have reported?
(700 words)
Discuss the importance of communication, in all forms, in the professional laboratory
setting. How are different types of information distributed to staff in your laboratory?
What is your role in maintaining a good working environment? Include how you take
instructions and advice (including constructive criticism), give advice as well as offer
your professional opinion. What difficulties may be encountered, give examples, and
how are they resolved?
What staff and departments have you (& do you need to) interact with as a
professional practice student? (leave this question)
When verbally reporting results to a doctor or another healthcare professional, how do
you ensure they have correctly understood what you have reported?
(700 words)
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Internal Quality Control (IQC)
Internal quality control (IQC) is a system of checks and balances used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results. IQC procedures are performed on a regular basis, and the results are used to identify and correct any problems that may occur.
There are many different types of IQC procedures, but some common examples include:
Running control samples alongside patient samples
Using reference materials to calibrate equipment
Performing statistical analysis of results
IQC procedures are an essential part of any laboratory quality management system. By following these procedures, laboratories can help to ensure that their results are accurate and reliable.
External Quality Assurance (EQA)
External quality assurance (EQA) is a program that provides independent assessment of laboratory performance. EQA programs send participating laboratories samples that have been analyzed by a central laboratory. The participating laboratories then analyze the samples and compare their results to those of the central laboratory.
EQA programs are a valuable tool for assessing laboratory performance. By participating in EQA programs, laboratories can identify areas where they need to improve their performance.
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total quality management (TQM) is a management philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement of all aspects of an organization. TQM is based on the belief that everyone in an organization has a role to play in improving quality.
TQM can be applied to any organization, but it is particularly well-suited for laboratories. Laboratories are often complex organizations with many different departments and processes. TQM can help to improve communication and coordination between these departments and processes.
TQM can also help to improve the quality of laboratory results. By focusing on continuous improvement, TQM can help laboratories to identify and correct problems before they lead to inaccurate or unreliable results.
Governance of IQC and EQA
In my workplace, IQC and EQA are governed by a quality management committee. The committee is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for IQC and EQA. The committee also reviews the results of IQC and EQA programs and makes recommendations for improvement.
Measures and Potential Failures of IQC, EQA, and TQM
IQC, EQA, and TQM are all important quality systems that can help to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results. However, all three systems have the potential to fail.
Some potential failures of IQC include:
Improper use of control samples
Failure to calibrate equipment
Failure to perform statistical analysis of results
Some potential failures of EQA include:
Receiving samples that are not representative of patient samples
Not following the instructions provided by the EQA program
Not reporting results to the EQA program in a timely manner
Some potential failures of TQM include:
Lack of commitment from management
Lack of training for staff
Failure to identify and correct problems
Protocol for Out of Range IQC Results
If IQC results are out of range, the following protocol should be followed:
Repeat the analysis using a new set of controls.
If the results of the repeat analysis are also out of range, investigate the problem and take corrective action.
Report the problem to the quality management committee.
Protocol for Unacceptable EQC Results
If EQC results are unacceptable, the following protocol should be followed:
Review the results of the analysis and the instructions provided by the EQA program.
If the results are still unacceptable, investigate the problem and take corrective action.
Report the problem to the quality management committee.
Protocol for Failure of TQM
If TQM fails, the following protocol should be followed:
Identify the root cause of the failure.
Take corrective action to address the root cause.
Implement a plan to prevent the failure from happening again.
Importance of Communication in the Professional Laboratory Setting
Communication is essential in the professional laboratory setting. Communication is needed to:
Share information between staff
Provide instructions and feedback
Resolve problems
Improve patient care
There are many different ways to communicate in the laboratory, including:
Face-to-face conversations
Written reports
Email
Telephone calls
Meetings
The most effective way to communicate will vary depending on the situation. However, it is important to choose a communication method that will ensure that the message is received and understood.
Role in Maintaining a Good Working Environment
As a professional practice student, I have a role in maintaining a good working environment. I can do this by:
Being respectful of all staff
Being willing to help others
Being open to feedback
Being positive and supportive
