Analysing Turnaround Time in Laboratory - A Key Performance Indicator

Background: Turnaround time (TAT) is one of the key indicators of performance of a laboratory. Laboratories define it as the time from the receipt of sample/ specimen to the reporting. A fast TAT helps clinicians in making early diagnosis.Aim: To determine the turnaround time (TAT) of the biochemistry laboratory with evaluation of the contribution of pre-analytical and analytical phase to the total TAT.Results: A total of 399 samples were analysed from three outpatient departments. Average pre-analytical turnaround time contribution was found to be higher as compared to the analytical time. Excess workload and delay in pneumatic shoot were the main causes of delay in pre-analytical phase.Conclusion: Improved turnaround time is the key to clinicians’ and patients’ better satisfaction with the laboratory. It can be attained by minimising the bottlenecks within the process

Impact of health care on geriatric population and need for adult day care centers - a cross-sectional study of Kerala population

Background: According to the World Health Organization, proportion of the world’s population over 60 years is expected todouble from about 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. When compared to 42.34% increase in the working population in India,the increase in number of elderly was found to be higher at 54.77% in the past 15 years. Poor understanding of elderly life in Indiahas led to a weak care and support system for them.Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to find the feasibility of starting an Adult Day Care Center (ADC) in the studyarea, find the cost of hospitalization for the elderly and also the cost of starting an ADC by proposing an ideal model of an AdultHealthcare Center.Methods: The study was conducted in Kanayannur taluk of Ernakulam district. Using simple random sampling, 398 elderly peopleabove the age of 60 years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to understand their morbidity issues and correspondingcost of care. Assessment of quality of life, disease burden and health-care expenditure and acceptance of ADC was done.Results: The study included 205 (52%) males and 193 (48%) females. 60% of the elderlies had single/double/triple illness. 46%of elderly people were keen to join the proposed ADCs. There was a significant correlation between cost of hospitalization anddiabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels.Conclusions: The study clearly indicates the need for a comprehensive policy on geriatric patients in Kerala and the need forsetting up dedicated ADCs