Competency Assessment on Gram Stain Examination and Interpretation among Medical Laboratory Professionals working in selected Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2017-12
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
Background: Laboratory test results are the cornerstone for patient diagnosis and treatment. Gram staining is one of the classic laboratory test method actively used to differentiate bacteria. However, gram stain examination and interpretation is difficult for medical laboratory professionals as it requires multiple observations and years of experience. In Ethiopia, no published evidence about competency assessment of medical laboratory professionals’ gram staining technique was available. Such kind of information could help to identify gaps and make suggestions to academicians, researchers and policy makers to address competency gaps.
Objective: To assess the competency of medical laboratory professionals on gram stain examination and interpretation in selected hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess competency of medical laboratory professionals on gram stain examination and interpretation from September 2015 to December 2017. Purposive sampling method was used and panel slides were prepared from Known bacterial strains in American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Data were collected from190 participants based on examination and interpretation of six gram stained panel slides and response for 15 multiple questions. When then entered data into a REDCap software and analysis was performed by R software. The study used Bloom’s cut off point to describe knowledge and skill of the respondents.
Results: From 190 participants, 55(28.9%) participants scored low knowledge, 131(68.9%) scored medium knowledge and only 4(2.1%) respondents scored high knowledge. Forty eight (25.3%), 78(41%) and 64(33.7%) participants scored low, medium and high skill level from a total of 190 participants, respectively.
Conclusion: Most Medical laboratory professionals are working without supervision and refresher training on gram stain examination and interpretation. Hence, the knowledge level and skill level of medical laboratory professionals are not satisfactory. Regular competence assessment, training and follow up are necessary to improve Medical Laboratory Professional competence.
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Knowledge and skill, Competence, Gram stain, Medical laboratory professionals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia