Perceived Determinants of Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures among Laboratory Personnel as per the Staff in Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

Laboratory errors are a major burden in health care systems. To reduce laboratory errors and increase laboratory quality, international health organizations such as the World Health Organization developed laboratory quality management systems (QMS). One of the QMS essentials (Documents and Records) contains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). SOPs are step-by-step instructions that laboratory personnel use as a guide in performing laboratory procedures. Thus, adhering to SOPs ensures consistency, accuracy, and quality of laboratory procedures, thereby increasing laboratory data quality and reducing errors. However, studies in Kenya have shown low percentage results in evaluating documents and records, which means low adherence to SOPs. This study aimed to identify the determinants of adherence to SOPs. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in two conveniently selected hospitals (Tenwek Mission Hospital and Longisa County Referral Hospital) in Bomet County, Kenya. Four focused group discussions and eight key informant interviews were done. Based on the objectives, collected data were analyzed using manual coding and thematic analysis. The study identified themes that determine adherence to SOPs which mainly are the working environment, and factors that promote adherence to SOPs are professional education, leadership factors, and work environment. Key areas that needed intervention on SOPs adherence are personal reasons, professional education, and quality equipment. Professional education and leadership have been suggested for the sustenance of intervention. Recommendations to hospitals to increase opportunities for professional education and to increase the number of staff to help lower workload are made.