week 6 chapter 12

What does quality imply in healthcare?

A state of excellence, free from defects, that earns consumer confidence.

What are the key components of quality in healthcare delivery?

Patient safety and customer satisfaction.

What is the role of laboratory tests in healthcare?

They assist healthcare providers in diagnosing patients.

How is accuracy defined in the context of laboratory results?

The closeness of a result to the actual value.

What does precision refer to in laboratory testing?

The ability of a test to yield the same results upon repeated measures.

What does TQM stand for in healthcare?

Total Quality Management.

What is the main purpose of Total Quality Management (TQM)?

To identify customers and design operations that maximize satisfaction.

What does Quality Cost Management (QCM) involve?

Measuring and managing the cost associated with quality.

What is a Quality Management System (QMS)?

A structured system for achieving quality objectives.

Define Quality Assurance (QA).

A planned system to assess operational processes for quality.

How does Laboratory Quality Assurance ensure accuracy?

Through a range of activities assessing processes despite test method changes.

What is the focus of the QA program in a medical laboratory?

Ensuring patient outcomes through error detection and correction.

What are indicators in the context of quality assessment?

Observable events used as evidence to measure quality.

What is the role of Quality Control (QC)?

Ensuring specific steps in a process meet acceptable standards.

How are control materials used in laboratory testing?

To ensure equipment yields accurate test results.

What is the purpose of calibration?

To ensure equipment provides accurate results.

What are trends and shifts in quality control?

Systematic errors that indicate potential issues with testing.

What is Quality Assessment and Process Improvement (QAPI)?

Reviewing documentation to improve process and patient outcomes.

What does competency assessment document?

An employee's ability to perform assigned laboratory tasks correctly.

What is proficiency testing?

Evaluating laboratory performance compared to similar laboratories.

What organization requires documentation of proficiency testing in laboratories?

The College of American Pathologists (CAP).

What are the resources provided by the Joint Commission for quality improvement?

Tools and resources to help healthcare organizations meet standards.

What is Root Cause Analysis in quality improvement?

A methodology for improving quality and reducing process variation.

What is Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA)?

A method to identify and prioritize possible causes of process failure.

How does a laboratory ensure the correct patient is being tested?

By positive patient identification protocols.

What are SOPs in laboratory procedures?

Standard Operating Procedures detailing each test's requirements.

What happens if a quality control result is outside acceptable limits?

The source of the error must be investigated and corrected.

How important is the documentation of quality control checks?

It is essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

What is the purpose of controlling parameters in laboratory testing?

To ensure that tests produce reliable and consistent results.

What should be done if control materials are found expired?

They should be replaced before performing control tests.

What is the expected completeness of QA activities in laboratory testing?

They should be implemented from patient contact to result documentation.

What types of errors do trends and shifts in control data indicate?

Systematic errors due to aging reagents or control material.

What actions are taken in response to repeated control test failures?

Calibration, repair, or replacement of the testing equipment.

How are quality assurance activities relevant to patient safety?

They help ensure accurate testing and correction of mistakes before outcomes occur.

What does the medical laboratory's user manual contain?

SOPs for each test, including preparation and interpretation guidelines.

What does the Centers for Disease Control say about QA?

It encompasses activities maintaining high levels of accuracy and proficiency.

What is an example of a measurable indicator in quality achievements?

Wristband identification errors will be less than 1%.

What must laboratories do to maintain their accredited status?

Adhere to established SOPs and quality assurance protocols.