An important revision to the May issue of QMP–LS News has been published to clarify confusion of an example provided with the Eye on OLA article: QMP–LS refines definition of a major non-conformance.
The purpose of the Eye on OLA article was to emphasize that any non-conformance that has the potential to directly affect a laboratory examination result and/or the patient outcome is to be considered a potential risk to patient safety and categorized as a “Major” non-conformance. However, the original example used to illustrate a potential risk to patient safety was “the lack of critical value definition for the D-dimer test.” This example was inappropriate and has been retracted. QMP–LS apologizes for the resulting confusion. Below is a D-dimer clinical review and comment from the Hematology Committee.
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In celebration of National Medical Laboratory Week, IQMH, along with its partners the Quality Management Program—Laboratory Services (QMP–LS) and Ontario Laboratory Accreditation (OLA) have created a video showcasing the work medical laboratory professionals do.
The video highlights the work of Gaman Modi, an Ontario laboratory professional who travelled to Tanzania to help the lab at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital prepare for ISO 15189 accreditation. Using knowledge he gained as a member of the initial OLA Advisory Panel and an Ontario laboratory quality management professional, Gaman’s goal was to transfer the knowledge he gained locally and let the staff at the hospital take the lead in the project.
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All laboratories undergoing assessment and all assessors are advised that QMP–LS has refined its definition of a major non-conformance to clarify what types of issues constitute a potential risk to patient safety.
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By Linda Crawford, Director, Ontario Laboratory Accreditation (OLA)
When OLA was implemented in 2003 for Ontario’s medical laboratories, it introduced the ”process approach” to the laboratory workplace. This concept is exemplified in these ways:
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Realization that the old hierarchical management structure (question the boss? – never!) is less productive than an environment in which all activities are designed with the input of the employees who perform them (empowerment).
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Recognition that all duties performed by staff fit into an over-arching road map that outlines all the work we do (a flow chart or process map), understanding that the reason we do these things must be clear, that duties in this road map are made up of inputs and outputs that connect them to each other, and that this recognition can drive efficiency.
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Acknowledgment that it is the pursuit of quality that leads us to provide the best possible patient care, and therefore the importance of describing this pursuit (the quality system).
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May 5–6
Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton – Niagara Falls
6039 Fallsview Boulevard
Niagara Falls, ON
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June 9, 2011, will mark World Accreditation Day, a global initiative jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation-related activities.
As in previous years, the day will be celebrated across the world with the hosting of major national events, seminars, and press and media coverage, to communicate the value of accreditation to government, regulators and the leaders of the business community.
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By Nikki Rampersad
QMP–LS News available in new easy-to-print version
Last month marked a new chapter in the history of QMP–LS News. As you can see, the newsletter has been revitalized by using a dynamic web version that gives readers all of the relevant articles and announcements they expect along with new features such as embedded video, the ability to submit comments and the option of subscribing to an RSS feed.
Readers were introduced to this new format in the April issue of QMP–LS News and, as expected, we received valuable feedback from you. Many of these comments focused on the need to have a complete version of the online articles that was easy to print and circulate to others. We used your comments as an opportunity to improve and further enhance the newsletter's accessibility by creating a PDF version that could be printed and distributed. This version also includes PDF bookmarks and hyperlinks to improve functionality.
To access the print version go to the Print Version of Newsletter box on the right sidebar.
Thank you for your feedback and please continue to comment on articles. If you have any questions or comments regarding QMP–LS News, you can also submit your feedback through our Submit Feedback page.
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