Comparing the effectiveness of the intervention based on skills training in improving the quality of microbiology in medical diagnosis laboratories of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Management Affairs of Medical Laboratory, Vice President of Treatment Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

10.22038/mjms.2026.87194.4976

Abstract

Introduction: In medical diagnostic laboratories, microbiology departments rely on manual processes requiring expert skills, making training crucial for service quality and error reduction. This study assessed the impact of skills-based training on service quality within microbiology departments of hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Method: This quasi-experimental study, conducted in three phases, evaluated the effectiveness of a skills-based intervention. The phases included: (1) pre-analytic (field surveys and expert meetings to identify key challenges), (2) Analytic (review of past reports, field visits, and expert meetings), and (3) post-analytic (meetings with laboratory technical officials).
Findings: Follow-up visits evaluated the effectiveness of training courses. The three hospitals with the largest increases in scores (out of 100 points) following the training were: Hospital A (83%), Hospital B (77%), and Hospital C (71%), based on assessments in the second half of 1402. This reflects an increase from their pre-training scores in the first half of 1402: Hospital A (51%), Hospital B (52%), and Hospital C (60%).
Conclusion: The training intervention improved the implementation of the quality assurance program and service quality by significantly reducing non-conformities.

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References

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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 69, Issue 4
May 2026
Pages 492-498

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