An IQMH Proficiency Testing poster titled Comparison of anti-D titre results by conventional tube technique using non-identical versus identical indicator cells through a retrospective review of IQMH surveys was presented at the CSTM Conference 2022 by Chang-Keun (CK) Lee, IQMH Proficiency Testing Consultant Technologist, with the support of the Transfusion Medicine Scientific Committee. 

A 2017 report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and Choosing Wisely Canada showed that in many clinical areas, up to 30% of tests and treatments are potentially unnecessary. While clinicians ultimately make decisions about which tests and treatments to order based on the assessment of the patient symptoms, many of these decisions can often be influenced by hospital systems and processes that, if outdated, can nudge clinicians toward ordering tests and treatments that do not reflect evidence-based guidelines and practices. This can expose patients to avoidable harm, lengthen wait times, and consume precious hospital resources.

The week of April 10^th–16^th 2022, saw us all celebrate National Medical Laboratory Week in honour of medical laboratory professionals and the crucial work they do that is essential to health care.

IQMH shone a light on the excellence of the medical laboratory community by highlighting the indigo laboratory coat which serves as an iconic symbol of the noble profession.

World Accreditation Day, established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is an initiative created to recognize and bring awareness to the value of accreditation.

May 2–8 2022 — Mental Health Week

The theme of this year's Mental Health Week was empathy. Empathy is a skill that anyone can learn. It is the capacity we share as human beings to step into each other's shoes. To understand where the other is coming from and what they are feeling. To listen hard and refuse to judge. It is also one way to reduce and resolve conflict.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to shortages in both workforce and supplies required by medical laboratories all over the world. This strain on our medical laboratories poses a challenge to provide continued quality care to patients.

On February 1, 2022, the Ontario Ministry of Health announced a new regulation (Reg.) 45/22 - General, made under the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act (LSCCLA). The new regulation will regulate the licensing and operations of “laboratory facilities”. O. Reg 45/22 revokes and replaces Reg. 682, (laboratories), and Reg. 683, (specimen collection centres) (SCC). The new regulation comes into effect on July 1, 2022, except for the reporting requirement related to the Ontario Laboratories Information System (OLIS), which will come into effect on January 1, 2023.

The key changes to the new regulation include:

Many of you have been engaged in some part of the laboratory accreditation cycle, whether it be preparing for an upcoming assessment, providing documents, records, objective evidence, investigating, or implementing opportunities for improvement. IQMH is no exception.

IQMH brings together experts in the field of laboratory medicine to elevate confidence in the healthcare system.

The IQMH Proficiency Testing Scientific Committees are composed of physicians, technologists and scientists who provide advice to IQMH regarding the fundamental design of Proficiency Testing surveys and ensure that clinically-relevant selection of challenges and appropriate performance evaluation are developed and implemented each year.

IQMH is grateful for the commitment and support of the medical laboratory community and appreciates all the volunteers who donate their time and valuable expertise to our programs.

It’s our privilege to recognize Dr. Kathy Chun, PhD, FCCMG, FACMG, who has served IQMH as a volunteer since 2004.

Did you know that Ontario medical professionals have processed and analyzed over 13 million COVID-19 tests, and complete over 244.8 million laboratory tests annually for other conditions?

The Canadian Cancer Society has found that 43% of Canadian women and 45% of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetime, with the most common diagnosis being breast cancer for women, and prostate cancer in men.

For IQMH, Black History month is an opportunity to celebrate Canada’s diverse workforce and their contribution towards healthcare services.

Did you know that on any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians are unable to go to work due to mental health problems? - Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Public Health Ontario (PHO) and the Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) are pleased to present the results from their 2019 surveys of antimicrobial resistance in common hospital pathogens in Ontario. The surveys covered both rates of infection and infection control programs in place at Ontario hospitals and laboratories.