Evaluating the Success of the Biosafety Management System: A Case Study of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to systematically analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the Biosafety Management System (BMS) implemented in the biological laboratories of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University. The objectives were to identify the system’s strengths and weaknesses and to propose development strategies in alignment with international standards. A qualitative research approach was employed, integrating Systems Thinking with SWOT analysis and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle as the analytical framework. Data were collected from academic documents, international standards, guidelines from the Department of Medical Sciences, and internal university documents. These sources were comparatively analyzed against the laboratory assessment criteria to evaluate the system’s overall integrity. The results indicated that the faculty’s biosafety management system demonstrated progressive development, particularly in infrastructure enhancement, the establishment of supervisory committees, and the implementation of engineering controls consistent with BSL-2 standards. However, several critical limitations were identified, including the absence of an integrated database system for document and report management, the lack of continuity in staff training for new personnel, and insufficient rigor in the annual re-evaluation process. These factors may undermine the overall system’s effectiveness. Key recommendations include developing a Biosafety Awareness Program and an e-Learning platform to promote self-directed learning and biosafety awareness among all staff members, as well as adopting a Digital Audit System to enhance real-time monitoring and evaluation accuracy. Implementation of these measures is expected to elevate the biosafety management system to meet international standards and foster a sustainable safety culture within the organization.