title: Improving Laboratory and Clinical Hematology Services in Resource Limited Settings.
abstract: The difficulties in establishing and delivering reliable clinical hematology and laboratory services in resource-limited settings are well recognized. However, much can be achieved by better use of existing resources through a concerted quality improvement approach. The recommendations of this article are based in part upon work in the thalassemias, inherited disorders of hemoglobin that are widely prevalent in Asia, which may serve as a model that is applicable to other common, chronic disorders in resource-poor settings. Available resources are highlighted and recommendations made regarding approaches to improving services. Over the last few years, a number of low and middle-income countries, obtaining support from appropriate governmental sources, have identified and overcome difficulties and significantly improved clinical services for patients with thalassemia.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Haematology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK. Electronic address: aallengm@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Wing North, EN12-238, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Wing North, EN12-238, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Public Health Sciences, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Wing North, EN12-238, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Hemoglobal(®), 75 Indian Grove, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2Y5, Canada.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Olivieri
mesh_terms: D064790:Clinical Laboratory Services / Q000592:standards*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006405:Hematology; D006801:Humans; D058996:Quality Improvement; D011787:Quality of Health Care
keywords: Clinical hematology; Laboratory hematology; Quality improvement; Resource limited; Thalassemia