title: Quality assurance of laboratory work and clinical use of laboratory tests in general practice in norway: a survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Virtually all the general practices in Norway participate in the Norwegian Quality Improvement of Laboratory Services in Primary Care, NOKLUS. In order to assess and develop NOKLUS's services, it was decided to carry out an investigation in the largest participating group, general practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  In autumn 2008 a questionnaire was sent to all Norwegian general practices asking for feedback on different aspects of NOKLUS's main services: contact with medical laboratory technologists, sending of control materials, use and maintenance of practice-specific laboratory binders, courses, and testing of laboratory equipment. In addition, attitudes were elicited towards possible new services directed at assessing other technical equipment and clinical use of tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responses were received from 1290 of 1552 practices (83%). The great majority thought that the frequency of sending out control material should continue as at present, and they were pleased with the feedback reports and follow-up by the laboratory technologists in the counties. Even after many years of practical experience, there is still a need to update laboratory knowledge through visits to practices, courses, and written information. Practices also wanted quality assurance of blood pressure meters and spirometers, and many doctors wanted feedback on their use of laboratory tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Services regarding quality assurance of point-of-care tests, guidance, and courses should be continued. Quality assurance of other technical equipment and of the doctor's clinical use of laboratory tests should be established as part of comprehensive quality assurance.
authors: NOKLUS, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. geir.thue@isf.uib.no
authors: Geir
authors: G
authors: Thue
authors: Marianne
authors: M
authors: Jevnaker
authors: Guri Andersen
authors: GA
authors: Gulstad
authors: Sverre
authors: S
authors: Sandberg
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D058006:General Practice / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000592:standards; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires