Determinants of Quality Laboratory Service Provision among Government Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction: Clinical laboratory services are crucial for diagnosis and disease management, but their quality in developing countries is often poor due to technical and administrative limitations. Incorrect results can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate interventions, increased patient suffering, and unnecessary expenses. This study aimed to identify key determinants affecting the quality of laboratory services among government referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2023 at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire and checklist. After coding, data were entered into Epi Data Version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14.1 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings of the study. Further, multivariable logistic regression has assessed the association between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Three hundred six medical laboratory professionals from five government comprehensive specialized hospitals participated. Over half had a bachelor’s degree, and about 58% had more than 11 years of experience. The overall quality of laboratory services was 51.6% [95% CI: (46.01–57.22)]. Factors significantly associated with higher quality laboratory services included communication with physicians (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.28, 6.59), the opportunity to attend continuing professional education and development programs (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.52), participation in laboratory refresher training (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI: 2.03, 7.85), availability of adequate laboratory equipment (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.81, 6.8), and sufficient active laboratory staff (AOR = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.95, 7.2). Conclusion The overall quality of laboratory services was poor. Gaps were identified in laboratory staff communication with physicians, access to continuing professional education and refresher training, adequacy of laboratory equipment, and staffing levels. These gaps highlight the need for improved communication between laboratory staff and physicians, increased opportunities for continuing professional education and development and refresher training, ensuring sufficient and well-maintained laboratory equipment, and adequate staffing levels.