SADCAS Conducts A Technical Assessor Training Course In Zimbabwe

Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) through the Assessor Capacity Building Programme conducted a 5-day Technical Assessor training course for Medical Laboratories (ISO 15189:2022) from 23-27 October 2023, at Bronte Hotel, Harare, Zimbabwe. The training was conducted by the SADCAS Quality Manager, Mr Xavier Mugari, a registered Team Leader and Technical Assessor for Medical Laboratories and the SADCAS Medical Scheme Coordinator and registered Technical and Team Leader, Mrs Muronda.

The objective of the training was to train and have a pool of local competent Assessors for Zimbabwe. The training workshop started with registration of all the participants followed by opening and welcome remarks from the Zimbabwe National Accreditation Focal Points, Mrs Riyana Chibanda and Mrs Mildred Machiri. There were twenty-eight diverse participants from both public and private medical laboratories in Zimbabwe.

The training covered an overview and Summary of the changes and requirements of the ISO 15189:2022 standard in which scenarios were presented to illustrate implementation of the clauses. The SADCAS ISO 15189 Transition policy and application of risk management to Medical Laboratories were also shared as the new standard is risk based. The methodology employed for this training was presentations on the different requirements of the standard with discussions and small group discussions.

The training equipped the trainees on SADCAS Accreditation Process and Assessment Techniques. The following areas were trained on:

•  Key issues prior to assessments
• Key issues during assessments
• Key issues after assessments
• Key documents used by the assessment team

The trainer covered on the responsibilities of an assessor throughout the assessment process from preparation, conducting assessments to reporting and follow up on assessments. The processes and techniques involved in providing a thorough and well document assessment report; and the ethical conduct expected of SADCAS assessors.

A combination of group exercises centred on actual practices encountered during an assessment situation and presentation of scenarios as well as the methodology employed for assessor techniques. These included write-ups of document review reports, the classification of non-conformances in accordance with the clauses of the appropriate standard and the recording of non-conformances and how they must be written to be of use to the facility personnel and the accreditation body. Additionally, the candidates were also trained on determining the suitability of documentation used by a facility and were given practical exercises with feedback to gauge their understanding.

The training concluded with an examination which determines if the trainee proceeds to the next stage which involves mentoring and monitoring of the assessors. The trainers thanked the participants for their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.