Here's how you can avoid mistakes when responding to failure in the lab.

Embracing failure in a pathology lab involves a proactive and constructive approach. When a failure occurs, stop the process immediately and document the issue in detail. Conduct a root cause analysis with a team to understand the underlying reasons. Implement corrective actions and verify their effectiveness. Regularly review and update procedures, and provide continuous training to staff. Foster a culture of safety where staff feel comfortable reporting errors. Focus on learning and improvement to prevent future occurrences.

One thing I’ve found helpful in embracing failure is that it builds my experiences. Most times this same situations end up happening again and this I’ll be better equipped to handle such. I’ve also found it helpful not to push blames but rather look for ways to always improve and correct

When things go south in the lab, it's easy to feel frustrated or bummed out. But I've learned that seeing failure as a chance to learn is critical. Whenever something doesn't go as planned, it's like a big sign saying, "Hey, let's figure out how to do this better next time." Instead of pointing fingers, I'm all about digging into what went wrong and why. This way, we can tweak our methods and get even better. It's all about creating a vibe where we're cool with taking risks as long as we learn from honest mistakes.

I think it's so important that we should change out view to failure in laboratory. Because I believe that this word has no meaning in scientific world. For example you want synthesis special material with specific method and you can't. Therefore you learn new things, first at all you understand that you can use this method for this issue and you should try another ways It's not meaning the failure, it means learn and progress.

Accepting failure in the lab (experimental lab) involves adopting a learning mindset and viewing errors as opportunities for improvement. It is crucial to analyze what went wrong thoroughly, document the lessons learned, and foster open and safe communication within the team. Implementing changes based on these insights, providing continuous support and training, and celebrating gained knowledge helps maintain motivation and focus on long-term goals. In this way, each mistake becomes a step forward towards scientific success and innovation.

It's important to note that the implementation of changes needs to be proactive to prevent similar failures from occurring in the future.

From an analytical science perspective here. With objectivity in mind for analysing failure it is important to note your equipment and processes closely and ensure data recording is set to high a standard as possible. Batch of chemicals, equipment versatility between same models, review of past work performed is similar analytical equipment, minor differences between employees performing similar tasks. All to be considered. From an investigative perspective it’s important to modify 1 factor at a time from this as well as modifying to many of these at once will skew the root cause determination of any failures. Perspective is also valuable to prevent any bias. Lack of a collaboration effort is a single path to bias.

In order to analyse lab failures, it is crucial to stay calm and focus on data, gathering comprehensive information about the experiment's conditions, materials, and variables. For that, methods should be used to identify the cause of the failure and involve the team in the analysis to gain different perspectives. Evaluate influential variables, develop and test hypotheses, and then implement corrective measures based on the conclusions to prevent similar issues in the future, thus promoting continuous improvement and effectiveness in the lab.

Like I stated in embracing the failure, a proper analysis is needed. One of the mistakes we made in our lab was pointing fingers as to whose fault it was without gathering data as needed in resolving our failure. We discovered that when we gathered data, some of our discoveries was that some of our EQA samples were not shipped in the appropriate condition. In other cases the issue was personnel based. At the end of the day, people were free to contribute to resolving failure in the lab, as they were guaranteed a safe haven to admit their failure and also take correction.

Es importante tener una guía/manual de cada paso realizado durante el ensayo/procedimiento, de manera a detectar en cuál de los pasos se dió el error y corregirlo para que no cause problemas a futuro.

Effective communication with the team is crucial in the lab as it fosters transparency and collaboration, allowing all members to share their experiences and perspectives without fear of repercussions. This communication helps identify and analyse the causes of failures and promotes continuous learning and improvement. Additionally, good communication ensures that corrective measures are implemented effectively and that the entire team is aligned with objectives and procedures, increasing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of future errors.

Something to consider when sharing failure with a team is “how” to communicate in terms of “timing” and impact this has on employee work days, so also to consider “who”. Covering “who”, depending in the degree of impact this has on primary operations will depend on how this should be communicated. If the information is shared to someone this doesn’t affect, it can cause a reduction in confidence within the team. With “how” and “timing” in important scenarios, consider visibility of communication if this is written. Many labs are busy and not always in access of email at all times during work. Consider delegating messengers if this is a struggle from a managerial position with this case. Email not always the best means of sharing.

We had the issue of trust in our environment. Many persons felt attacked when there is an incident. This was due to the leaders ineptitude towards proper communication. A lot of staff felt demotivated, not until there was a paradigm shift in our communication format where the leadership carried everyone along by speaking in a language and tone which resonated with the rest of the team members. When the team knew that everyone was in it together, we couldn't move forward.

Communicating clearly with your laboratory staffs is crucial when something happens or fail in the laboratory. Anyone who is not aware of a failure can make the failure bigger or done again.

Clearly communicate goals and reasons for new changes. Welcome feedback and help all involved in embracing those changes, while fostering continuous learning and improvement.

Implementing changes in the lab involves identifying areas for improvement based on prior analysis, developing a detailed action plan, and communicating the changes to the team. Providing continuous training and support is crucial to ensure proper adoption of new procedures. Changes should be introduced gradually and closely monitored to evaluate their impact and make necessary adjustments. Documenting and sharing results with the team fosters a culture of transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring that the enhancements are sustainable and effective in the long term.

I remember years ago that I participated in an EQA event and our performance was woeful. I knew that the issue was with the personnel. I knew that we needed training in the analysis of that test. I went in for training on malaria diagnosis with Nigeria Institute of Medical Research. I learnt a whole lot, and afterward made a change to what we did wrong initially. I trained other staff. The impact of the change was evident, as the next test event we scored 100%, the statement from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria read "keep it up."

Cuando se identifica el error en el procedimiento se debe realizar los cambios pertinentes e informar a todos los miembros del equipo.

One thing useful is the use of problem-action forms. This can be used for both short and long term monitoring. These forms could contain information such as: 1) Date 2) The problem 3) Investigation 4) Corrective action 5) Outcome For the sake of accountability, the forms could be signed by the person issuing and by the person submitting.

The monitoring of progress can never be over emphasized. I believe as I have done earlier that the best contribution that I can give is to tell my story. We as a lab compare our current performance with the previous. In one of the comparative analysis, we discovered that we dipped in our performance. To some, we passed as we scored well above the pass mark, but I reiterated that our place is at the top, so we wouldn't know that we were moving in the downward spiral if not for monitoring.

The engine room of getting better is continuous learning and development. It helps put out fear and instill confidence in one.