Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Critical Results Management among the Medical Laboratory Technologists in Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Critical results require immediate medical intervention. The study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices on critical results management among Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in southern province, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire with the participation of 85 MLTs. The results were analysed using SPSS software version 21. 32.9% of the participants stated that there is a critical result management system in the laboratory and 42.4% stated that there is no critical result management system in the laboratory. Among the participants, 23.5% were not aware whether there is a critical result management system in their laboratory. Study participants were categorized based on their knowledge and practice scores. The mean (SD) knowledge score and practice score of the participants were 42.20(±11.67) and 43.39(±10.66). MLTs exceeding ten years of experience had a significantly higher knowledge score (50.38±10.51) compared to MLTs with less than ten years of experience (40.67±11.07, p=0.008). The MLTs with more than 30 years of experience had a significantly higher practice score (58.25±3.95) compared to MLTs with less than one year of experience (39.30±7.57, p=0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge score and practice score between MLTs with reference to gender, age or education. The overall knowledge and practice of MLTs on critical results management is not satisfactory. The overall attitudes of MLTs on critical results management are satisfactory. The study emphasizes the value of conducting educational and training programs on critical results management and the evaluation of their effectiveness.