Evaluating The Effect Of Turnaround Time On Clinician Satisfaction In Clinical Laboratory Testing At Makkah Region Hospitals

Abstract

Laboratory turnaround time (TAT) is one of the cornerstones of optimal clinical decision-making, with its immediate impact on patient quality of care in busy healthcare environments. This research explores the effect of TAT on clinician satisfaction in three Makkah region, hospitals. A questionnaire was administered to 160 clinicians, comprising physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, to elicit their experiences of TAT delays, their level of satisfaction with the quality of the provided laboratory services, and the effect of delays on their clinical practice. Delays in routine tests, notably biochemistry panels and hematology, were widespread and primary reasons for general clinician discontent. This resulted in delayed patient diagnosis and prolonged patient waiting time, leading to clinician frustration and wastage of resources. Suggested solutions were automated result reporting systems and enhanced laboratory staffing. The findings attest that hospitals must render their laboratory processes efficient to enhance TAT and their clinicians' ability to provide quality care. Recommended recommendations include the use of real-time tracking of results with electronic tools, as well as staff education for enhanced efficiency of the laboratory.