Developing Laboratory Service Models Towards International Standards ISO 15189:2012, ISO 15190:2003: A Case Study of Kok Pho Hospital, Pattani

Laboratory Service Models Towards International Standards

Abstract

         The medical laboratory in the hospital plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare services, particularly in the treatment process, and responding to the needs of the local population. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a laboratory service model to meet international standards ISO 15189 and ISO 15190, using the Khok Pho Hospital as a case study. The study was conducted in 3 steps: 1) Study the situation and laboratory service requirements using geographical data analysis and organizing focus group discussions. 2) Develop the laboratory service format to international standards by incorporating the findings from step 1. Outline the laboratory service format to international standards under the name KP.LAB.INTER. Model. and 3) Examine the laboratory service format by two main criteria: a) assessment to meet international standards from the Ministry of Public Health and b) customer satisfaction. The research results indicated that the laboratory was certified with ISO 15189:2012 and ISO 15190:2003 standards after operating under the KP.LAB.INTER. Model. On the first occasion, the laboratory was registered in 2019, with registration number 4216/62, and ranked 175th. The laboratory was certified and accredited in 2022, by the Bureau of Laboratory Quality standards, Ministry of Public Health. After evaluating satisfaction from service recipients in the area, by comparing the average satisfaction level (3.50), it was found that the laboratory service recipients at Khok Pho Hospital are satisfied at a significant level of 0.05 in all aspects. This indicates that the KP.LAB.INTER. Model. The model is capable of leading the laboratory through international standards. Therefore, the operating model in this laboratory can be used as a guideline for operational improvement towards international standards.