International Journal of Medical Laboratory Research (IJMLR)

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TO REDUCE PREANALYTICAL ERRORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL BASED LABORATORY IN NORTH INDIA

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Anita Rani, Arpita Saxena, Sukanya Gangopadhyay

 

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Preanalytical variables account for maximum percentage of errors in lab reports. Analyzing knowledge, attitude and practices of technicians regarding preanalytical variables will give us insight to many future policies/decisions. Materials and Methods: This study was aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices among medical laboratory personnel regarding pre-analytical variables in biochemistry laboratory before and after training sessions using questionnaire involving 32 technicians.  Prevalidated knowledge attitude and practice questionnaire was given to all the participants before and after training session.  Results: The study included a total of 32 laboratory technicians who were sub-grouped on the basis of experience; group A ≤5yrs experience and group B >5yrs. Pre-training knowledge showed significant positive correlation with the years of experience. Knowledge score was average in 34% technicians which became good (>75%) in all participants after training. Attitude was in good category (50-75% score) in all even before training. With training, it showed statistically significant further improvement in both groups especially in the more experienced group. However, practice score was average in all participants. But it improved very significantly (p=0.0001) after training.  Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude regarding preanalytical variables is better in experienced technicians. However, the practices for preventing preanalytical errors are not up to the mark in both groups; but it improves significantly with training. Thus laboratories should be engaged in frequent training activities as it takes a lot of effort both at individual and management level to put knowledge and attitude into practice.

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KEY WORDS: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Preanalytical variables, prevalidated, questionnaire.

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