Analyzing the Dynamics of Stakeholder Awareness, Feedback, and Perceived Laboratory Compliance in Health Sciences

Abstract

Compliance with the requirements of the current Nursing Curriculum for Science and Skills Laboratories is significant to the quality of teaching-learning experience to develop competencies in various simulated healthcare settings. This study evaluated the dynamics of stakeholders' awareness, perceptions, and feedback regarding the laboratory compliance of the College of Health Sciences at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Nabua, Camarines Sur, in alignment with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 15, series of 2017. Employing a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, the researcher surveyed nursing students, and faculty, selected through stratified random sampling, and administrators, and laboratory staff through total enumeration. Analysis of the validated four-point Likert scale questionnaire and CMO guidelines revealed high levels of both stakeholder awareness (Average Weighted Mean [AWM] = 3.47) and perceived compliance (AWM = 3.47), with the highest marks given to visible safety measures like ventilation and fire safety. However, scores were significantly lower regarding physical space limitations (Weighted Mean [WM] = 3.22) and consumable resource availability (WM = 2.90). Statistically, a significant positive relationship was established between stakeholder awareness and compliance perceptions (t-test = 4.43, p < 0.001), while Welch's test confirmed significant variations in feedback across different stakeholder groups (F = 17.9, p < 0.001). Ultimately, while foundational safety standards are successfully met, persistent spatial and resource limitations highlight the need for targeted infrastructure upgrades, systematic inventory tracking, group-specific consultation channels, and the integration of virtual laboratory tools to support a comprehensive five-year compliance strategic plan.