Job Description

Oversees the comprehensive quality assurance and improvement framework for the Clinical Laboratory, ensures adherence to regulatory standards, accrediting agencies' guidelines, and optimal patient service quality. Participates directly in the development, implementation, documentation, and maintenance of robust systems to manage the quality of laboratory testing services. Provides specialized technical support to Quality Technologists and assists in ensuring adherence to accreditation benchmarks.

Quality Assurance Program:

• Participates in the implementation, documentation, and maintenance of an effective system for managing the quality of laboratory testing services, including Point of Care Testing (POCT) throughout the Clinical Laboratory, Outpatient and Satellite Clinics.
• Provides technical expertise to assist the Medical Technologists in ensuring that all testing decision-making is done with the appropriate quality control material and procedures in place and meets all accreditation requirements.
• Develops appropriate strategies to ensure the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) documentation requirements are met.
• Assists in the selection and implementation of statistical quality control procedures.
• Provides technical expertise and consultation to implement quality practice tools and techniques as part of the routine laboratory operation.
• Implements and trains staff on the use of quality protocols, and manual/computer applications for analytical method evaluation, statistical quality control validation and control, reference value verification, and process control.
• Participates in meetings that review quality activities and use the information gained to update quality planning and to suggest corrections to quality problems. Maintains an awareness of overall laboratory performance and how well the laboratory meets the requirements of its users.

Proficiency Testing Program:

• Reviews the external quality control program, including proficiency testing programs, to ensure that the Laboratory meets licensure regulations. Facilitates selection and enrollment in appropriate proficiency testing programs to meet regulations and accreditation guidelines.
• Receives and reviews proficiency testing scores and evaluation summaries. Informs quality senior technologists, supervisors, and faculty of potential problems, and recommends corrective actions and training related to proficiency testing failures.
• Maintains central proficiency testing records and provides an annual report of proficiency testing performance.

Method Validation:

• Supports method validation studies by consulting on study design and data analysis, and reviews studies to determine the adequacy and correctness of conclusions.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of systems and applications to assist in the development of quality activities.
• Reviews method validation write-ups to ensure that they meet quality requirements for testing.
• Ensures all documentation and records of method evaluations meet regulatory requirements.

Accreditation Program:

• Maintains knowledge of current regulatory and accreditation requirements for all accrediting agencies which impact the operations of the Laboratory.
• Maintains knowledge of American Hospital Dubai's Policies and Procedures related to quality and safety, and any impact on Clinical Laboratory policies and procedures, quality planning and improvement approaches, or systems and outcomes analysis.
• Coordinates all communications with accrediting agencies related to testing changes, proficiency testing orders and updates, and renewal of accreditation certificates.
• Coordinates activities related to application, on-site and self-inspection of the Clinical Laboratory as they are conducted in the manner required by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA), and Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
• Assists in on-site inspections of the Clinical Laboratory by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA), and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) as directed by the Director of the Clinical Laboratory.
• Serves as a member of an off-site College of American Pathologists survey team, as requested.
• Coordinates any other activities required for the laboratory to retain accreditation and maintain the ability to perform testing in American Hospital Dubai, including Point of Care Testing (POCT) and ensures that all accreditation certificates are up to date.

Quality Improvement Activities:

• Leads and participates in defining, evaluating, and revising the Laboratory’s quality systems.
• Leads and facilitates sub-teams to examine quality practices and formulate standard operating procedures across the Laboratory.
• Conducts data searches, analyses, trends, and summarises data to be used in the investigation of patient safety events, complaint follow-up, quality reports for clients, annual quality reports and other quality improvement activities of the clinical laboratories.
• Participates in reviewing quality monitors and in prioritising and reviewing quality improvement projects as a member of the Laboratory Quality Committee. Serves as support for the implementation of consistent monitors and quality tools across the laboratory.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team activities within and outside of the laboratory as directed.
• Serves as the expert resource for quality-related training for assigned service teams.
• Participates in the planning and delivery of laboratory-wide quality training as required.
• Keeps informed of quality-related training offered through American Hospital Dubai and professional organisations. Publicises these to laboratory staff. Evaluates the usefulness and recommends participation.
• Participates in the development of quality requirements (performance standards) and monitors for laboratory services; performs necessary research/literature review, including investigation of “current best practices” through benchmarking activities; participate in, evaluate, and improve processes for determining current/future requirements and expectations of the laboratory’s internal and external customers and accreditation bodies.
• Serves as the liaison and resource for reviewing and reporting events reported in Safe Point.
• Participate in the hiring and training of quality senior technologists and contribute information for use in work planning and annual performance appraisals, as requested.

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory or related field
• Current/Valid Dubai Health Authority (DHA) License

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a related field with three (3) years of supervisor experience in Quality and Point of Care Testing.
• Knowledge of Accreditation Practices such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA), and the like.
• Skills in laboratory and general computer applications preferred.
• Ability to speak and write in English fluently.