Clinical Bacteriology - Essay Example

To achieve Total Quality Management, a Quality System—defined as the organizational structure and resources needed to implement quality requirements (Kumari and Bhatia, 2003, p. 20)—must be established. The organizational management and structure, the referential (quality) standards, documentation, assessment (monitoring and evaluation), and training are all part of Quality Systems. Proper delegation of responsibilities and appropriate distribution of workload will provide balance to the systems as well as make a stable foundation for the workflow.

Standards for quality measurement are also critical not only in ensuring the uniformity but also in the assurance of providing quality output all the time. Proper documentation and assessment of the workflow usually define the level of progress the system will be able to achieve. A thorough evaluation of the whole process may uncover loopholes, weaknesses, and possible sources of errors in the production line. Identifying these flaws is the first step in developing its solution. Henceforth, training of the workforce and continuous update of protocols must be implemented for the whole group to improve.3. Quality AuditAside from the Quality System, Quality Audit is also important for the improvement of the laboratory.

As explained by Kumari and Bhatia (2003), Quality Audits are established to verify the effectiveness of the activities of the laboratory. This is to test whether the implemented actions do solve and/or accomplish its designated target. A separate team, either another group within the laboratory (internal audits) or a group not within the laboratory (external audits), usually handles these concerns to achieve an impartial view and judgment.4. Quality ImprovementImprovement is not a one-step thing.

It is continuous. It is vital for the system to repeatedly plan, do (implement), check and act (continuously work on) towards their target. This is called Quality Improvement (Kumari and Bhatia, 2003). To stop is to degrade. The laboratory must make Quality Improvement a habit.5. Document ControlEven after diligent management, some flaws may only reveal itself in the output. It is critical to have complete documentation of such occurrences. It will provide a good prediction of future occurrences as well as a good sign for the need of re-assessment.

Documentation of that particular output is, thus, very much needed. These documents will help in identifying the source of the problem, in devising solutions and preventive measures, in finding a response to complaints, and in preventing further similar occurrences. (see Therapeutic Goods Administration 1990)