Evaluating the Effectiveness of Food Quality & Safety Knowledge in the Hospital Staff in Albania (Published)
The current study is based on the chapter on food safety and quality standards training of 19 hospitals in Albania. This research adopted a broad cross-sectional analysis design to assess the effectiveness of food safety education across these healthcare institutions. The study focused on secondary data analysis derived from standardized assessment evaluations carried out in Albanian base hospitals through the UTU (Ushqim, Trajnim, Udhëzim – Food, Training, Guidance) evaluation framework. The results indicated an average effectiveness level of 81.3%, which exceeds the international benchmark of 72.4%. Most hospitals (73.7%) received a rating of “Good,” while a small number displayed moderate or poor performance, revealing inconsistencies and the necessity for immediate interventions. The results imply that Albanian hospitals generally perform well in terms of food safety knowledge, yet their performance varies, highlighting the urgent requirement for customized interventions. Overall, while the system shows promise in its effectiveness, it is essential to address institutional shortcomings to ensure ongoing food safety and adherence across all facilities through thorough instructive initiatives. The findings advocate for a differentiated training strategy, entailing immediate comprehensive guidence for underperformers, specific improvements for moderate performers, and maintenance programs for those who excel.
Keywords: Albania healthcare, food safety knowledge, hospital food services, knowledge effectiveness, quality assessment