Quality Assurance and Data
This section contains discussion and/or specific guidelines for
the following topics:
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance for all aspects of the
testing process is mandatory to minimize error and enhance the reliability of
test results and treatment outcomes. Quality assurance also includes all
aspects of client care. Clinic staff must take the responsibility for ensuring
that quality assurance procedures are strictly adhered to throughout the entire
clinic experience.
Quality Assurance in Charting
All charts should have documentation of the
following activities:
- STD Risk Assessment
- Documentation of test result
- Follow-up treatment and counseling
- Partner management or partner referral
activities.
Self-assessment Checklist
Periodically, perform a
self-assessment to identify areas for improvement.
-
Do I always clean the exocervix?
-
Do
I rotate the swab in the endocervical canal the correct amount of time?
-
Do
I check to see that the swab is in the tube and the cap is securely fastened?
-
Do
I take the time to explain the treatment plan to the client adequately? Do I
encourage questions? Is there a plan in writing for the client to take with
her/him? Do I stress the importance of treating partners and offer guidance
on their treatment? Did I document the referral?
-
Did I complete the lab form/chlamydia data collection sheet in readable
script?
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Did I maintain confidentiality?
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Did I talk about correct, consistent condom usage?
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Did I chart correctly and completely?
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General Summary of Data
Collection and Reporting
The Region VI project
collects line-listed data as a funding requirement established by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. Data collection is necessary to ascertain
prevalence in testing sites/populations and to determine effectiveness of
screening programs. Data also provide a valuable quality assurance indicator
and a justification for funding.
Summary data reports are
available through state program directors. Clinic directors should provide
staff with periodic data reports analyzing test results. Reports should contain
summaries of types of test results, i.e., total numbers of positive, negative,
unsatisfactory, and inconclusive/indeterminate results. It is important to
investigate the reasons for unsatisfactory and inconclusive test results. These
reports should provide a profile of your clinic prevalence rates and risk
groups.
Any support staff who
complete portions of laboratory or data collection forms should be given
sufficient orientation/training to familiarize them with the Infertility
Prevention Program: its mission; its components; its deadlines; its reports.
It is hoped that proper training will enhance commitment to project
priorities. Obviously, it is critical that all forms be completed carefully
and legibly.
Region VI Ct Positivity
Rates in 15-24 year old Females by Clinic Type and Year (n = 201, 132)
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Case Study
Case 8:
One of the nurses in your clinic is
concerned because she dropped the swab on the floor after the specimen was
collected.
Question:
Should the specimen be used for testing? Why or
Why not?
(Case Study answers found in Appendix)
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NM Department of Health Family Planning Program
