FROM THE BENCH
Massachusetts Successfully Completes Laboratory System Improvement Program Assessment
By Sanjib Bhattacharyya , PhD , associate laboratory director ; Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory ; Rebekka Davis , intern , Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory ; Kylee Noga , executive operations assistant , Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory ; Dawn Fukuda , ScM , assistant commissioner , Massachusetts Department of Public Health and director , Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences ; and Nicolas Epie , PhD , HCLD ( ABB ), director , State Public Health Laboratory , Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences , Massachusetts Department of Public Health
The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory ( SPHL ), Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences conducted its second Laboratory System Improvement Program ( L-SIP ) assessment on September 9 , 2024 . Due to the fact that the previous assessment was completed in 2008 , SPHL ’ s decision to conduct this assessment was based on the need to have an updated analysis to identify the system ’ s current strengths , identify improvement opportunities and obtain feedback from diverse partners . Fortyfive attendees representing 18 clinical , environmental , academic and research laboratories , and preparedness partners , as well as local , state and federal agencies participated in this recent assessment .
The L-SIP assessment day began with a welcoming address from Dr . Robert Goldstein , Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health . During the morning introductory session , the L-SIP process was reviewed with attendees , highlighting Essential Service # 2 as an example , to “ Investigate , diagnose , and address health problems and health hazards affecting the population .” Participants were then split into three breakout groups , each led by a facilitator . The facilitators were leaders from Indiana Public Health Laboratory ,
Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Dr . Robert Goldstein gave welcoming remarks . Photo : Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory .
Table 1 .
Vermont Public Health Laboratory and Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory . The goal for each group was to evaluate the laboratory system performance for three of the 10 Essential Public Health Services , so that at the end of the day all 10 essential services had been discussed .
The groups rated how the current system is operating compared to the standards described for each Essential Service . Five of the Essential Services were rated as “ Significant ,” with 50 – 75 % of the performance described being met within the system ; four were rated as “ Moderate ,” with 25 – 50 % of the performance met ; and one was rated as “ Minimal ,” with a 0 – 25 % performance rating . ( Table 1 )
As attendees discussed the many strengths of the SPHL system , they also discussed program and service areas that could use improvement . For example , participants agreed the laboratory system was functioning well regarding sampling , testing and compliance , but felt that there is a strong need for staying on top of cutting-edge technologies and improving electronic communications and reporting . Other general focus areas for improvement included expanded partnerships , and better staff recruitment , training and retention . The L-SIP assessment data will provide guidance in planning next steps for the system improvements , mainly the Essential Services rated “ Minimal ” or “ Moderate ,” but also priorities that were identified in the “ Significant ” category . A subset of SPHL staff and leadership will continue to collaborate to address each of these areas through working groups and further partner feedback .
The proposed post-L-SIP activities include :
• Convene system partners on a regular basis as a method to improve communication and engage partners in action items .
• Form an advisory / steering committee and subcommittees with representation from the SPHL system to address minimally or moderately scored areas through strategic planning , and by identifying resource and funding opportunities .
6 LAB MATTERS Spring 2025
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