Educating the Providers: CLS Educators Offer Their Expertise

ABSTRACT

An interprofessional activity designed to be constructive in developing a good relationship with Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) educators and healthcare providers was planned. Specifically, competency in performing and interpreting waived and moderate-complexity laboratory tests accurately was discussed as an issue often viewed as a challenge by certain providers. Registered nurse practitioners (RNPs) from varied backgrounds and CLS educators worked together to overcome this challenge. CLS educators familiar with point-of-care testing provided a session for RNPs to review the basics of point-of-care test (POCT) performance and interpretation. These RNPs are typically distance education students attending contact sessions to fulfill requirements for their specialty practice. Lab testing procedures and interpretation of drug screens, strep and flu screens, urinalysis, and wet preps were reviewed and discussed in this session using a PowerPoint presentation, instrument demos, and brief quizzes. The critical nature of quality control (QC) use with these tests was stressed to the RNPs. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 statute was explained to illustrate the need for standardization of all lab testing from waived to high-complexity testing. A brief questionnaire provided at the end of the presentation indicated overall attainment of the objectives, including the provision of helpful information and clarification of issues regarding POCT performance and QC.