Improving the Laboratory Investigation Process at the Outpatient Department of Teaching Hospital Kalutara: A Quality Improvement Initiative

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the laboratory investigation process at the outpatient department (OPD) laboratory of Teaching Hospital, Kalutara, highlighting existing challenges and proposing feasible solutions for improvement. The OPD laboratory, which is essential in managing a high patient load across various specialties, faces issues related to a lack of standardized guidelines, legibility of request forms, sample handling, availability of consumables, equipment functionality, and staffing. These challenges contribute to long patient waiting times, missed investigations, and inconsistencies in report quality. Evidence-based recommendations include implementing a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) lab module, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), streamlining sample handling, and improving infrastructure and training. The proposed solutions aim to reduce waiting times, enhance patient care, and optimize resource utilization. By prioritizing actionable steps and involving key stakeholders, these measures will ensure continuous quality improvement and operational efficiency.