Evaluation of Laboratory Management Based on a Combination of TOPSIS and RSR Methods: A Study in 7 Provincial Laboratories of China

Abstract

In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of management for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is performed based on a combination of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Rank Sum Ratio (RSR) methods; in addition, the basis for improving laboratory management is provided. Using the laboratory evaluation tool developed by World Health Organization and a combination of TOPSIS and RSR methods, a system of evaluation indicators for the management of Chinese pathogenic microbiology laboratories is established for comprehensively evaluating the pathogenic microbiology laboratories of seven provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The evaluation system includes 12 primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. In terms of laboratory management, the seven laboratories were ranked as D, G, E, C, F, B, and A in descending order. None of these laboratories were evaluated as “good” or “poor.” One of the laboratories was marked as “relatively poor” (A), two as “medium” (B and F), and four as “relatively good” (C, E, G, and D). In this study, a method for evaluating laboratory management using the TOPSIS and RSR methods is proposed, and a basis for comprehensively evaluating laboratory management for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is provided to reflect management practices.