Developing The Next Generation Of Clinical Laboratory Scientist Supervisors: A Study Of Supervisory Competencies In Clinical Laboratory

Introduction/Objective Developing the next generation of clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) supervisors who are competent and comprehensively prepared to meet the industry’s healthcare demands can be challenging. When a CLS is promoted to a supervisory position and then found to be incompetent due to the lack of experience, skills, knowledge and/or abilities. To identify the root cause of this phenomena a comprehensive review of the literature explored management competency theories and concepts (Katz’s three-skills approach, the Peter principle, Sandwith’s competency domain model, and National Center for Healthcare Leadership’s health leadership competency model). The management competency theories provided the foundational theoretical framework for this study. Methods Quantitative and qualitative data was used to address the research questions. A modified Tipton’s instrument/survey was used. The survey used demographic, open-ended, and Likert-type questions. Results This study had a total of 247 participants, who self-identified as CLS supervisor or manager, and completed an online survey. The results showed an increased competency level due to experience, continuous learning, mentors, formal education, leadership programs and delegation of tasks. The majority of the participants did not feel that the College of American Pathologists regulatory standard of a general CLS supervisor was sufficient to produce a competent CLS supervisor. Training and education was recommended to help transition CLS practitioner into the role of CLS supervisor. Other recommendations include mentors, succession planning, career ladder/leadership programs, experience, and support. Conclusion In order to develop the next generation of CLS supervisors, who are comprehensively prepared to meet the industry’s healthcare demands, healthcare organizations are going to need to employ evidence-based human resource management strategies. Human resource management strategies, such as training and development programs, leadership programs, mentor programs, and succession planning, should include administrative and interpersonal domain knowledge, skills, abilities and experience