GLOBAL HEALTH : The Role of Laboratory Leadership and Governance in Quality Management System Sustainability
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In the work conducted by APHL and the two laboratories , it became evident that leadership-supported governance structures resulted in laboratory leaders performing above average .
In the two years during which APHL worked with the laboratories to implement leadership and governance , both laboratories increased their testing capacities and experienced 100 % staff retention . County and facility laboratory leaders created leadership cascades that allow a systemic leadership approach rather than a personnel-centered leadership approach . This meant there was more willingness for the laboratory managers to delegate functions and authority to their deputies , and quality managers experienced a growth in their capacity to lead . Laboratory sections were managed by appointed section heads in contrast to the earlier structure where all responsibility and authority were concentrated within one leader .
Both laboratories achieved accreditation in 15 months and were able to fund their laboratory budgets , which included paying accreditation fees . Synergy between the hospital management and the laboratory leadership was established , enabling them to work together effectively for the good of the public ’ s health . g
INFECTIOUS DISEASES : Self-testing and Self-collection : What ’ s Next ?
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FDA approval or clearance are difficult for an individual laboratory to pursue .
Ryan Karsner , MD , FDA , joined the roundtable conversation to share his perspective . He indicated that the FDA was open to reviewing and approving self-tests and self-collected specimen collection devices if manufacturers submit data to ensure safety and effectiveness . He discussed that risks still exist , which need to be mitigated , such as ensuring clear interpretations for self-tests , transport and disposal issues for home-based self-collection devices . He also mentioned that self-tests may not have performance characteristics equivalent to clinic-based collection and laboratory-based testing . Feedback from the audience to Karsner focused on the need for more guidance from FDA to get these tests and devices to market .
These topics continue to prove challenging as public health aims to increase access to testing , particularly for underserved populations , while also maintaining high-quality testing . As experts in diagnostic testing , the laboratory community should remain engaged in this discussion to help shape the development of self-testing and selfcollection models and determine what role laboratories will play in the future . g
TRAINING WORKFORCE AND DEVELOPMENT : APHL Career Pathways Program Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine ’ s 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award
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mentoring , teaching , research and successful programs and initiatives . The APHL Career Pathways program will be featured , along with 79 other recipients , in the September 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine .
“ We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success , dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students ,” says Lenore Pearlstein , owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine . “ We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM . We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond .” g
36 LAB MATTERS Fall 2023
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