One of the essential activities in medical laboratories is proper appraisal of staff performance. Appraisal must be based on predefined criteria that reflect the needed functions within the lab in particular situations and circumstances. The laboratory work may be divided into five different types. These types are: Bench work, Quality work, Education, Administrative tasks and new Projects.
According to this division of work, each type may be monitored by criteria to ensure high level of performance. The bench work, specially for junior staff, might be appraised on the basis of competencies and availability of the staff. Staff are also expected to participate in educational activities whether teaching others or learning. More senior staff are appraised on the basis of quality of work, such as reliability of performance, consistency of adherence to specifications, and efficiency in their work and performance. Even further, supervisors in the lab are engaged in administrative work and are appraised according their ability to provide proper effective supervision to other junior staff. Supervisors are frequently engaged in new projects as well.
The workload is measured in (hours) estimated for each activity whether it is a bench work or an educational activity. Then this work is assessed by the direct supervisor giving a mark for the degree of completion in percentage out of 100% and a mark for the level of performance out of 6. The level of performance scale is:
1: Unsatisfactory
2: Poor
3: Borderline
4: Good
5: Excellent
6: Exceptional
The performance score is calculated as:
Performance Score (PS)=Workload in Hours (WL) X Percentage of Completion (Com) X Level of Performance (LP)
On regular basis, the results of the performance score is monitored for each staff. This process provides continuous monitoring for improvement of performance.