An Assessment of Acceptance of Results as Generated by Clinical Laboratories in Mandeville Jamaica: A Perspective of Physicians Operating in Mandeville

Abstract

Physicians have received test results from laboratories which they deemed questionable and believe accepting such results could pose variable risk to the care of patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physicians’ acceptance and confidence in results generated by the laboratories in Mandeville and to identify the factors contributing to or associated with the determined level of acceptance and confidence. The study used a population survey to collect data from twenty –six (26) participants from the public and private medical practices around the town of Mandeville. The correlation between the number of repeated tests (dependent variable) and the level of acceptance of patient result was evaluated, r=1, p<0.001. Approximately 100% of the participants scored their level of acceptance of patient results between 7 and 9 out of 10 with a mean score of 8.5 and median score 9. There was a strong correlation (r= 1, p<0.001) between years of experience and the frequency with which tests were repeated. Laboratory accreditation and compliance with standards are two of the most important tools influencing accuracy of laboratory tests and ultimately test result. The quality of laboratory test result impact patient treatment and will determine physicians’ level of acceptance and confidence in the report generated.