Check and make improvements to the answer provided for the question given with appropriate APA style referencing:

QUESTION :

Activity 11.1 Discuss some types of performance that you as a Laboratory manager have to control in your sub-divisional hospital laboratory setting. Support your discussion with some examples?

Activity 11.2 Discuss how you as a manager can control your staff to make necessary changes in your sub-divisional hospital laboratory setting. Support your discussion with some examples?

ANSWER :

Activity 11.1: Types of Performance Control in a Hospital Laboratory Setting

As a laboratory manager in a sub-divisional hospital, it's crucial to control various aspects of performance to ensure the laboratory operates efficiently and effectively. Here are some types of performance that I have to control, along with examples:

Quality Control: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results is paramount. This involves regular calibration of equipment, monitoring for errors, and implementing quality assurance programs. For example, running daily quality control samples alongside patient samples and reviewing the results to identify any issues.

Turnaround Time: Controlling the time it takes to deliver test results is essential for patient care. This involves setting clear guidelines for acceptable turnaround times for different types of tests and monitoring the laboratory's ability to meet those targets.

Cost Control: Managing the budget is vital to prevent overspending and ensure that resources are used efficiently. This may include monitoring reagent usage, optimizing staff scheduling, and negotiating with suppliers for better prices on laboratory supplies.

Staff Productivity: Ensuring that laboratory staff are working efficiently and effectively. This could involve setting productivity targets, implementing time management strategies, and monitoring the workload of each employee.

Compliance and Safety: Ensuring that the laboratory complies with all relevant regulations and safety standards. This includes monitoring compliance with CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations, and conducting safety audits to identify and rectify hazards.

Customer Service: Maintaining a high level of service for both internal (hospital staff) and external (patients and referring physicians) customers. This may involve regular feedback collection, addressing complaints, and implementing staff training programs.

Inventory Management: Efficiently managing laboratory supplies and reagents to prevent shortages or wastage. For example, implementing a just-in-time inventory system and closely monitoring stock levels.

Activity 11.2: Managing Staff for Necessary Changes

Controlling and managing staff to implement necessary changes in a hospital laboratory setting is vital for adapting to evolving medical practices and improving performance. Here's how I would approach this:

Effective Communication: Clearly communicate the need for change to your staff. Share the reasons for change, potential benefits, and the expected impact on their roles. For example, if you're implementing a new testing technology, explain how it will improve efficiency and patient care.

Training and Development: Provide training and development opportunities to help staff acquire the necessary skills for the changes. If you're introducing new equipment, invest in training sessions and certifications for the team.

Incentives and Recognition: Recognize and reward employees who embrace and excel in the changes. This can be done through bonuses, promotions, or public recognition within the organization.

Feedback and Involvement: Encourage staff to provide feedback on the proposed changes and involve them in the decision-making process. For instance, if you're redesigning workflow processes, seek input from the lab technicians who work on the front lines.

Monitoring and Accountability: Set clear targets and performance metrics related to the changes. Regularly monitor progress and hold employees accountable for meeting these objectives. Provide constructive feedback during performance evaluations.

Change Management Teams: Form interdisciplinary teams to manage specific change initiatives. These teams can include representatives from different departments, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility for the success of the changes.

Sustainability Measures: Implement mechanisms to ensure that changes are sustained over time. This may involve creating policies and procedures that support the new processes and conducting periodic audits.

By employing these strategies and incorporating the feedback and expertise of your staff, you can effectively control and manage changes in your sub-divisional hospital laboratory setting, ultimately improving its performance and patient care.