In a medical laboratory quality management system (QMS), policies and objectives are both important components that contribute to the effective operation and continuous improvement of the laboratory’s processes. However, they serve different purposes and focus on distinct aspects of the QMS. Here’s the difference between policies and objectives in a medical laboratory QMS:
Policies: Policies are high-level statements that provide the overall framework and direction for the laboratory’s quality management activities. They outline the guiding principles and general intentions of the laboratory with respect to quality. Policies are typically set by top management and serve as a foundation for decision-making and the establishment of procedures within the laboratory. Policies provide a sense of purpose and direction and ensure that all activities within the laboratory align with the organization’s quality goals.
For example, a policy in a medical laboratory might be: “Our laboratory is committed to providing accurate and reliable test results to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.”
Objectives: Objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) targets that are set to achieve the laboratory’s quality goals and comply with its policies. Objectives are more detailed and operational than policies. They provide a roadmap for the laboratory to work toward continuous improvement and meet specific quality performance targets. Objectives are often derived from the laboratory’s policies and are established for different areas or processes within the laboratory.
For example, an objective in a medical laboratory might be: “To reduce the turnaround time for critical test results by 20% within the next six months.”
In summary, policies are broad statements that set the tone and direction for the laboratory’s quality efforts, while objectives are specific goals that guide the laboratory’s actions and improvements to achieve the desired quality outcomes. Both policies and objectives are essential elements of a well-structured and effective quality management system in a medical laboratory.
About the author
Dr. Sambhu Chakraborty is a distinguished consultant in quality accreditation for laboratories and hospitals. With a leadership portfolio that includes directorial roles in two laboratory organizations and a consulting firm, as well as chairmanship in a prominent laboratory organization, Dr. Chakraborty is a respected voice in the field. For further engagement or inquiries, Dr. Chakraborty can be contacted through email at director@iaqmconsultants.com and info@sambhuchakraborty.com. Additional resourcesand contact information are available on his websites, https://www.quality-pathshala.com and https://www.sambhuchakraborty.com, or via WhatsApp at +919830051583