scholarly journals COVID-19 related challenges faced by Medical Laboratory Staff: A Review of Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-237
Author(s):  
Jignesh Sharma ◽  
Richard D. Nair
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
English Language ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Medical Laboratory ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Medical Laboratory Science ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Laboratory Science

Laboratory testing on the confirmation of COVID-19 results is an essential component and without the expertise of trained laboratory technicians this is not possible. The aim of this study was to review the impacts of COVID-19 on medical laboratory staff. The literature search was done using Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Proquest databases, and relevant keywords were applied to find studies which have been conducted in the field of Medical Laboratory Science specifically looking at the impacts on staff caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. All the studies pertaining to the topic published in 2020 and 2021 in English language were reviewed and the main themes were identified. The results showed that impacts of COVID-19 were felt by the staff, as they were pushed to their limits causing stress and burnout. Apart from this laboratory staff were faced with issues such as; shortage in terms of human resources, consumables, testing kits and reagents. This was an added factor to delays in testing and disruption to the testing Turnaround time (TATs) and also contributed to the stress and burnout of staff. Laboratory professionals and other health care staffs were pushed to the limits to ensure patient care was not affected and each patient was attended too without delay. Laboratory personnel’s were pushed to their limits to ensure that test results were given on time.

The Six-Month Internship Training Program for Medical Laboratory Science Education: An Initial Evaluation

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anacleta P. Valdez ◽  
Citadel A. Panganiban ◽  
Kevin Roi L. Lumanglas ◽  
Katreen A. Calingasan ◽  
Roxanne S. Divino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Science Curriculum ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Medical Laboratory ◽  
Medical Laboratory Science ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Laboratory Science ◽  
One Year ◽  
Internship Training

In 2006, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) no. 14 which changed the duration of internship training program to six months as opposed to the previous memorandum order, CMO no. 27 s. 1998 which required a one-year internship schedule for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students. Thirty-eight graduates of CMO No. 14 s. 2006 from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and 13 chief medical technologists (CMT) or senior medical laboratory staff from identified affiliate hospitals were surveyed about their perception on the attainment of the objectives, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the said program. Results show that objectives were achieved even if the duration of the training period was shortened. The graduate-respondents favored the one year timetable. This study can be used as a pilot study for other higher education institutions implementing the same CMO and can be used as a basis for a curricular reform by assessing the different parameters that were identified in order to enhance further the six-month internship training program in producing globally competitive medical laboratory scientists. Keywords - internship training program, medical laboratory science, curriculum improvement, memorandum order, interns, affiliating hospital

scholarly journals A cross-case analyses of laboratory professionals-patients interaction for patients accessing laboratory services at University of Cape Coast hospital and Ewim Polyclinic in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Adu
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Laboratory Services ◽  
Staff Interactions ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background There is scarcity of data on experiences of patients who access laboratory services during hospital visits in sub-Saharan Africa. This study sought to evaluate the depth of laboratory professionals-patient interactions during pre- and post-sampling period at two hospitals in Ghana. Methods This study used real time observations of patient-laboratory staff interactions to collect first-hand data. Additionally, two separate sets of semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the experiences of patients and laboratory professionals. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 25. Results Inadequate laboratory space is a major factor limiting adequacy of patients-laboratory professionals’ interactions. Overall, even though the laboratory professionals (93.3%) overwhelmingly agreed to the need to inform patients about the turnaround time of the respective laboratory testing, this was not routinely done. Irrespective of patients’ educational attainment, patients were poorly informed about their respective laboratory tests. Although both patients and laboratory professionals (60.0% vs 63.6% respectively) indicated that the test requester has responsibility to inform patients about their laboratory testing, only 29.1% of patients indicated having received such explanations. Furthermore, although 28.1% of patients indicated knowing the specifics of their respective test requisition, only 15% could correctly identify their requested laboratory testing. Conclusion There is the need for standard operating protocols to standardize practitioner-patient interaction at the two facilities. Moreover, there is the need for laboratory staff-test requester engagement to clearly delineate who has what responsibilities regarding informing patients about laboratory testing.

scholarly journals Inappropriate laboratory testing requests: perspectives of clinical laboratory professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-256
Author(s):  
Sultan Alasmari ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Laboratory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Physician Awareness ◽  
Laboratory Examinations

Introduction: Laboratory examinations constitute a major factor in achieving the correct clinical diagnosis for patients. However, the ordering of unnecessary or inappropriate laboratory testing remains common, with consequent consumption of laboratory resources whether human or material. The present work evaluated the level of satisfaction of laboratory practitioners toward the appropriateness of laboratory tests ordered by physicians. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a total of 256 medical laboratory practitioners representing different qualifications and health care sectors, who answered several questions concerning their knowledge and attitudes toward inappropriate laboratory testing ordered by physicians. Results: More than 85% of respondents agreed with the definition provided in the survey, which is substantially consistent with prior studies. More than 90% affirmed the associated drain on time and resources. However, discrepant responses were received concerning physician awareness of test availability, and participants reported laboratory staff arguments with physicians due to orders for unnecessary tests. Data showed that unnecessary orders were mainly requested by physicians of less experience. Conclusions: Ultimately, dissatisfaction was manifest among clinical laboratory professionals, and educational interventions are required to moderate request behaviors.

scholarly journals A Cross-Case Analyses of Laboratory Professionals-Patients Interaction for Patients Accessing Laboratory Services at University of Cape Coast Hospital and Ewim Polyclinic in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Adu
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Laboratory Services ◽  
Staff Interactions ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: There is scarcity of data on experiences of patients who access laboratory services during hospital visits in sub-Saharan Africa. This study sought to evaluate the depth of laboratory professionals-patient interactions during pre- and post-sampling period at two hospitals in Ghana. Methods: This study used real time observations of patient-laboratory staff interactions to collect first-hand data. Additionally, two separate sets of semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the experiences of patients and laboratory professionals. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: Inadequate laboratory space is a major factor limiting adequacy of patients-laboratory professionals’ interactions. Overall, even though the laboratory professionals (93.3%) overwhelmingly agreed to the need to inform patients about the turnaround time of the respective laboratory testing, this was not routinely done. Irrespective of patients’ educational attainment, patients were poorly informed about their respective laboratory tests. Although both patients and laboratory professionals (60.0% vs 63.6% respectively) indicated that the prescriber has responsibility to inform patients about their laboratory testing, only 29.1% of patients indicated having received such explanations from their respective prescribers. Furthermore, although 28.1% of patients indicated knowing the specifics of their respective test requisition, only 15% could correctly identify their requested laboratory testing. Conclusion: There is the need for standard operating protocols to standardize practitioner-patient interaction at the two facilities. Moreover, there is the need for laboratory staff-prescribers engagement to clearly delineate who has what responsibilities regarding informing patients about laboratory testing.

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