CLINICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY TESTING

EVALUATION AT QUAID-E-AZAM MEDICAL COLLEGE, BAHAWALPUR AFTER AUTONOMY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the affect of autonomy on clinical chemical
testing in pathology department Quaid-i-Azam Medical College and to assess the change in the attitudes of
laboratorians and physicians Study design: Retrospective and comparative. Duration of study: 1-11-93 to 01-11-03
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out from 1-11-93 to 01-11 03 in which records from 1-11-93
to 1-11-03 were collected and evaluated .Separate record of each month’s revenue from clinical chemistry section was
calculated. In order to determine what changes have been brought about after autonomy a universal questionnaire
was used to assess the attitudes of physicians and surgeons of hospital inquiring whether they noticed any
improvement in the efficiency of clinical chemical test results after autonomy. 620 doctors were interviewed through
structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to assess the knowledge , attitude and practices of doctors
towards autonomy. In order to determine that who is the most beneficent of autonomy ,different records were
collected. and discussions were made with consultants. Results: Autonomy brought about a healthy change in the staff
of clinical chemical section. Quality control has improved the morale of lab staff since technical deviations are more
readily identified and corrected within the lab, gross errors are rarely found by the clinicians and so their respect for
and confidence in the lab has strengthened Replenishment of chemicals/reagents are timely made. The number of
available test has significantly increased which in turn has significantly raised the revenue generated since autonomy is awarded. Pilferage of chemicals has been stopped. Turn around time has been decreased. Clinical Chemical section
participates in External Quality Assessment Scheme, NEQAPP (National External Quality Assessment Program
Pakistan),which is an essential part of the routine of a well –run lab. Patient is the most beneficent since autonomy is
awarded to QMC/BVH, BWP. Conclusions: A significant improvement in the efficiency of the analytical performance
has strengthened the faith of laboratorians and physicians in the test results after autonomy