COURSE OVERVIEW
This course delves into the concept of ‘risk of harm to the patient’ as a consequence of errors associated with a laboratory report. It also looks into strategies of ‘risk management’ that could be adopted in order to minimize these risks.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
This course focuses on risk management in clinical laboratories. Risk of errors being committed extends through all phases of the laboratory cycle which includes the pre-examination, examination and post-examination phases. With the help of examples drawn from laboratory scenarios, the concept and practices of risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation and risk mitigation will be discussed at length. We will provide practical guidance in line with the new international standard ISO 15189: 2022 which places an increased emphasis on risk management.
Laboratory errors are not uncommon and more importantly, they have the potential to cause patient harm. There are myriads of ways that these errors could occur. Although the laboratory may be viewed upon as the source of error; it is important to realise that, not infrequently, these errors might have their origins, from lapses on the part of non-laboratory personnel involved in patient care. The masterclass will look at how we can engage all stakeholders, to pave the way for discussions and deliberations; action plans and finally implementation of risk management within their own sphere of activities, all of which will ultimately translate into better patient care.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The relevance of ‘risk of harm to the patient’ due to errors originating from laboratory results
How risk encompasses all phases of the laboratory cycle (the brain-to-brain loop)
Risk management plan
Risk Identification using FMEA and FRACAS
Risk Analysis and evaluation: How to estimate the impact of errors on patient care
Risk Mitigation strategies and risk management
Examples of risk management: pre-examination phase
Examples of risk management: Examination phase
Examples of risk management: Post examination phase
Risk management as dealt with in ISO 15189:2022. How it provides a framework for implementing risk management.
