Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Laboratory Quality Assurance among Medical Technologists in Selected Level III Hospitals in Davao City

Abstract

Quality assurance is essential in every institution, particularly in a laboratory setting to achieve and maintain quality, reliable, relevant, and timely test results. Despite the compliance in many laboratories in the Philippines, data presented by surveys such as the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) showed that more than 50% of laboratories did not pursue accreditation. In this study, the researchers assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices on laboratory quality assurance among medical technologists in selected level III hospitals in Davao City. A descriptive quantitative study and inferential statistical research tools were used as the research design. Survey questionnaires were utilized to draw data from the respondents coming from Brokenshire hospital and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao city. Data gathered were encoded in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Microsoft Excel, R, and SPSS. The findings of this study showed that some statements were answered incorrectly in terms of knowledge. Meanwhile regarding attitude, an absolute majority (100%) concur that practicing quality assurance significantly contributes to customer satisfaction, accurate processes and results, increased quality of output, performance improvement and efficiency, collaboration, personal responsibility, and professional growth. In terms of practice, most of the respondents were compliant. Regarding perceived impediments, most respondents attributed quality assurance to be time-consuming (36%), costly (63%), requiring extra credentials, advanced skills, and additional training (58%). As to sociodemographic factors, educational attainment (p=0.163), income (p=0.286), position (p=0.026), and length of practice (p=0.373) did not affect the practice of respondents (p>0.05). This study recommends the assessment of the correlation between the knowledge, attitudes and practices, and to further correlate knowledge and attitudes with the sociodemographic factors.