Document Type : Original Article(s)
Authors
1 Associate Professor of Health Management and Economic Sciences in Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Research Associate, Health Management and Economic Studies Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 . Assistant Professor of Health Management and Economic Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 M Sc. of Health Service Management; Disease Prevention and Eradication Unit, Foman Health Center, Gilan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Almost all hospitals have diagnostics units. These units are of great importance since they have complex and expensive equipment and experienced staff.
The goal of this study was to assess diagnostic units approach to safety at GUMS hospitals
in 2004.
Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data collected with a two part checklist. The first part included demographic characteristics of the studied population and the second part was related to diagnostic unit's safety and status. Following a pilot study, reliability and validity of the checklist were determined, and final questionnaire was released.
The safety level of hospitals in this study was classified according to a 3-level scale: Good/Acceptable, Intermediate, and Weak.
Results: 1) Overall Radiology unit's safety was at "Intermediate" level. In other words, five hospitals had "Intermediate" safety conditions and only one hospital could be classified as "Good". 2) Laboratories' safety was rated "intermediate" in general with four hospitals being at "intermediate" level and two at "good" level. 3) In general, diagnostic units' safety received "intermediate" score (i.e. five "intermediate" and one "good" level).
Conclusion: According to this study, overall diagnostic units' safety of GUMS hospitals seems to be "intermediate". Thus there is a need to pay more attention to the importance of safety for patients, visitors and personnel and to develop safety standards and principles in hospitals.
Keywords: Hospitals; Resources Management; Equipment Safety; Pathology Department; Hospital; Equipment Management.
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